This week I talk to Katie Leamon, who turned her love of paper and pattern into her eponymous family-run stationery studio. Her notebooks have been a daily companion to me for many years, so it was really fun to chat with her about her designs, her process and the realities behind running a product-lead business with the family on board! Things we talk about: * Building from a home studio to printing and selling at scale * Designing products based on creative instinct * The rise of independent stationery makers and designers online * Selling wholesale vs. direct * Family business, and drawing the the lines between work and home life. * Taking time for creativity outside of work * Growing a team, and when to let things go * Katie’s new experiments in creating ceramic range * Launch strategies and learning from mistakes * Trusting your brand identity and staying authentic Links we mentioned: * My Substack Soiree class * Katie’s online store, Katie Leamon * Katie’s new ceramic range (I LOVE THIS CUP!) Listened and loved it? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe