Stay-at-home business owner is creative

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

Some cute stationery and a creative edge were what Joanne Butcher needed to stay home to take care of her children and operate a full-time business.

"I wanted something with flexible hours that enabled me to be with my family," Butcher said. "I also wanted a creative outlet."

Butcher, 42, opened The Paper Wagon in March 2006 in her Salem Woods home by offering personalized note pads. As her business grew, she added bar/bat mitzvah invitations, birth announcements, party invitations and more recently, wedding invitations.

"Shopping for the right paper products or invitations can be hard and time consuming," Butcher said. "I wanted to provide a service where all that was right at your fingertips."

Butcher meets with clients in their homes and brings samples. She helps clients choose design, color and layout. She also delivers.

"Busy moms can shop at home while their toddlers are taking a nap or when the kids are at school," Butcher said. "People love the convenience."

Abbey Cook, 27, used The Paper Wagon to order thank-you cards after her wedding. She has since ordered baby announcements, Christmas cards and note pads.

"You really get a personal touch," Cook said of Butcher. "She is helpful when picking out designs and always has great advice."

Cook said she also appreciated Butcher coming to her house to do the orders, especially when she had a baby. "I didn't have to worry about trying to get out of the house," she said.

Butcher carries brand-name paper products such as Carlson Craft and New Art. A set of four note pads, for example, starts at $20 and wedding invitations range from under $1 to $3 each.

The Paper Wagon also offers personalized tote bags, luggage identification and personalized stamps.

"I love what I do because I get to be a part of some of the happiest times of people's lives," Butcher said. "I am celebrating with them."

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net