Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Pitre.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I think about the beginning of my story, I picture seven years old me at my grandmother’s dining room table. I was so excited to have an opportunity to sit and use her beautiful personalized stationery to help her keep in touch with those that she loved most. I was always enamored with the variety of greeting cards, monogrammed envelopes and other items she would use to personalize each note and how she poured her love into each correspondence. I like to think that the love of stationery was passed from my grandmother to my mom and then, of course, to me! As a kid, I always loved being creative and my mom encouraged me to express myself through things I was interested in. She would buy me notebooks, pens and paper for me to draw and write and you could often find me doodling or journaling my thoughts during my free time.
Fast forward to 2019, my mom had a need for a simple greeting card that she wanted to be able to send to her friend. She wanted it to be simple, unique and have a message that spoke to the nature of their friendship. I created the perfect card for the occasion that simply said, “Hey Girl”. From that one card our business, Girlfriends Ink, was born. That one card sparked the conversation between her and I about there not being enough representation within the stationery community. We decided to take action and be a part of the change that we wanted to see. The desire to take action and create positive change, coupled with our shared love for stationery items created that full circle moment that was needed to bring Girlfriends Ink to life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Trust me, this journey as a business owner has not been without its share of unique challenges but I truly believe it is these same challenges and struggles that allow us to grow. The bottom line is that no one wants to struggle. No one wants to face challenges, but oddly enough it can be these same challenges that give us the skills necessary for us to reach our goals. As a working mom of three, it is often a struggle to balance motherhood, work and my entrepreneurial endeavours. Each day I am up early getting everyone started for their day and each night, I am trying to manage homework, dinner time and family time. There are some days I just don’t think there are enough hours for me to make things I need to do for my business a part of my daily routine. To put it simply, it’s tough! But if I have learned anything it is that there is a certain power in being able to use your struggles to propel you toward your goals. I am learning that whatever you may consider to be your personal challenges do not have to inhibit you from accomplishing anything that you set out to do. We can overcome those challenges by being intentional and taking small steps in the right direction and persevering until we get there!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Girlfriends Ink?
Like many brands, Girlfriends Ink started as an idea! It was born from a shared passion that spanned three generations. We pride ourselves on creating and curating chic inspirational stationery, planners and gifts that can be used from the boardroom to the classroom. We want to speak to the go-getter in YOU! The woman that is intentional about reaching her goals, nurturing her relationships and loving herself along the way. We have all of your office and self-care essentials, as well as gifts and other unique finds. What sets us apart is the intention behind our brand. We want you to PLAN purposefully, LIVE passionately & LOVE yourself along the way.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about ATL is how it has become a place where entrepreneurs, creatives, and minorities can truly thrive. However, although it has become significantly more progressive, I hope that the positive change continues to trend upward. The main thing I hate about the city is, of course, the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.girlfriendsink.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/girlfriendsink
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/girlfriendsink
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/girlfriendsink
