Posted Under: Next BIG Thing, Startup

Next in the “Next BIG Thing” series is Peru Paper Company. A business that produces and sells high-quality, handmade stationery and paper products from recycled materials, employing underprivileged and marginalized women in Peru who would otherwise not have the opportunity to make a livable wage to support their families.

Founder, Grace Bateman first fell in love with Peru on a trip during high school and moved there for a year after college and then again after graduate school.

Grace was impressed with the creativity and industriousness of Peruvian women, especially how they provided for their families in difficult circumstances. She stumbled upon the idea of making paper and cards and the women were eager to try it out.

The business idea started with a craft project in Trujillo, Peru with women with artistic ability making beautiful handmade paper and greeting cards. After some initial success with selling their products, she decided to pursue a business model. Grace partnered with the ladies with $100 and no idea that the business would grow to its current size, employing more women and transforming lives as they discover talents in card design and business management, while being uplifted by the dignity of work and provision for one’s family. Such ‘success’ is not measured monetarily and has been one of the great blessings of her life. She is deeply committed to Peru Paper, working to achieve its economic, environmental, social, and spiritual goals.

Today, Peru Paper Company is a business that produces and sells high-quality, handmade stationery and paper products fromrecycled materials, employing underprivileged and marginalized women in Peru who would otherwise not have the opportunity to make a livable wage to support their families. The designs use paper that is handmade by the women and composed of 100% post consumer waste. Most of the women working with their project are mothers who can now support their children through this work, so their products are not only artistic and eco-friendly, but have a wonderful story behind them.

When asked why she thinks she is the right fit for this business, she said “I lived and worked in Peru for a few years and know and love the women employed by Peru Paper and am committed to seeing it succeed. More than just the opportunity to run my own business, this is an opportunity for many Peruvian women to come out of poverty, and as we grow, we can employ more women. I have the personal connection to the women and the connection to the North American market, which is what they need to sell the product. I’m willing to do what it takes to make this business succeed, because I believe in the women who are behind it creating the products”.

We also asked her about current operations and challenges that she and her business are facing and she shared “since opening our online store on October 26, 2009, we have been generating revenue and currently retail our products in 11 retail locations in six different states as well. We currently employ 15 women in Peru in addition to our Peruvian manager. Our challenges include getting into new retail locations, driving more traffic to our website, and financing in our growing stages. Our number one challenge is funding, which is necessary to build a customer base through marketing, display at trade shows, and stay afloat in our initial stages”.

One fun fact about Grace’s socially responsible company, they also made waves at the Oscars as Jeff Bridges, Morgan Freeman, James Cameron, Sandra Bullock, and Jamie Foxx left the 82^nd Academy Awards with Peru Paper Cards in hand.

They have a great product, story, and business model and currently need help in securing financing and networking to grow the business. If you’re interested in getting involved with Peru Paper Company, help them raise funds or help them network, contact them here.

We wish all the best and much success to Grace and Peru Paper Company.