As a working mother of two boys, Kristin Mika launched Hampton Paper Designs on a whim on Memorial Day Weekend of 2007.  She shares, “After being unable to find calling cards that were charming and classic for my son Jackson, I decide to create my own line. Since then, we have added over 350 new images to the line and many new products. Hampton Paper Designs combines my lifelong love of paper & letter writing and classic style.” Raised in Saratoga, Mika drew inspiration from the traditional style of the gorgeous beach communities while spending time at her East End family home. Kristin shares some of the secrets to her success in this NEW KDHamptons Design Diary, below.

KDHamptons: How would you describe your brand to our readers?
Kristin Mika: At Hampton Paper Designs, classic style meets charming simplicity. The art of both handwritten notes and beautiful watercolors inspires our stationery line. Our high-end cards, calendars, invitations, notepads, stickers, and gifts help make lives more beautiful, more personal, and even a bit more organized. Our designs, all on the finest papers, are reflective of the effortless style of a summer in the Hamptons: uncluttered, simply elegant, effortless sophistication.

KDHamptons: You have a family home in the Hamptons. What do you enjoy most about the East End?
Kristin Mika: My father lives in Quogue and I visit as often as I can. There is something special about summer in the Hamptons which is difficult for me to describe. My best attempt, would include a combination of the way the air smells coming off of the ocean, and the smile that appears across my face when I see someone ride their bike in a carefree way that only the summer days can offer. I have a million wonderful, amazing Hamptons memories, including: dinners at Bobby Vans, ice cream from Snowflake and sitting in the back of my Dad’s car with the windows rolled down and the radio blaring Billy Joel or Fleetwood Mac. I truly love that warm feeling of relaxation that can only come after a day spent at the beach, covered in salt and sand.

KDHamptons: What was the greatest challenge of starting your business? Share any tips to an anxious entrepreneur?
Kristin Mika: I am always happy to share my experiences and hope that others can benefit from some of the mistakes I have made. First and foremost, make sure that whatever you decide to do, that you love it, because, I promise, you will work countless hours. With that said, I can also promise it won’t feel like work because there is such incredible satisfaction from running your own business. I enjoy all aspects of Hampton Paper (except maybe, the finance part), from getting new images from Lucy, the amazing artist and creator of our images, to creating new products (my absolute favorite), to picking up and packaging an order. I also find working personally with my clients so rewarding.

Kristin Mika: Here are my Five Top Tips for Entrepreneurs:

1. Research your market and see what you can offer that no one else is offering. Identify what is unique about your company. If you are ordering products to be made, be aware of minimums. Buy less at a higher price to start, when possible. You may think it will be easy to sell 200 of something but let me assure you it may be more difficult than you think. Go slow and then grow once you get a feel for the market.
2. Write out an answer to “How did you start your business?” The story behind your business is what draws people in and will help you build your brand.
3. Surround yourself with smart people! You can be the creative engine and while it is important to understand and manage all parts of the business early on, you don’t have to be the expert in every area. However, you do have to find those experts. I must tell you, working with super talented people is one of the best parts of running a business. I have such admiration for talented people who can do things that I just am not able to do.
4.  Not everyone is going to share what they consider “insider information”. Don’t be discouraged, there are plenty of people, like me, who are happy to share information and help you get on your way. I remember asking a fellow entrepreneur the best place to buy wholesale envelopes and she wouldn’t share her source. It seems ridiculous now but, at the time, I thought that there were “secrets” you had to know in the business. Maybe there are some, but for the most part, Google is your best friend. [For the record, I think Waste Not Paper is the best place for envelopes].
5. What will really matter is when you get feedback that might make you feel a bit defensive don’t ignore it! That is a feeling you must recognize and embrace. Why? Because that is the constructive feedback that will help you examine your brand and your products and help you propel it to the next level. It feels uncomfortable when it’s happening but when you look back you will realize the improvement was invaluable. When you share your idea with your family and friends, not everyone is going to be positive and supportive. Be prepared. Don’t let it stop you. Do your thing. You will be amazing!

KDHamptons: Can you identify your brand breakthrough moment?
Kristin Mika: I spent a lot of my personal money on a publicist only to realize, thanks to the work of Amy Flurry author of the book Recipe for Press, I can pitch my story myself and be wildly successful! I started to incorporate Amy’s ideas into my pitch. This led to a feature of our small round stickers in Hamptons Magazine. Next, I received a call from Jill Martin, asking if she could feature our small round stickers on The Today Show. Bottom line, success and opportunity yields even more success and opportunity. There is a “domino effect”.  Focus on making the first feature happen.

KDHamptons: How did you end up collaborating with Quogue artist Lucy Borge [below, right]?
Kristin Mika: Lucy is a longtime family friend and she used to send incredible one of a kind watercolors with personalized notes to my sons. When the idea of Hampton Paper started to formulate, I knew Lucy’s artwork was just what I wanted to ensure that my line offered a unique, yet sometimes unexpected, approach to classic images. In addition, I wanted to be able to bring to the market something that wasn’t currently available, the ability for clients to put any image on any product in our portfolio.

KDHamptons: What are your top three best-selling items at Hampton Paper Designs?
Kristin Mika: I am so glad you asked what is top-selling and not my top favorite, as I can never choose, I love them all.

The top seller, by far, is our 12 month desk calendar. We select 12 new images every year and each image is hand embellished (by me) with glitter for a bit of sparkle. This makes a perfect gift especially for those people who are hard to shop for.  It’s exclusive since you won’t find it anywhere but on our web site. For those who are purchasing it for the first time, you can buy the calendar with the easel and it comes in a beautiful custom box. If you have purchased it in the past, you can just buy the refill every year, and choose any 12 images from our portfolio of over 400. This takes personalization to the next level.

Our stickers are our second most popular item. I think it’s because they vary in size and can be personalized. They have countless uses like gift tags, accents for party favors, or return address labels. Due to the overwhelming popularity of our small round stickers that fit perfectly on the bottom of a Hershey Kiss, we are now offering personalized stickers for Tic Tac boxes.

Finally, I would say our bridge score pads are the third most popular item. Who knew so many people played bridge?

KDHamptons: Do you entertain a lot in the Hamptons?
Kristin Mika: I love to entertain. For me, the beginning of every party starts with an idea on how to “accessorize” it and make it memorable and special like incorporating personalized coasters to compliment the theme. In planning a party, I like to think “What can I do to exceed my guest’s expectations and make sure everyone is talking about the party the next day?” I start with the “goody bag”! Personally, I have a lot of kids at my adult parties because the time with my family is so important and I want my kids to always feel included. I spend a lot of time ensuring that the kids have activities and things to do. Plus, I like to add something special like a candy or dessert table, party favors or something personalized and unique that will ensure I get the adoration I crave from my favorite kids. I always tease them and ask for feedback. Nothing short of a “10” will make me happy!

KDHamptons: Any plans to open a Hamptons pop-up shop?
Kristin Mika:  Well, now here you have touched upon my dream. I can easily visualize the shop filled from top to bottom with all our products all white and crisp with pastel accents. My motto for 2016 is “not if” but “when’”.  I would love to meet all the people I have been working with for so many years. The idea that they could come to the store and pick up something last minute for themselves or for someone else, makes me smile. I am 100% confident we would end up chatting for hours. I picture someone coming in with three dress options for the party that is hours away and saying “Kris, I need a fabulous hostess gift and can you help me select my outfit for this evening?” I would of course reply, “Sure, let’s start with the dresses. Get modeling!” That’s just the type of store it would be….