#FollowPawpear
For our latest #Follow we have the pleasure of shining the spotlight into the world of Kim Whyte, the founder of Pawpear, a vibrant Irish stationery brand that embraces bold designs, vivid colours, and the beauty of the Irish language. Kim's passion for paper and illustration is evident in every aspect of her work. From her beginnings as a stationery designer in London to her deep connection with her native Ireland, Kim has built a brand that celebrates both her creativity and her love for her homeland. Join us as we explore Kim's journey as a female founder, the support she received from the AwakenHub community, and her inspiring vision for the future.
Kim is a graduate of our SheGenerate2.0 programme. EOI for SheGenerate3.0 are now open SheGenerate 3.0 — AwakenHub
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
A paper-obsessed designer and illustrator.
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
Pawpear is a proudly Irish stationery brand that celebrates vivid colour, bold design and the Irish language. I spent years working as a stationery designer in London and on returning home to Ireland, I began to relearn our native language. The Irish word for paper is 'páipéar' (pronounced 'paw-pear') and the brand combines my love of colourful illustration and my passion for paper.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I grew up by the sea in Youghal, Co. Cork, and have a BA in Visual Communication from the Limerick School of Art & Design. I've been a mural painter, a landscape artist, a portrait sketcher, a print designer, and held origami workshops for children. Paper has permeated every aspect of my life. I run a brand design studio, Figgydoo (now in its fourth year), and set up Pawpear in the summer of last year. I'm currently living in rural Co. Waterford with a lovely South African and two German dogs, happily enveloped by nature and wildlife.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
I heard Tim Sanders' quote "your network is your net worth" some years back when I was living and working in London and had not one social media account. It resurfaced in my mind when I moved home and decided to 'work for myself' in rural Ireland. This was my biggest challenge. Knowing I needed help and guidance, I applied for the Back for Business programme led by Paula Fitzsimons and was selected. I began to build a network. Being picked for the AwakenHub SheGenerate programme has amplified this considerably. The support of the community spurs me on each week and the knowledge I've gained has been invaluable.
How has being part of the AwakenHub community and SheGenerate helped your business?
The collective knowledge and expertise of the women founders in the community is staggering. They've been there, done that – or if they haven't, they know someone who has. I worried for months about how best to divide my time between two businesses and at an AwakenHub event Q&A, Bec Evans gave me a simple solution in 30 seconds. This, coupled with additional advice from multiple-business owner Louise O'Conor, has completely changed how I work.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
I spent a lot of time working as an employee IN my own business. Working ON the business is vital. What's even more vital is giving time to myself AWAY from the business. When I am feeling good, it benefits everything and everyone around me.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
In 12 months, Pawpear will be stocked in select retailers around the island. In 5 years, you'll find our products in stores worldwide.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
1. Stay true to your gut. Everyone will want to give you advice (friends and family in particular), especially when you're starting out. They'll mean well but only you know your business and where you want to go.
2. Be ruthless in your organisation. Each day, I spend the first half on one business and then switch to another. I use different notebooks, pens, and browsers, and even light different scented candles for each. Everything is entirely separate – I think of it as two different workplaces.
3. Pick up the phone or organise a video call or in-person meeting. When you work with many suppliers, things can move very slowly. Promises are made and broken at the click of a keyboard. People act differently when you can see and hear them.
You recently took part in our SheGenerate programme and Big Sister workshops. What have you learned from these sessions and what actions are you taking on foot of the insights gained?
The Big Sister workshops have been incredibly enlightening. They provided valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and empowered me to take specific actions. Based on what I've learned, I am focusing on further developing my networking skills and leveraging the knowledge shared within the AwakenHub community.
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
Send a card or a letter to a friend or family member. Write something and post it. Tell them you're thinking of them. It is an inexpensive and powerful thing to do and will always have a positive ripple effect. I know a great Irish stationery brand...(Pawpear: Stationery for colour lovers)
Any question you would like to add or any comments on any of the above?
Thank you for everything, Team AwakenHub. Applying for SheGenerate is genuinely one of the best decisions I've ever made.
#FollowPawpear and connect below
