Leap of Faith: Paper June
Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography
DREAM
Angie Grau dreams big. At Paper June, she wants to cultivate an arts community for children and grow a love of reading in our youngest citizens. Grau imagines a future Topeka brightened by innovators and big thinkers who developed their problem-solving skills through creativity and play. She opened her small business in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District to accomplish these goals, by enriching the lives of children.
Grau describes Paper June as a children’s book and creativity shop. It’s not only a bookstore, it’s also a space for creativity and an event venue. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she had been dreaming of such a space for many years, but she didn’t picture herself as the founder.
“I can’t really say that this was my dream,” Grau said, “not exactly. I would say how nice it would be to see a place in Topeka that could bring kids together as an arts community, or talk about the kind of bookstore I’d like to see for my kids. It was just talking among friends about how cool it would be. Then a friend agreed that it would be great and said that I should be the one to make it happen. At first I laughed it off , but the idea took hold.”
BELIEVE
Once the idea took hold, Grau couldn’t shake it off, even though striking out on her own would mean big changes for herself and her family. Grau had been working at Advisors Excel for about six years when she made the decision to go out on her own, leaving the comfort and security of a job with one of Topeka’s beloved employers.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Grau said, “but the timing was right. I was at the top of my form in my work with Advisors Excel, and I was ready to change and grow. I was at a point in my career where I wanted to do something bigger than myself. I wanted to see the positive impact I could make on our community, and I believe that reading, writing and art, and learning through play have the power to transform the minds of kiddos. I believe these things are the building blocks to a successful education and future.”
Grau points out that her time working at Advisors Excel was extremely influential in her decision to open Paper June. Colleagues and friends from AE supported Grau on her journey, beginning with encouragement to pursue her “wouldn’t it be cool” idea, and on to brainstorming and providing feedback to help Grau name her business, design the logo and build the store’s online presence.
“AE taught me a lot about building relationships and never being complacent at work,” Grau said. “I also learned what type of business I want to own and what kind of boss I want to become. Cody Foster was so supportive, and gave me great advice. I learned how vital it is for businesses to support the local community—that being a local business comes with responsibility for supporting, growing and loving our community.”
RISKS
Perhaps most importantly, Advisors Excel built Angie’s confidence, so that she felt comfortable taking a big risk. “AE taught me that it’s OK to take a risk and ‘fail,’” Grau said. “Not succeeding in the way you anticipated isn’t true failure. Real failure is giving up, giving in or not trying at all.”
Opening a children’s bookstore and creative space has inherent risks. A business that serves children from infancy through elementary age has a smaller target market. The average years that customers will frequent the store is less than it would be for a traditional bookstore. And of course, as the owner and person in charge, Grau takes most of the responsibility for any hiccups.
“If there is an accounting error, it was me,” Grau said. “If there was an issue with inventory, it was me. If someone cried on the phone to the Department of Revenue because she was confused and overwhelmed, it was me. It’s all on me, and that is hard... and scary. Some of the best advice I received before opening the business was to figure out where your time is best spent and work with people to assist in some of the other areas. Someday, I am going to take that advice!”
Grau sees the greatest risks of starting a business at this time in her personal life. “Business risks can be worked through,” Grau said. “For me, the family risks are more delicate. As a wife and mom to three, my biggest risk is time away from my family. I stepped away from a Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 career to open my own business.”
BALANCE
Grau points out that for a business owner, it is harder to truly be “off work.” A business owner is often worrying, planning and brainstorming even when they are not on the job site. Fortunately, Grau has a great partner in her husband. She is optimistic about achieving a good balance between work and home.
“In our family, we often tell our kids, ‘family first,’” Grau said. “I have a feeling this will be a lifelong battle that will ebb and flow, but I need family time. It hurts to find out my youngest said new words while I was working, or there was a funny joke I missed. I know I can’t be home 24/7 and run a successful business. I’m going to miss some things at home, and I’m going to miss some things at the shop. Both Paper June (and my family) will be better for the balance, and my kids get to see their mom building a business and bringing joy to kids.”
NEXT
Now that Paper June is established and on to a good start, Grau is thinking ahead to her next steps, which means more risk. In the next two years, Grau hopes to host more events. She would like to hire a curriculum director with a background in art education, and to grow the art space. She plans to introduce preschool art programs during the day, and to connect with homeschool families. She also wants to continue building her business-to-business relationships, including doctors’ offices who can help her get books into the hands of kids.
“The possibilities are endless,” Grau said. “I get new ideas every day, and I’m listening to the kids, parents, and grandparents who visit my shop, to hear their ideas, too.”
PASSION
Grau has no doubt that her leap of faith was the right call. Her sincere passion and enthusiasm for her mission lights up her face when she speaks about her shop.
“On any given day, a child will walk through the door at Paper June and his or her eyes will light up
and a big smile will ll that little face. A grandma will sit for half an hour reading every board book on the shelf. A child who doesn’t like to read will beg mom or dad to buy a chapter book. Kids will create something beautiful in the studio and beam with pride. And Charli recently told me that she is proud to be my daughter, and proud of the store. She asked if she could work there when she grows up. So, naturally, I cried.”
Covid-19 Update:
How has the stay at home order impacted the way that you work?
ANGIE: Paper June is non-essential so we packed up the store and brought it home. I provide a personal shopper experience through social media or email, and I launched an online store. We offer free local delivery in Topeka and all items are left on the doorstep or in the mailbox to avoid contact with families. We moved our classes from the art studio to Zoom!
We hand-deliver art supplies to students and conduct Zoom classes online. It’s so great to see the kiddos’ faces and connect with them virtually.
Has the shutdown affected your strategy?
ANGIE: Our number one priority right now is family—my family and yours. My strategy is the same. My mission is the same. My place is different. I still want to nurture and encourage creativity through reading, writing, art and play. I still aim to provide amazing service in a comfortable setting. And we’re doing that—online.
