Interview with: Lisa Forde
Company Name: Dotty About Paper (Formerly The Card Gallery)
Location / Coverage: We are based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, and sell to wedding couples nationwide.
What does Dotty About Paper do?
Dotty About Paper specialises in personalised wedding stationery collections and has everything to match for your big day. We also offer free samples, a free on-line proof service and free delivery.
Who works at Dotty About Paper and what are your roles?
I (Lisa Forde) am the managing director, Natalie is supervisor/my assistant, Amy and Yvonne are typesetters/admin assistants, and Lisa H, Jean, Nikki, Beccy and Hollie are admin/dispatch assistants. Although we have our main job roles, we are a small business so all have a hands-on approach to covering a wide range of other tasks when required.
How did Dotty About Paper come about and how long has the company been running?
I began Dotty About Paper in 2004 after organising my own wedding. My husband and I got married in church and had our reception at a wonderful country house in Shropshire. I found the stationery planning to be rather expensive and a bit of a minefield, so set up Dotty About Paper to help overcome some of the problems we had experienced.
Why is your company called Dotty About Paper?
We wanted a name that was simple, whilst conveying that we offered a wide range of products.
Describe your workshop.
We operate from a house in Bridgnorth which has been converted for business use. We have the stock room and offices upstairs and the dispatch area downstairs. It works really well and offers a warm, comfortable environment that the team all love.
Have you always been creative?
I’ve always enjoyed design work, but concentrated the early years of my career on learning the skills needed to run a business — product buying, marketing, finance etc so when I started Dotty About Paper 10 years ago, I knew I could make a success of it.
What wedding stationery can Dotty About Paper make?
Dotty About Paper can pretty much make most wedding stationery. We currently offer a wide range of products like save the date magnets, wedding invitations, envelope seals, order of service, table plans, personalised wine bottle labels and much more…
Do you offer a bespoke wedding stationery service as well as your collections?
Yes, we offer a bespoke wedding stationery service; we ask that customers contact us direct about this.
How do you create bespoke stationery for each of your couples? What’s involved in the planning?
Each wedding couple is different so we are usually led by them regarding design, time scale and individual requirements.
Does Dotty About Paper just make wedding stationery or do you have other products and services?
Dotty About Paper also has Baby and Occasions sections on the website. These contain an extensive range of stationery and accessories for:
- Christening
- Birthday
- Hen Night
- Engagement
- Anniversary
- Bridal Shower
- Baby Shower
- Christmas
Do you have a favourite stationery collection that Dotty About Paper has designed?
I’ve always loved our Rose Wedding Invitation designs as roses are my favourite flower and add such a classic touch to a wedding. However, we’ve recently launched a new range of vintage wedding invitations which I think have to be added to my list of favourites too!
Random question… What is your favourite dessert?
Mom’s lemon cake. She often bakes one and brings it in on a Thursday for the girls in the office — it always goes down very well with a cuppa!
Where can I find out more about Dotty About Paper?
- Website: www.dottyaboutpaper.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DottyaboutPaper
- Twitter: @dottyaboutpaper
