We all have one thing in common (okay, well two if you count the chocolate thing): a love of paper. Whether we came to this passion early or late, we adore paper – touching it and seeing all the beautiful ways it’s transformed in the act of communication. We’re here to help you make the most of the PaperSpecs database and Web site and to show you how to find your perfect paper, buy it sustainably and use it creatively. Nice to meet you!
Sabine, Paper Queen
You know her as PaperSpecs’ founder, president and CEO, but let’s talk about the important stuff. Sabine hails from Germany, where she started as a designer. She moved to Australia where her penchant for paper drew her to actually making it at Creative Paper Tasmania (“a messy, but very empowering and eye-opening experience”).
As a current U.S. resident and tea connoisseur, there’s always a large variety of loose black tea on hand – no green tea in her cupboard … way too healthy. Helpful tip: it’s best not to call her before she’s had her first cup in the morning.
She says she loves doing anything artsy from going to museums to seeing independent films, but given the amount of work she accomplishes in any given day, we’re not sure when she finds the time for this. Her favorite color is yellow, the warm nearly orangey kind, because it reflects her nearly never-ending optimism.
Erika, Paper Mill Stalker
Erika seeks (and finds) the information needed to update our amazing PaperSpecs paper database. She joined the group through a connection with “the wonderful Nancy Noble” of her alma mater SFSU.Erika has a background in office management/administration and graphic design, which equals a perfect fit for PaperSpecs.
She organizes, makes lists, is creative and LOVES paper. When our paper mill stalker is not managing the database, she’s either spending time with her kids or taking a kickboxing class (she finds the class gives her a distinct advantage when gathering industry intelligence).
She enjoys a pint (beer, not ice cream), which is her one and only vice – really – otherwise she tends to snack on fruits, veggies and oatmeal.
Melissa, Detail Cruncher
When Melissa was young, her family had two pet geese for a short time. They loved her mom, but would pretty much chase (and often bite the backsides) of anyone else who ventured into the backyard. This experience prepared her for a career as an 8th grade science teacher.
Her first experiment with paper was making molded tags out of pulp. Bitten by the paper bug, she went on to become an avid scrapbooker and latté drinker who now finds time to update our paper database. She says she has to have the latté to keep up with the changes, but we think she just likes holding the cup. When asked what her favorite color (purple) says about her, Melissa replied, “I think it says that I am feminine and have expensive taste.”
Shannon, Chief Pitchster
Over the past seven years, Shannon has worked within the printing industry and gotten to know PaperSpecs through the local PIA chapter – Printing Industries of Northern California (PINC). She loves to develop relationships with clients, so it only makes sense that she’s our director of sales.
When not pitching our many fine marketing opportunities, she enjoys playing with her kids, eating sushi and swimming in any water that is available. Oh, and her favorite color this week is pink, but that’s this week.
Cyd, Wordy One
Self-described as tongue-tied and shy (Sabine has just fainted due to lack of oxygen from laughing so hard), Cyd prefers the written word to the spoken one. She edits the weekly e-newsletter, occasionally writes the always-interesting-and-informative Tip, removes unnecessary commas and adds the forgotten ones.
Cyd survived 25 years in the corporate printing and publishing world to pursue her love of paper, photography and writing. She adores cooking and eating Italian food (no lima beans), walking with her black Lab Cappa, and lounging in the shade with her husband Frank after a road trip to anywhere.
