✨ One Day or Day One
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For years I’ve carried a dream in my heart.
I would tell myself, “One day I’ll start this business. One day I’ll share my cards with the world. One day I’ll create something that lets me pour out my heart, bless others, and build a future for my family.”
But then life gets busy, and “one day” becomes someday… which too often becomes never.
Then a sweet friend and mentor, Samantha, looked me straight in the eye and said words that I will never forget: “Jennifer, just launch. Go with it. It will never be overall perfect—but it’s already perfect in this moment. You’ll grow and change along the way, and that’s okay. But the world needs to see what you’re creating now.”
So here I am. This is Day One.
My Why
Parkside Papery is not just a business—it’s a piece of my soul. Every card begins with an original photograph I’ve taken, paired with words meant to encourage and connect. Each one is cut, mounted, wrapped, glittered, and prayed over by me. Nothing is mass-produced. Every detail is intentional, because I believe people deserve something that feels personal and heartfelt in a world where everything else is rushed, digital, and disposable.
My dream is twofold:
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On a personal level, I want to build Parkside Papery into something that allows my husband to step back from the exhausting physical work he’s done for so many years. I want us to travel together, spend more time with our grandchildren, and enjoy life without the weight of endless hard labor.
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On a larger level, I want to bring back the lost art of handwritten connection. A card is small, but it carries love, presence, and memory in a way no text message ever can.
The Journey Ahead
Right now, I’m learning as I go. I don’t have it all figured out, and I don’t have a huge customer base yet. I’ve shared my creations mostly with family and friends, who have encouraged me that there’s something special here. I know there will be mistakes and messy parts along the way—but there will also be so much growth, joy, and discovery.
This is just the beginning. There are big dreams in my heart for Parkside Papery—art shows, online collections, community projects like my “Send a Smile” station, and so much more. But for today, the important thing is this: I stopped waiting for “one day.” Today is Day One.
Thank You
To my friends and family—thank you for being patient with me as I figure this out and learn along the way. Thank you for cheering me on and for believing in this dream with me. And to you, reading this blog, I hope you’ll follow along as Parkside Papery grows. There’s so much more coming, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
So here’s to the first blog post, the first chapter, the first official step. Here’s to Day One. 💕
🌸 Stay Connected
This is just the beginning, and I’d love for you to walk this journey with me. If you’d like to see behind-the-scenes moments, new card designs, and a sprinkle of pixie dust as Parkside Papery grows, you can find me on Facebook and TikTok.
Follow along, share your thoughts, and let’s bring back the joy of handwritten connection—together. 💌✨