Introducing Rachel!

With the store being so busy this summer, it was time to start searching for another talented paper-lover to bring on board to help out as well as give me some much-needed time off to spend with my kiddos, especially since my oldest starts kindergarten in 31 days (not that I'm counting...Sniff!)

Luckily, I did not have to search far or long! Rachel called one day asking if I was hiring & after meeting her the following day, I could tell she'd be a great fit as Papier Gourmet and for our clientele as well as handle all the different aspects of her role here superbly!

Rachel will be helping me in the store part-time with a little bit of everything --customer service, writing invitation & stationery orders, merchandising, and just generally providing an all-around friendly smile! You may even see her do a little guest blogging as well as updates on our Facebook page, so stay tuned! Below is a little background about her in her own words so you can get to know her. In the meantime, be sure to stop in & welcome her to Portland!

Hello! My name is Rachel and I am the newest employee here at Papier Gourmet. Originally from New Jersey, I came up to Maine to attend college and felt a strong pull to stick around. I graduated this past May with a double major in English and Women and Gender Studies. In my spare time, I love to read, write, hike and dance. I find walking into work every day pleasant; I savor Papier Gourmet's stimulating atmosphere of colors and chipper patterns. One of my favorite tasks on the job is helping customers choose ribbon to match some of our wrapping paper - the possibilities are endless!

Though I haven't planned a lavish affair that necessitates much of the fine printing we do here since my bat mitzvah, I do my best to keep up my correspondences with a personal flair. While thank you notes have garnered a reputation as formulaic, I love to take my time with them. Sometimes, there is nothing better than moments spent writing heartfelt sentiment by hand. Even as the internet becomes a more ubiquitious medium for communication, it can never replace a thoughtful, handwritten note. That's why I made Smudge Ink's boxed Dahlia Thank You notes my first purchase at Papier Gourmet, though I need a replacemet set sooner than anticipated...

My current wishlist at Papier Gourmet keep growing. I have a soft spot for Hydrangeas, which draws me to Kate & Birdie Paper Company's fabulous hydrangea gift wrap. The antique turquoise has just enough funk to keep it vibrant -- it's a wrapping paper that could very well serve as its own present. We recently started carrying Lucia Soy Candles, and I surprised myself by loving the scent of Lindseed Flower & Goat's Milk best of all. I never expected that I would long for the smell of Goat's Milk in my room!

Well, I better get back to work(ing on my wishlist). Wishing everyone a delightful week. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello!