Today, I want to share a Q&A with a lady who runs a fantastic stationery brand. It’s a company I’ve had the pleasure of working with before when I reviewed one of their products and since, I’ve seen around so much. I currently have a few of their products – each unique and each one close to my heart. I really love their products and their customer service is even better than that. This brand is called Say Nice Things and, true to their name, they encourage you to say nice things about their products simply by providing quality items at an affordable price. Having fantastic customer service also helps!
I’ve already done a review of the Crystal journal that they sell, so be sure to check that post out to see what I love about their products. The journals are so unique, they are a great choice! For now, let’s jump into this post to find out a little bit more about Say Nice Things stationery and it’s amazing founder, Jill.
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Why did you start the business? What’s the motivation behind it?
The business was started as a result of my passion for stationery and my frustrated hunts for quality products that were made in the UK – I just couldn’t find products that were right. In addition, in our increasingly technological world there is something very therapeutic about putting pen to paper and doing things the analog way. I’m also passionate about business and design so Say Nice Things allowed me to bring all of these things together.
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Are there any tips or quotes that you’ve been told that have helped you?
I have two. In my thirties I was once told there is “No such thing as a problem, only an opportunity” at the time I thought this was a ridiculous thing to say but now I find it is my mantra! And of course, the line Charles Dickens wrote in Great Expectations: “For there was something very comfortable in having plenty of stationery.”
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How has starting a business affected your life?
To be honest, it hasn’t really. I believe it will only affect your life if you let it or if the business wasn’t thought through and well-planned in the beginning.
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What motivates you to carry on when things are hard?
“No such thing as a problem only an opportunity!”
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What’s your favourite thing about being your own boss or a business owner?
Honestly it’s watching our employees blossom and reach their potential. I know that sounds corny but it’s true…even if that means they leave the business and move on to other things as it makes me feel like I’ve added something along the way and given people a helping hand on their own journey! The other thing I love is working with other like-minded people in the UK who help us create our products. As part of the SNT journey we’ve been amazed at how many clever, talented people we’ve met along the way.
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What’s your least favourite thing about it?
I don’t really have a least favourite but if I had to say something it would be have to be the days of back-to-back meetings (although it does give me a great excuse to use one of our notebooks!)
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What do you think is most important when it comes to running a successful business?
Your employees. Treat them well, have fun and never get complacent. People are everything.
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If you could work or collaborate with anyone or any brand, who would it be and why?
Oh, that’s such a difficult question and there’s so many to choose from! I think I would love to talk to someone like Richard Branson/Virgin as he’s so innovative and it is said he has great employee retention. I like to find out the secret of his success!
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If you could speak to your pre business self, what would you say?
Go for it, anything is possible!
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Where would you like to see your business go in the next five years?
To have flourished and evolved into a favourite brand that our customers love as much as we do. That’s all I wish for.
Show us how you use your favourite products:
On the left, you can see Jill’s Crystal journal, which is her constant companion. Whilst on the right, her grandson, Curtis, is seen getting creative in Jill’s journal.
Conclusion
Say Nice Things is a brilliant brand that you should definitely check out immediately if you haven’t already. I personally love my Crystal journal, which is the same one featured in Jill’s bag. They also have some fantastic notebooks and accessories that you have to check out. Jill’s Q&A makes me smile so much – you can see how passionate she is about her company and how much she respects the employees. People are key to any business being successful and Jill definitely cares about the people who work with her.
Whilst you’re checking out this fantastic stationery brand, be sure to visit their social media accounts and follow them. I particularly enjoy stalking their Instagram account, which is full of beautiful pictures. You can also drop them a tweet on Twitter to get in touch. Make sure you follow them whilst you’re at it so you can keep on top of their latest blog posts, which are always worth reading!