Our Story

Paper Protégé was founded in July of 2016, and launched in Olivia Rose, a children's boutique located in downtown Milton in August 2016.

Our humble beginnings at Olivia Rose Boutique

The Name

Protégé; a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.

The name was born from the realization that I, myself was in fact a protégé. I had been guided by many people in my life and learned much of my knowledge and business know-how from my mentor(s). Paper Protégé was named after all the mentors in my life- namely my father. My Dad was my biggest cheerleader for every single business competition I ever competed in. He always encouraged me to follow my passions, to tap into my creativity and was the first to introduce me to the world of business.

In grade 12 I got my first job. Little did I know this job would lead me to starting what is now known as Paper Protégé. 

One day a customer came in to purchase a gift and asked me where the closest store was so she could buy a card. After this shift (I'm not even joking) I drove straight to the craft store and bought a pack of blank white cards. I was a 17 year old student with minimal design experience, a new inkjet printer and an old hand-me-down laptop. 

The first ever card designs were (no joke) created on microsoft word, and printed on my HP inkjet printer. 

Today, Paper Protégé has been running for 4 years, I have outsourced the printing to a print shop, and the designs are now created by talented local artists across Canada.

I am so excited that you stopped by to check out my cards, and read my story. These 8 years have been an amazing adventure, and Paper Protégé is just getting started!