Pawpear is a paper stationery brand created by Kim Whyte and born from a lifelong love of paper and the art of the handwritten message. Its products are colourful paper stationery & prints made in Ireland which celebrate the country's rich culture, nature, and heritage. Every design incorporates elements of the Irish language, making each piece a small tribute to Ireland's unique identity. Kim explains their aims, “Our mission is to reconnect people through the simple yet profound act of writing cards and letters, offering a quiet rebellion against the "send" button.”
Kim's background is in visual communication. With years of experience as a stationery designer in London she was uniquely positioned to create products that resonate both visually and emotionally. “Pawpear is more than just a stationery brand, it’s a love letter to Ireland, bringing people closer together through the slow art of the handwritten message.”
The business has had ongoing support from its Local Enterprise Office. A Trading Online Voucher partly funded the copywriting required for its website. This laid a strong foundation for the business by establishing its brand’s tone of voice and communications. The LEO also assisted the brand, exhibiting it in the LEO hall at Showcase 2024. This was a game-changer for Pawpear. It marked the first foray into wholesaling, and just 11 months later, it is proud to be stocked in 50 stores across Ireland and the UK.
The Promoter’s Salary Grant from the LEO has also been essential for supporting the development of a sustainable business, but the guidance and expertise provided by an export mentor has been truly transformative. Kim says she doesn’t know where they would be without the help of the LEO, “The support we received from our Local Enterprise Office has been instrumental in helping us get off the ground, set goals, and plan for the future.
“Our passion for paper isn't just about nostalgia, it's grounded in a commitment to sustainability. We work with local Irish suppliers, many of whom are family owned businesses, to source materials responsibly.
“Our packaging is PEFC-certified, recycled, or sourced from sustainably managed forests, and we reuse all packaging wherever possible. We also donate to HomeTree, supporting reforestation efforts in Ireland, making sure our products give back to the environment.”
Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes, grants and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.
To learn more about Pawpear, see www.pawpear.ie
