Meet Erica and Diana, the best friends behind Craftedvan Stationery Inc. — a Vancouver-based, female-run business bringing handmade charm to the world of reading. For over 13 years, the co-owners have been crafting their signature magnetic bookmarks and punny greeting cards with one simple mission: to put a smile on readers’ faces and rekindle a love for physical books.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is named Craftedvan Stationery Inc. We are a female-run stationery business running out of Vancouver, BC. We create handmade magnetic bookmarks and other stationery products, like punny greeting cards, that aim to put a smile on readers’ faces while enjoying a book.
What made you want to do this work?
Craftedvan’s goal is to bring back a love for physical books and for reading in general. It initially started out as a way for us to get together and “craft.” We’re both very creative at heart. We started making magnetic bookmarks as gifts for friends and family, and it organically grew into a full-blown business!
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
To be honest, we truly just wanted to spread happiness with our products. We all know how stressful and fast-paced life can be, and reading (plus our bookmarks!) is a great way to slow down and bring joy to everyday life.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our products cater to all ages and groups! Anyone can find enjoyment picking up the right book, and with so many bookmarks designs to choose from, it allows for their personality to shine through. This could be a retired couple who want to spend their time relaxing and reading on vacation as snowbirds, or a young reader picking up their first chapter book. Our bookmarks are accessible and fun for all.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
When we first started our business, we mainly sourced sales through small craft fairs. As we evolved and learned to scale, we mainly wholesale to stores across Canada, along with direct-to-consumer sales online.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our products can be found in various bookstores, gift shops and other retail stores across Canada. This includes local Vancouver stores like: Indigo, Giving Gifts, Book Warehouse, Make, Phoenix Books, Front and Company, Paper-YA. You can find our list of stockists on our website 🙂
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
At craft fairs and trade shows, we are usually asked: “How does it work?” and “Why does it need to be magnetic?”
Our answer is: Our bookmarks clip over the top of your page. It has a magnet on both sides of the bookmark that clips together. This way, it holds your spot while you are reading. If the book falls open in your bag or onto the floor, its magnetic properties prevent you from losing your spot while reading.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of our business is our friendship! We’ve known each other for 20+ years, created a business that has spanned over 13 years, and hang out or “work” multiple days a week together. The flexibility to work from home and at various hours that fit our lives is so special. We often find ourselves losing track of time while working because it goes by so quickly.
The worst part is the fact that we work from home, lose track of time, and forget to drink water or go outside like normal humans should. It gets difficult peeling ourselves off the couch while crafting! And just like any small business, it can be difficult to turn it off or “leave the work at work” because it is literally in our homes 😛
We also wear all of the hats in our small business: production, social media, finances, admin, design. The list goes on and on. So while the creative control over our business is completely ours, it can be a lot to juggle each day!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
About our profession? Favourite joke is that we started a small business, thinking it would free up more time. Ha! But really, it’s an important job – we design bookmarks – tiny emotional support systems for readers who can’t commit to finishing a chapter. 😀
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Website | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Another local business we admire is Box Not Box.
They are a creative studio, making personalized items and builds, specifically laser-cut pieces and custom wood builds.
They’ve helped us grow our business with custom signage and shelving. They also do some really fun things for wedding events and birthdays, reminding us that we need to celebrate life more often!
