While attending CHA last month, I met a wonderful paper company owner, Debbie Juden, who started Piggy Tales from the ground up with her husband Ryann. They currently offer 5 paper lines each with a fairy tale theme.
Be sure to check out their website because there are many great ideas to look at in the gallery. They do not sell their products from their website. If you are interested in their products, you can use the store locator on their site to find a store near you. You can also ask your local scrapbook store if they will carry Piggy Tale’s products.
Debbie graciously accepted to answer a few interview questions and I would like to share her responses with you.
Lisa: How did you get started in the scrapbooking industry?
Debbie: I love everything about scrapbooking. In my family it is a common get together activity. My first entry into the industry was when my sister and I started one of the first companies that put together layout kits. The business never really took-off. However, I learned so much about this industry with our first venture. I had the opportunity to work with many different products and attend trade shows from the other side of the isle. I developed likes and dislikes for all of the products. As a customer of the many different scrapbook companies I experienced how they operated and took mental notes on things they did well and not so well. I have a passion to create and kept telling my husband I wanted to have a paper company. One day he called me on it, and said “Let’s start a paper company.” Skeptical, I then called him on his bluff and said “Let do it.” Well, as you know by now nobody was kidding, and now we have a wonderful little scrapbook company. I was at first overwhelmed because there are so many wonderful products and companies in the industry, and I did not think I had much to offer. However, people began to order and now it appears that Piggy Tale paper has found a little spot in the industry.
Lisa: What has been your favorite thing about starting a scrapbooking business?
Debbie: Hands down the people. Although I am a very shy person I love talking to everyone at the show. This is a wonderful industry full of extremely talented and all around great people. Working with such great people takes a lot of the difficulties out of owning my own business. I can honestly say I have never met a scrapbook store owner I did not like. The industry is full of a purely contagious passion for life, learning, and sharing memories. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great industry with such great people.
Lisa: I agree, people in the scrapbooking industry are great to work with.
Check back for part two of this interview with Debbie Juden where we discuss what inspires her work and information on joining Piggy Tales’ design team and part three where Debbie share more about her business.