Today’s interview is with Carolyn Chu, founder of Papers + Ink Studio and creator of the most gorgeous, Instagrammable rolling papers you’ll ever use in your life. Read on to hear what inspired Carolyn to launch her leading line of organic rolling papers, how she starts her workday, and what’s next for the company’s future.
Tell me a bit about yourself and what led you to start Papers + Ink Studio.
I founded Papers + Ink Studio to build an entity that celebrates creativity, inclusivity through design, and to support the community. I noticed that there weren’t any high-quality, well-designed, and consciously produced rolling papers made in the United States that celebrate uniqueness. I’ve always been a color and patterns on patterns type of gal and all the papers out there were so plain and boring. So I was motivated to create my own line of premium rolling papers and accessories for people that like to have fun, are aesthetically inclined and seek luxurious experiences without forgoing function.
What’s been the biggest challenge about starting a business that’s cannabis adjacent?
Creating awareness can be a challenge because cannabis accessories are considered a “higher risk” business. We have similar restrictions as cannabis companies when it comes to what payment providers that we can use and how we market the products even though we don’t sell cannabis. So it’s been a lot of word of mouth and labors of love to spread the word. We are excited that the quality and design of our products have a broad appeal, they are carried in boutiques in 25+ states and internationally and featured in publications like Vogue and Forbes.
How big is your team and what does an average workday look like for you?
We are a small team of three womxn that work together regularly at the core and I work with consultants and contractors as needed.
I’m pretty boring nowadays – I wake up, make a matcha tea latte, and go on a garden walk. Sometimes I’ll also walk and take my morning meeting calls from there or sometimes I need to zen out, be silent, and walk in the grass barefoot. I like to call it garden therapy which is so well needed during these extra challenging times.
After that there’s really no average work day except it doesn’t end early! We are still young and in startup mode so it’s all hands on deck. A day could consist of anything from working closely in a design meeting with an artist collaborator on a new print concept, jamming on a custom project for a client, working on production and operations, or having my eyes go cross with a million spreadsheets.
What makes your smoking papers different than your competition?
Papers + Ink Studio is the leading provider of 100% organic pure hemp rolling papers with unique designs in full kits for the sophisticated smoker. Our premium kits are handmade in the United States from responsibly sourced components. Our customers repeatedly tell us that they can feel the love and intention in our products and that they just make them smile. They are the perfect present. Each all-in-one kit includes unbleached organic hemp rolling papers, smart slim filters, packing tool, and a pour tray.
Standard rolling papers can be found in every corner liquor stores and headshop. Many are made from wood pulps and rice and contain harmful additives like bleach to create the “white” color. Papers+Ink’s premium rolling papers can be found in boutiques, high-end design gift shops, premium dispensaries and online. Our organic hemp papers are unbleached and we print using vegetable-based colorings. Additionally, they are incredibly slow-burning and smooth, adding our filters provides an even better experience. Many customers use Papers+Ink for everyday use because our papers just make them happy and they know the quality. People also love the ability to customize our products for parties, special events, corporate gift or other activities.
What kind of goals do you have for the future of your business? Do you plan to expand to other products like bongs and glassware, or are papers where you plan on staying?
Our goal is to be the go-to brand for stylish cannabis consumers. We currently offer electronic windproof lighters, herbal grinders, and cone rolling machines and we are expanding our products line over time. We are really excited about two upcoming product collaborations that will include some gorgeous exclusive products from some of my favorite creators. One of my favorite things is creating with the people I love and admire, so it’s been incredible to really sit and ideate with collaborators for new products along with prints.
What would you most like to see change in the cannabis industry?
We are also very excited about the results of the election. It is great to see new states legalize cannabis and other medicines, but we would like to see legalization take hold across the country. Attitudes toward marijuana are changing dramatically, so we see an opportunity for growth in our business. Shifts in political policy are also changing as we find out more about the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. As there is more legalization, there will be more conversations that drive change socially. More than half of Americans believe marijuana use should be legalized and that number is expected to grow as more states become legal.
Where can we find you online?
Papersandink.com and @papersandinksesh on Instagram / Facebook