Therese O’Donoghue is the owner of Paper Empire Australia. Paper Empire Australia represent Studio Snowpuppe, Faunascapes, Stefan Gevers, Sofie Boersting, FotoFactory, Monika Petersen and Foruu.
As a sponsor of Kids Rooms 101 we wanted to get to know Therese and her business a little better…
Briefly tell us about your business…
I run the business with my husband who is one of our artists (Stefan Gevers). I manage the day to day running, sales & creative direction. We develop print ranges, limited edition prints & small furniture. We are also agents for several international brands, but 80% of our range is made locally.
How did you start Paper Empire Australia?
Paper Empire started in late 2013 with the aim of promoting great art ranges. We began with 7 prints & 20 greeting cards. It was slow & steady for a while, then I came across 2 international brands that were unlike anything I’d seen locally. That tripled our range and helped create a pathway.
What is the inspiration behind your business? Why do you do what you do?
Artists are my inspiration. Having seen many struggle with the traditional gallery system, I thought there should be a middle road where affordable collections could be developed to support their practise & bring the wider public some great choice in art products. I set up Paper Empire to be involved with several industries I love – design, retail, interiors & art.
What were you doing before you started your business?
I was employed by an agency to represent other independent designers. Now I only represent myself & its so exciting!
What do you struggle the most within your business?
Finding balance! I work many hours & find it hard to switch off.
List 5 random things that you love….
Family Art Friends Great food Gallery crawling on a Saturday afternoon.
What does your dream life look to you?
What would you like your customers to know about your business (that they may not know already)?
I worked full time for first 18 months of my business. I’ve only been working full time in my own business for 1 year. It feels like a privilege.
Share any wins you have had with your business…
Surviving the first year! We’ve met some incredible & supportive customers and establishing our first showroom has been a lot of fun.
Website: www.paperempire.com.au
Instagram: www.instagram.com/paperempire_australia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/paperempireau
