A decade ago, Papier was just an idea. Today, it's a brand loved by discerning paper people around the world. To celebrate our 10th birthday, we caught up with our founder and CEO, Taymoor, for a conversation about building something beautiful from scratch.
He opens up about the scrappy early days, the highs and lows, and the people who’ve helped to shape Papier’s story so far. Here’s a look at ten years of creativity, hustle and memories – in his own words.
Is it true you kept Papier a secret at first, even from your friends?
Yes, ideas are like seeds. They need time to grow and take root – to be nurtured before they're exposed to too much light. When it came to Papier, I wasn’t ready to share it with the world (or my friends) until there was something to show.
Launching a business is scary. What often adds to the fear is the social anxiety of telling people you’re quitting a stable job to do something where the odds are heavily stacked against you.
What’s a ritual or habit you’ve kept throughout the last decade – creative or otherwise?
Cooking. I cook a lot, almost every evening and I rarely cook the same thing. I have a big library of cookbooks that I’ve collected over the years. It’s my way of switching off, but I also find it inherently creative – a craft that you improve on over time. And something that you ultimately enjoy with others.
Is there a particular notebook, card or design you’ll always feel emotionally attached to?
The Wildflower Monogram foiled wedding invitation. I used it for our town hall wedding in London, so it will always be special.
Finish this sentence: Papier makes me feel _______
Proud. As clichéd as it is, a decade gives you a real sense that you’ve built something that’s here to stay. And it’s not actually the scale that I’m most proud of – it’s the people. The ones who are with us today, and those who built their careers at Papier and have gone on to do incredible things.
Be honest. How many times have you cried at work over the past ten years? (Happy tears count too.)
Countless happy tears – it’s a running joke in the office. I often give a speech at Papier events and milestones, and no matter how hard I try, I end up welling up – overcome with emotion and gratitude. It’s got to the point where people have started taking bets on it!
There have also been sad tears. I lost my father to cancer earlier this year. He was a big part of my life and I always worked hard to make him proud. I’m so grateful to my team who supported me throughout it and were, at points, a shoulder to cry on.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone with a business idea scribbled in the back of a notebook?
Just do it! Ignore the countless voices in your head and from others giving you reasons for why you shouldn’t do it and why it will fail. And don’t overthink it. The idea you start with is rarely what you end up with, so just get something out there and refine it every day.
What’s something Papier has taught you about people?
That there is immense generosity, kindness and loyalty in people. And that you should never take it for granted.
Tell us your proudest pinch-me moment so far.
Hitting our four millionth order. I still remember the first year when we’d be lucky to get an order every hour. I’d be hitting “refresh” on our internal dashboard to see if one had come through...
If you had to write a six-word note to your younger self starting this journey, what would it say?
Enjoy every moment, high and low.
And finally, when you blow out the candles on Papier’s birthday cake, what will you be wishing for next?
That the next 10 years bring me just as much joy, fulfilment and learning as the last decade.
Here's to the next CHAPTER
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