Entrepreneurship - The guide to not taking yourself so seriously

I never thought I was a “play it safe” person, but I also didn’t consider myself a huge “risk taker”. As I pursue entrepreneurship, on a daily basis I realize I am much more risky than I’d thought. Here is a sneak peak into my brain, my daily struggles with business, and insecurities. Hopefully you’ll still like me….wait, I mean, hopefully you find this encouraging, inspirational, and maybe even a bit humorous! All my best,

Sophie

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A few things I was scared about when starting my business:

- Purchasing equipment - making the initial investment and being able to pay leases - Advertising - picking the right avenues so you get the right clients and making the investment - Doing it Alone - I’ve always enjoyed working on a team/group. Now if I fail, it’s all on my shoulders - Financial Independence - my decision to quit a job to pursue an unknown could effect my family - Aligning myself w/people in the industry - feeling like a “newbie” with no contacts/friends

Things I am still scared about in business BUT have newfound perspective:

- Purchasing equipment - making the initial investment and being able to pay leases So worst case scenario, no one wants my stuff anymore and I can’t afford to stay in business. I’ve learned that it’s not the end of the world. Some of the most successful business people in the world have had one or two failed businesses before they made it work. I have now adapted to this sort of “fear” but I don’t find myself up at night worrying about it. If it ever happened, I’d live it out and try to look at the best while doing it. If anything, entrepreneurship is a how to guide to not taking yourself so seriously. - Advertising - picking the right avenues so you get the right clients and making the investment I’ve learned that EVERY small business person struggles with this and it’s basically a crap shoot. If you’re diligent about doing a bit of research when choosing a prospective avenue of advertising, you have about as much control over the situation as you can. Additionally, I have learned to ask those who I have connected with and have used the form of advertising in question to see if they’ve had a positive experience. It also never hurts to ask what advertisers can do for you on pricing - as I’m sure you’ve heard, advertising is quite the investment. But all in all, it’s just money - it doesn’t define your happiness and if it doesn't work out for you, then [hair flip] “Oops”. - Doing it Alone - I’ve always enjoyed working on a team/group. now if I fail, it’s all on my shoulders For the first 3 years of Sweet Zion, I was too broke to afford to pay someone to help me. For the 4th year, I was too scared. Finally, we have a great staff who I have the pleasure of working alongside. But for the first 4 years, I did it on my own. It was terrifying, but it was rewarding - especially when you get the reactions when people call you a badass or when you hear “I want your job!”. It makes it all worth it to have worked so hard and now work with a very curated team of talented and smart people. Just a bit of affirmation that growth stretches you and makes you uncomfortable, but if you’re open to it, you may end up getting what you want if you work hard and dream big. - Financial Independence - my decision to quit a job to pursue an unknown could effect my family There’s no getting around that this is still a real fear, but I know and have seen that there’s grace in so many areas of life that, “It all works out”. I am blessed to be married to an incredibly capable man who has a fantastic job. Not only that, but I have this “you cant keep me down” stubborn German spirit thing going on…. - Aligning myself w/people in the industry - feeling like a “newbie” with no contacts/friends Being in this industry for about 5.5 years, I still feel like the “newbie”. But that’s also because people are entering this industry all the time, so there will always be someone you haven’t met or haven’t heard of. The networking events, social gatherings, and industry get togethers can be awkward, but I’ve learned to find a core friend or two who I can gang up with. It’s even better if this person is someone who you can help graft into the community. I try to look for opportunities to add value to not only my business, but also someone else’s by connecting them to others within the industry. I don't believe in being fiercely competitive when it comes to booking contracts - there is enough business to go around for all of us. With this mentality, it’s way easier to meet people and to be an includer.

Real Weddings: Amy + Mark

Picture this: I first meet the lovely Amy for coffee and a design consultation at one of Denver's cutest little cafe's. We each order a latte. She tells me she is a paper lover, dog lover, monogram/logo lover, and insists on buying mycoffee. What's not to love?! Did I mention she is a smart + savvy business owner herself?

Seriously though, I adore Amy and I know that Mark must be a pretty swell guy to be the MR. to her MRS. Amy + Mark's invitation suite is...well, Sweet. Featuring clean lines, blush and navy, a touch of rustic, and the cutest pup on the planet, their gold retriever Dublin. We loved working with these two on their gorgeous Grand Lake wedding. To Amy + Mark - Thank you for the pleasure of working with you! Enjoy!

Vendors:

Planning: Rachel Austin Events

Photography: David Lynn Photography

Venue: Grand Lake Yacht Club

Real Weddings: Ashley and Kyle

For those who think wedding professionals have it easy, think again! Sometimes crafting a fabulous, never seen before, never to be seen again, custom event is arduous. However, I believe the pictures from Kyle & Ashley’s big day at Dunafon Castle last July speak for themselves. The hard work by all the talented event professionals was well worth it when you take a look at the happiness in these photos. Not to mention, getting married in a legit castle is kind of epic. For the invitation and stationery, Sophie broke out her background in art and created a sketch of the castle used from a Mark Hayes original photograph. This artwork was used throughout the invitation and remainder of printed materials for the day. The bride and groom even printed it on muslin welcome bags for their guests to enjoy. We also created a custom wax seal for the soon to be Mr. and Mrs.

Enjoy the results of a labor of love, crafted for love, with love, and in the name of love.

Vendors: Dunafon Castle, Idledale, Colorado : http://www.dunafoncastle.com/ Jamee Photography : http://www.jameephotography.com/ Planning: Save the Date Events/ Sapphire Celebrations (http://www.savethedateevents.com/ & http://www.sapphirecelebrations.com/) Event Décor/Design: Design Works : http://designworksevents.com/ Sketch Inspiration: Mark Hayes Photography: http://markhayesphotography.com/ Favor Bags: Ribbons & Bows, Nancy Parker

Be Our Guest: Eli

We've decided to showcase one of our brides every month in a special "Be Our Guest" blog edition. Our first guest, Eli, has a wonderful love story. Enjoy!

SZP: Tell us your love story (how you met, got engaged, and why you chose the wedding date and venue you did).

Eli: Parker and I actually went to the same high school.  I was a year older and we knew of each other but never hung out during high school.  I went to college in Texas and we honestly never spoke after high school.  A crazy turn of events lead me back home to Colorado and late one night in bed Parker's name came to mind.  No idea why or how because we hadn't spoken in probably 7 years and we weren't even friends in high school.  Anyway, when I moved back to Colorado I decided to send him a Facebook message, seriously out of no where, and the entire thing was a lie!  I said that I thought I ran into him at Costco and how embarrassing it was that it wasn't actually him.  I even went as far as to reintroduce myself in the message because I wasn't even sure if he'd remember me!  We laugh about the FB message now because in all honesty I was just looking to reconnect with friends as I was reestablishing myself in Denver, heaven forbid I just be honest!  Anyway, we hung out as friends for a while and then he FINALLY asked me out on a date... and the rest is all history!

Proposal... well I won't lie, it was pretty incredible! Before we started dating seriously Parker and I were bowling with friends and we bet on the final game.  If I won, he owed me a helicopter ride and if he won... I don't even remember what he would win.  I obviously won but to be totally honest I just never thought of it again and also thought it was incredibly unlikely that he'd ever pay up.  Well, on December 22nd my company was closing down for a few days for Christmas my boss came over around noon and told me to go on home and enjoy the holiday (she was totally in on it).  So excitedly I started packing up! Minutes later Parker called and said a friend of his dads who has helicopter called and invited his dad on an afternoon ride.  Since his dad is a doctor and had patients to see, Parker said he scored us the ride.  I totally ate it up and seriously never thought he was proposing.  I was SO excited.  I had never been on a helicopter and have this funny love for aircrafts and helicopters so I was on cloud 9.  He flew us over the city and ended up landing us on this bluff overlooking the city.  Parker and I got out and walked to the end just to enjoy.  Again, I seriously never thought he was proposing!  We got to the edge it was snowy and gorgeous and Parker got down on one knee! The best part was the pilot is a family friend and got pictures of the whole thing.

Venue.  Well to say that Parker and I wanted a party is a tad of an understatement.  With a bridal party that was 24 people, we each had 12 attendants, we needed a space that could fit everyone.  I wanted to be married outside and wanted the ceremony and reception to be in the same location.  That's a lot to ask for an invite list at about 350.  But The Denver Art Museum had everything we wanted! It was absolutely perfect.  We loved the space for the ceremony, it made it feel small and intimate and then the reception was a giant room for a dance party!

SZP: What was one of your favorite memories from your wedding day?

Eli: One of my favorite memories was the moment that my dad and I started walking down the isle and I turned to him and said "I'm getting married!" there's actually a picture of it and then when I looked up and saw Parker with the biggest smile on his face!  It was such a sweet moment!

SZP: What about your wedding celebration would you do differently?

Eli: To be honest, and I've seriously thought about it, the only thing I would change is when I was walking down the aisle the musician was supposed to play the song acoustically  and not sing but he ended up singing while I was walking down the isle.  And to be honest I am really the only person that knew he wasn't supposed to sing.  So really not a big deal.  Everything else was just how I imagined it!

 

SZP: What was your favorite part of your wedding preparations? Conversely, the part you disliked the most?

Eli: I loved virtually every part.  We hired an incredible day of wedding coordinate, CC Dick with Colorado Wedding Company, and she typically is a full service wedding planner but my mom and I so enjoyed meeting with vendors and casting a vision together.  It was so fun.

My least favorite part... picking out the wording on the invitations! It took us forever and seemed so tedious but yet such a big deal!

SZP: What was your favorite part about working with Sweet Zion Paperie?

Eli: How simple and easy it was! Our programs were exactly what I envisioned! People typically don't say much about programs but we got rave reviews! I kept a number of copies and have given them to people who asked to do something similar and use SZP.

SZP:  How has your relationship with your now husband/wife changed from when you were dating?

Eli: We just do everything together and have so much fun doing it!  We didn't live together before we got married, you could call us traditionalists, so living together wasn't nearly the adjustment everyone prepared us for.  We have enjoyed spending our free time together and not having to plan to go over to one of our houses etc.

SZP: It's the little things. Now that you're married, what is one little thing that you love about your spouse that you didn't notice before?

Eli: Oh gosh such a loaded question.  One of the things I loved about Parker before we got married was how much he made me laugh.  But being married it's ten fold.  I am constantly laughing and he also challenges me to not take myself too seriously.  We are so playful, it's the best!

 

SZP: How did you celebrate your 1 year anniversary?

Eli: We went to Europe!!  It was so fun, we went to Prague for about a week and then to Munich for Oktoberfest!

 

SZP: What is next for you? (babies, moves, jobs, etc.)

Eli: Well, we actually just had a precious baby girl 2 months ago! Logan, she's the best.  Right before we had her, we bought and house and pretty much flipped the entire thing.  So for now, we are staying put and enjoying Logan and our house!

SZP: Speaking from experience - Do you have any advice to future brides & grooms for planning their wedding?

Eli: Don't forget that this day is about you and your spouse.  It's so easy to get caught up in the details and the extravagance of the wedding but your marriage lasts forever.  Spend time and energy thinking about what you want your ceremony to look like and be intentional with the ceremony.  So often it becomes just another detail, and in some ways even I was this way, but keep in perspective while yes the party is fun but that lasts one night, your marriage lasts for a lifetime!

Real Weddings: Natasha and Patrick

When I met Natasha for our initial consultation, I was so sweetly surprised by how easy going she was. Natasha is a girl who has an air of confidence about her, but balances that with a carefree-ness and a love to laugh. I enjoyed working with her to find the vision she had for her wedding stationery. I didn’t get the privilege of meeting her groom Patrick, but I’d imagine he must be pretty great to captivate a girl like Natasha.

I enjoyed working with this couple on a beautiful, modern, and classic invitation suite along with some really fun signs and treat flags. Following the ceremony, we created custom stationery just for them. Their invitation was a one-color charcoal letterpressed card mounted to a luxe quartz metallic stock. The bride opted for a whimsical dip-pen style calligraphy for the outer envelope, hand lettered in charcoal. Enjoy this fun event – beautifully captured by Jason+Gina Photography.

Photography: Jason+Gina Photography

Venue: The Denver Art Museum

Planning: Bliss Elevated

Stationery: Sweet Zion Paperie

Love, Love, Love!

Happy Monday! Usually on Monday's we "Show Some Love" for one of our favorite local vendors. Today, we are showing some love for ourselves and announcing the start of our Mad Love Giveaway!

Here are the rules:

1. You MUST like every post from Monday, Feb 9- Friday, Feb 13. The winner will be announced on Saturday, Feb 14 and the will get a prize sent to their door!

2. You MUST complete each challenge that the post asks of you... if you don't, your name won't be entered into the drawing at the end of the week!

Are you ready to show your crazy love for Sweet Zion?! Good Luck!

Wedding Wars 2015: James Bond

We are so grateful to have the opportunities that we do! This super fun opportunity was a part of Team Galore at Wedding Wars bridal show a few weeks ago. The theme was James Bond, super fun! Take a look at what our amazing team pulled off. Thank you for being innovators in this industry: Rachel Austin Events, Urban Safari Photography, Astonishing Cakes LLC, Bella Lu Floral, Occasions Catering Denver, Vehicle Vault, The Bridal Collection, Denver Tux, Jaded Beauty, Masterful Musicians, Vintage Rentals Denver, Yonder Floral + Decor House, Snappy Face Painting, Knotty Tie Co, EventRents

 

The Ins & Outs of the RSVP Card

The dreaded RSVP card...they may sound like a hassle, but they can be great! Let's start with the basics:

RSVP? RSVP, the abbreviation for the French phrase “respondez s’il vous plait,” means please respond.

What are they? RSVPs are usually needed when sending out invites to formal events or weddings.

Who do they go to? Make sure you send one along with each invitation.

When do they need to be returned? For weddings, make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date -- this will allow enough time for you to get a final head count to the caterer (one week before) and to finalize your seating chart. If some guests still haven't responded by your deadline, give them a quick call and ask for their RSVPs (still via mail) so you have all their information.

Sometimes guests tend to forget to mail back their response cards after they receive the invitation. Make it easy for them by sending reception cards that use decorative designs.

Make your RSVP fun! This library card post card was the perfect reply for a surprise birthday party we did for an avid reader.

Planned by @savethedateevents

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Paper Lovers! Can you believe that it's already the end of 2014? What a crazy year it has been for SZP. We have created countless invitations, save the dates, programs and name cards. We have added to our team and become a part of others. We have laughed and cried. We have learned a lot and taught others as well. We have licked envelopes, replaced ink cartridges and had hundreds of meetings. And we have LOVED every second of it!

We are so thankful for everything that 2014 has brought us and we can't wait to see what 2015 has in store.

Wishing you health and happiness in 2015,

Sophie and SZP Team!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me....

Merry Christmas Paper Lovers!!!

This year has brought us so much! Lots of love and laughter with family and friends and we are so happy that you could be a part of it!

This year, our Christmas card used handmade papers from Sustain & Heal along with Hemp cord from Hemptique. Our card was letterpress printed with hand illustrated greeting by Sophie's husband, Tim!

Here is the poem that Tim wrote:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

Sophie was scrambling to get the Christmas cards out

Our mission: send Uli-tide greetings to loved ones dear

So we cracked open some ‘nog upon a midnight clear

With snow in November, We’re snuggled close in bed

Not Sugarplums dancing, but poetry instead.

“Write On, dear husband”, said my sweet bonnie lass

Putting pen to paper, Let’s kick this Christmas poem’s …. butt.

Soph falling to pieces like a nutcracker doll,

Surgery fixed knee and hip - now she’s decking the halls.

With crutches, and braces, apparatuses to spare

We met our deductible by January this year.

A Superbowl flop had me down in the dregs,

The She-hawks recipients of a Broncos lain egg.

A revamped defense and plenty ‘o touchdown balls

Hang Denver’s 3rd Superbowl stocking down Lombardi Hall.

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, and Venti

Our dear Saint Bernard leaves furballs a’plenty

Pulling Santa’s sleigh will be no problem this year

Rudolph, watch your back - V’s bringing up the rear!

We got sick of feeding the student loan grinch

The checkbook always feeling that nasty, green pinch

So we said Auld Lang Syne to that 5 year foe

Now we’re kissing hard-earned Benjamins ‘neath the mistletoe

My wife the creative - with all her grey matter

Crafted many invitations; brides and grooms to flatter

With a new member added to our SZP crew

A few more elves in the workshop shrinks her lists, “to-do”

I made Santa’s Nice list without milk and cookies

A new job, new desk, new numbers to bookkeep

Debits and credits plus some amortization

Someone’s gotta audit Santa’s inventory inflation.

Home improvement projects included a new roof

Perfect for the guy in the sleigh wearing the big red suit

Tearing up and laying 800 sq feet of new floor

Left Tim, Soph, Jon & Jo quite a bit sore.

It wasn’t last Christmas that I gave Soph my heart

We just celebrated 5 years - time flew from the start

We’re looking forward to approximately 65 more

And still, time stops when she walks through the door

Our annual vacation included mouse ears and coasters

My first trip to Disney - Andy and Becca as hosters

Lots fun and walking, with souvenirs to boot

You’d think Santa came early judging by the loot

As I do every year, I’d like to plant a reminder:

Of the one Christmas gift, you won’t find one kinder,

His name is Jesus, born in humble esteem

Hosanna in the highest to our risen King

So Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

from the Ulibarri three

Joy and happiness, to you

And good will to all peeps

From the SZP team to you and your loved ones:  We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Cheers!

Together We Could Make a Difference

Small Business Saturday was yesterday, November 29th. It's always the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday and before Cyber Monday. It gets squeezed in between the busiest shopping days of the year, encouraging shoppers to shop local. Did you know that is each of us spent $100 a year more on local businesses instead of chain stores, it would put an extra $300 million per year into our economy? Not only that, it would create thousands of jobs every year!

Read that again. And again. And again until it sinks in.

All of that and small businesses get just one Saturday a year? It just doesn't make sense.

We challenge you to shop local. Find a local, small and family owned business to support. Every Monday, we "Show Some Love" to a local vendor that we love and we use the hashtag #ShopLocal. We encourage you to use the hashtag the next time you shop small and support a local business! It's important and it really does make a difference!

During this holiday season, take our challenge! Shop small and local and use the hashtag because together, we could make a difference. And it could be amazing.

Wintery Blues

Are these freezing temperatures getting you down? They are making us daydream about sand and fruity drinks! A few weeks ago, (when fall was still fairly present!) we did a stylized shoot! We are in love with how beautiful these turned out! So, take a break from the wintery blues and enjoy these beautiful blues instead!

Images: Rebecca Marie Photography

Planning & Florals: Isabelle Kline Design

Rentals: Allwell Rents

Oh, Baby!

Don't you just love these photos from a baby shower we did for an event planner? Simple, yet SO gorgeous!

Planning: Gabby, Save the Date Events Photo: Jason+Gina Photography Cake/Desserts: Intricate Icings

We've Got News!

Hello Paper Lovers!

Lots of new and exciting changes happening over here at Sweet Zion Paperie! We have hired a new social media manager! Her name is Sydny and we are calling her our social media guru! She knows the ins and outs of all things networking. From Colorado, Sydny is a broadcasting and sports journalism student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and found a passion with social media. Sydny will be writing blog posts, tweeting daily and sending out the newest information over Facebook! We are thrilled to have her on board and share all of her insight with us.

So, stay tuned! There are lots of things to look forward to! New posts, new custom invitations and maybe even a few “giveaways” along the way!

A Chilly [a.k.a give you chills] Colorado Wedding

In case you missed this chilly Couture Colorado shoot the first go around, enjoy it here again! And here are a few of our favorite shots from the day as well. Feast your eyes.

The Business of Bullying

Business cannot be done without other people. People can fill various roles in business, they can be customers, vendors, or other professionals in the same field. In simple terms, I estimate there to be 2 arms of business; the customer side (who patrons your business, the ones that pay your mortgage) and the support side (the vendors who enable you to do what you do - i.e. the nurse to the doctor). Though I also appreciate and admire the zealousness that some business owners have in protecting, honoring, and ultimately delivering for their clients and customers, I am at times honestly surprised that they can still find people who are willing to fill their support side.

The question in this entry is this: when does the esteem for your customer become a bad thing?

As a small business owner myself, I understand the need to side with your client, however, when that so grossly violates those that support and enable you to conduct your business, I would venture to say that you have become a bully in business. Even further, I cannot understand how business can be successfully or ethically conducted when service to your customer greatly outweighs the respect and consideration for those who support you. In my opinion, at ground level, it's a lack of integrity.

Although this doesn't sound like a heart-warming post, I have found great insight in recently learning this lesson which, fortunately for me, was gleaned by someone else's poor example. When recently a business owner tried to swing their proverbial "weight" around and back me into a corner, I acknowledged what was happening. I immediately took a stand for myself and the integrity I choose to run my business with. The best part? Probably shocking them by turning away their business.

By consciously choosing to run my business with a code of ethics, I have set up check points to prevent myself from becoming snarky, overly competitive, or even a bully. The reward for this diligence is that I also get to choose who I work with. No amount of money or number of contracts in a year is worth me risking who I am and what I stand for. Unfortunately, for the business owner I was supporting, the scales were tipping.

Now I'm not saying I'm perfect - there are many examples, I am sure, of humility to throw on the table. However, I refuse to be a victim to insecurity, bullying in business, or small thinking. I want to embrace each challenge, surround myself with people who support me and keep me in check. I want to celebrate the successes of my competitors and colleagues and support them in ways that are unique to me. I love collaborating with other professionals because in the end, that's what business is about - recognizing you can't do it alone.

It takes people, not power.

Wax on, Wax off

Wax! Not only is it a cool word, its definitely a cool trend in the wedding industry at present. I've seen a true resurgence of "craftsmanship" in this day and age with young couples bringing back letterpress like it's gold as well as the aforementioned wax seal trend. Now, I'm not as old as I sound, but I do take time to appreciate nostalgia and also to give credit to the sage and true coined phrase "They just don't make them like they used to". However, in this case (and good news for you), they do!

Wax seals are perfect for event stationery for a myriad of reasons. We have used seals to close pocket invitations, to add a finishing touch, to establish a brand or theme, and even to seal an envelope or two. Check out these beautiful photos of some recent wax seal projects.

Now, you can integrate what was once a very vintage thing into a very modern and current piece of stationery giving just a shadow of scrutiny to the old adage "They just don't make them like they used to".

Calligraphy makes an Impression

Thinking calligraphy will make or break your wedding invitations? Here's our two cents.

The first thing your guests see regarding your big day is your invitation or save the date. If sent through the mail, the first thing of that they will see is your envelope. Handwritten touches will not only impress your guests, but also make them feel that you took the time to think of them (or paid someone to).

Calligraphy can be costly, but it is definitely an attention grabber. For an average invitation order of 100, figure anywhere from $250-450 for guest addressing and plan for about 2 - 3 weeks time for your calligrapher to work their magic.