Jack + Ella Paper — Vendor Spotlight

Brand inspiration:

Getting started:

Jessica Bates started her eco-conscious stationery line when family and friends requested her custom cards after seeing her family holiday cards. Turning a hobby into a brand takes hard work and dedication which is evident in each Jack + Ella product, website and post. Growing from a part-time Etsy store to an ecommerce site, Jessica creates modern stationery for consumers and retail stores. Her love of stationery has kept this venture from feeling “like a job,” says Jessica. The variety of projects each day keeps Jessica inspired.

Setting Jack + Ella apart:

Jessica takes environmental factors seriously in all aspects of Jack + Ella using 100% recycled and locally sourced cardstock for her designs. Even the packaging materials are eco-friendly whether it’s reused bubble wrap or recycled paper. Jessica says she “tried using card sleeves made out of corn; unfortunately, they didn’t have a long shelf life.” Simplistic design also sets Jack + Ella products apart. The minimally designed mostly black, white and kraft products are simply elegant and far from boring.

What’s next:

Jessica continues to learn and grow as an entrepreneur taking online business courses and reflecting on her experiences with Jack + Ella. She’s working on a new website after her recent rebranding and is having fun with the process. “It’s a ton of work and a lot of learning as I go,” says Jessica, “but to create an entire brand and website that’s all yours is pretty amazing.” In addition to her new website, Jessica is also concentrating on growing her wholesale business.

Wisconsin:

As an Illinois native, Jessica spent many weekends in Madison throughout her childhood. After a five-year stay in Florida following college, Jessica and her husband knew they wanted to raise their children, Jack and Ella, in Wisconsin for the midwest values and beautiful change of seasons. Some of her favorite places in this state are close to home: the bike paths, the Memorial Union Terrace on a Friday night, the Grumpy Troll for pretzels and Devils Lake for hiking.