We recently had the privilege of discovering a most unique stationary brand. Conceived by Winnipeg (Canada) mother/daughter duo, Mary Reimer and Heidi Reimer-Epp, Botanical PaperWorks uses plantable paper as a positive alternative to the tree hacking variety. All you have to do is plant the stationary and watch the wildflowers grow! The entire product line is tree-free – from greeting cards and confetti to wedding invitations and favours.

Having managed to turn her idea into a booming business, we couldn’t help but be inspired by Heidi’s story and immediately demanded an interview with the eco-maven. Here’s what Heidi had to say…

ChickAdvisor: How did you get the idea for plantable stationery?

Heidi: I have always loved paper and stationery and, in 1997, my mom, Mary Reimer, and I started Botanical PaperWorks with a vision to make our own paper with locally-sourced materials.

We also had a creative idea to include natural elements in the paper-making process and originally, we made papers with prairie grasses, leaves and flower petals harvested from our gardens and the beach at our cottage.

It was a bit of an experimental process and, in writing our first book, 300 Papermaking Recipes, we had an opportunity to try many different inclusions, one of which was to add seeds to the paper.

It was a short jump in our thinking from “Let’s add petals to the paper to” to “If we can add the petals, could we add the seeds?” but it was a breakthrough in the sense that the product evolved from one that was beautiful and creative to one that was also experiential for the recipient.


ChickAdvisor: What are some of the hardships you experienced trying to get your business off the ground?

Heidi: We experienced many of the typical challenges faced by new business start-ups. First, there were so many possible directions that we could take Botanical PaperWorks, it was an ongoing challenge to stay focused while remaining open to new business opportunities.

Managing cash flow was the second challenge. As a new business, we needed money to invest in innovation, equipment and marketing but the banks were skeptical of our concept and asked, “Why start a paper company when the world is going paperless?”

The third challenge – learning how to run a business – was both a challenge and a thrill. I loved (and still love) being involved in papermaking, printing, customer service, marketing and accounting. In the beginning, we were a company of two so we had to do everything ourselves. It was quite overwhelming!

ChickAdvisor: What is your favourite part about owning your own business?

Heidi: My favorite part of owning this business is the opportunity to be immersed in something I’m passionate about – paper and stationery. The fun of designing a new product never wears off and working with a team of people that share my passion is a joy.


ChickAdvisor: What is the best advice you’ve received when it comes to running your own company?

Heidi: Years ago, I was told “Learn from others, decide for yourself”. I love this because it acknowledges that we learn from those who walked before us, but ultimately we have to make our own decisions. So, while I read a lot of business books, I only apply what fits best for Botanical PaperWorks. I don’t want to be blindly latching on to a popular new business fad or trend; it has to be right for our company and our people.

ChickAdvisor: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Heidi: In 10 years, I’d like to be at the helm of a much bigger Botanical PaperWorks, industry leader of plantable paper. By then, my kids will be teenagers (yikes!) and I’m looking forward to traveling with them. I hope that I’ll have made good on my promise to learn a third language, German, and that I’ll have perfected the art of making beautiful pancakes (I still burn mine).

ChickAdvisor: Do you feel pressure to stay on top of things by using the internet as a marketing tool – blogging? Twittering?

Heidi: There is pressure to stay current on internet trends and social media sites. It’s very easy to get fragmented with too many sites and Tweets to update, but the internet gives us so many wonderful chances to hear from and connect with our customers. I LOVE how blogging brings people together. We started our blog several years ago and it has been such a valuable point of connection with our customers and vendors.

ChickAdvisor: What do you view as your biggest success up to date?

Heidi: I feel proud of the workplace that we’ve created at Botanical PaperWorks. I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of great people over the years and together, we’ve created an environment that fosters open communication and innovation, and ultimately produces a great product for our customers.


BotanicalPaperWorks.com

by Olga Barsky