My name is Monica Majors and I am the creative force behind Paper Cut Industries, which is a top-notch stationery & design studio in Long Beach, California. I am a native Californian, which is rare, and I graduated from California State University, Long Beach and studied Art & Graphic Design. I have always been involved in art and always thought I would be a businesswoman. I found my calling by mixing them together. I have worked in the fashion trim industry and most recently with stationery and office product design company Knock Knock where my work was featured in magazines such as Real Simple and HOW magazine.
How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I have been selling on Etsy since 2008, basically when I first heard about it.
Do you sell on Etsy full time or do you have a day job?
I started selling on Etsy when I had a full-time gig, but now I sell full-time. Working with clients locally in person and via email takes up most of my time. I also get clients from my website papercutindustries.com or my blog papercutindustries.wordpress.com for custom projects.
What made you decide to open up shop on Etsy?
I started out wanting to sell gift and stationery designs. Working in the industry I was exposed to so many products and companies that I knew it was possible. I had so many ideas and I wanted to design everything! Things like journals, everyday cards, wrapping paper and personal stationery. I had a co-worker introduce me to Etsy and on her shop she was selling sachets. I fell in love! Etsy provided an excellent opportunity to get exposure and set up shop and begin taking orders. Etsy is such a great tool to get exposure and really attract the customers you know are looking for what you have to offer.
"My Eyelash Pattern cards came from make-up application sketches of eyeshadow that I would see in magazines!"
What inspires you?
I am inspired daily by so many things. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. I can look at architecture and fabric and be inspired. I have so many sketchbooks of clippings and samples of things I would love to reinterpret them into an awesome design or pattern for stationery. Seeing color in life inspires me too. When I look at fashion, especially I get so many ideas for new patterns and palettes. A simple zipper can turn into an amazing pattern! My Eyelash Pattern cards came from make-up application sketches of eyeshadow that I would see in magazines!
How would you describe your style?
My style is definitely for a new generation. It is very eclectic pulling things from various cultures and time periods. It is masculine & feminine, vintage & modern, and can often be interpreted as a great balance between uptown and downtown in look and feel. My designs are definitely not cutesy, but more stylish and chic. It is a true representation of my personality and who I am; eclectic and unique. My designs are a combination of my culture and environment and how I see things. It’s what sets me apart. They are very offbeat and growing everyday.
What do you like least about your craft?
Paper cuts. I love paper and sometimes it can hurt! My name pays homage to that.
"Do what you love! It is fun and will bring so much joy to your life."
Do you have any advice for other sellers on Etsy or those thinking about pursuing their craft?
Do what you love! It is fun and will bring so much joy to your life. Everyone needs a creative release and mine turned into a business, and so could yours! I love what I do and I love knowing every client truly appreciates my designs. Nothing beats the feeling.
Top Five Etsy shops?
Sketchbook - handcrafted soft goods http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102421
Replicca - clothing company http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5316036
Lo Boheme - hair pieces http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6465412
You! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7065584
Me! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5688972
Top Five Blogs?
http://www.thinksplendid.com/
http://www.modishblog.com/biztips/
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
http://funnel-eric-kass.blogspot.com/
http://papiervalise.typepad.com/scissor_variations/
Five Random facts about yourself?
- I am addicted to TV series on Netflix. I will watch the full 3-hour disc straight.
- I bought a 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia a few years ago before I knew how to drive stick shift because I wanted it so bad. I learned real fast.
- I can’t sit still for too long. Netflix is helping with that.
- I love to go dancing.
- I want a puppy really, really bad.
What is your favorite leisure time activity?
Riding bikes with my boyfriend Jason. It’s so relaxing.
What craft would you love to learn?
Sewing. I mean really, really master sewing.
What does the future hold for Paper Cut Industries?
Paper Cut Industries is growing so fast! I would love to eventually have a set studio location where clients can come and we can discuss invitations and custom stationery ideas. I hope to start letterpressed designs and begin distributing to local boutiques soon.
Shop: http://www.papercutindustries.com
Etsy: http://papercutindustries.etsy.com
Blog: http://papercutindustries.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/paper_cut
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