Meet the Maker: Under the Stairs Paper Co.
Meet this week's maker—or should we say makers—Diane and Julia from Under the Stairs Paper Co!
Handmade in Toronto, this best friend duo makes an array of minimalistic greeting cards that are sure to put a smile on anyone's face with their funny lines and cute drawings.
The name pays homage to the basement apartment they used to live in together years ago, which they called The Cupboard Under the Stairs. They have come a long way from that basement apartment, with their cards now being loved all over the world, and even being sold online at Hudson's Bay!
Carry on reading to learn more about Under the Stairs Paper Co!
What kind of products do you sell?
Greeting Cards for any and every occasion.
How did you get started?
After living together on-and-off for over ten years, we both moved in with each of our now husbands, so we knew we wanted to create something together. The idea started as a brick-and-mortar shop (likely selling gifts and baby things), and then shifted to an interest in an e-commerce business. Deciding what we would sell came to us quite suddenly, after leaving a yoga class and having a bottle of wine. Diane loves sending greeting cards, so we sent a couple cards to friends that we had sketched up. We got such a great response that we realized that other people could also relate to those experiences we share on our cards too...like thanking someone special for "putting up" with us or texting while taking a poo!
Why are you a maker?
We love seeing the joy that it brings to each customer when they read a card, and having customers immediately thinking of someone in particular when they see our cards. That is what brings us the most joy in creating each piece.
What inspires you?
Real life. 100% real life. We try and create something that is authentic to who we are.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
Diane: My favourite card is our one with the Joan Rivers quote which reads, "Listen - I wish I could tell you it gets better. But it doesn't. You get better". Julia shared it with me while I was going through a difficult time, and it is a powerful message of support that you don't see everywhere.
Julia: I love our Bobby Pins card because you can give it to anyone. Your partner, your friend, co-worker, mom...you name it! Plus, it looks cute as heck!
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
Diane: My current favourite item is a custom tumbler made by Mei Designs.
Julia: Anything from Tokyo Bag, Anice Jewellery or Good Human Candles (which sadly closed at the end of last year).
Julia: Anything from Tokyo Bag, Anice Jewellery or Good Human Candles (which sadly closed at the end of last year).
What is your most popular product?
Our top seller—and has been since day one—is our Pregnant Slut card. And this is across all of our channels (our website, in stores and on Etsy). We have sent this card all over the world!
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
We actually met for the first time when we were 10 years old at a roller rink. And we didn't become best friends until crossing paths again in our first year of university!
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @underthestairspaperco
Facebook: Under the Stairs Paper Co.
Website: www.underthestairspaperco.com
