Hello and welcome! I'm Jenny Williams and I create bookish products inspired by classic literary heroines for kindred spirits ...
The idea that inspired my shop is near and dear to my heart. As a history major in college, my career started out in politics on Capitol Hill, where I quickly learned that my life's calling was elsewhere. Finding the "elsewhere" was the challenge.
My business idea began a few years later, when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, scouring the internet for cute, literary-themed artwork for her nursery -- and I couldn’t find what I was looking for anywhere.
When I found out we were having a little girl, one of the things I most looked forward to was sharing my love of reading with her. I wanted her to have artwork in her room that would inspire curiosity about, and admiration for, the strong literary heroines I love so dearly.
I gave up my futile search for literary decor, and created my first literary heroine banner on paper torn out of a notebook.
I wasn't planning on starting a business at that point, but after receiving feedback from friends and family, I realized there were other moms out there looking for the same thing for their daughters, and I wanted to give them exactly what I had been looking for.
A few months later, after many long days of working through my baby's nap times, I released my very first product line of five literary heroine prints, and five bookish quote prints. Many product lines later, my shop has expanded to include all kinds of gift items for bookish souls, and has been featured by Buzzfeed, Modern Mrs. Darcy, Read Aloud Revival, Daily Connoisseur, Well-Read Mom, and more.
On August 6, 2024, look for Eat Like a Heroine, the book, which I co-wrote with my dear friend Lorilee Craker and published by End Game Press. (In the meantime, find our podcast, Eat Like a Heroine, wherever you like to listen!)
I've always dreamed of a job that didn't feel like work, and creating literary artwork for fellow bibliophiles is definitely it. I absolutely love connecting with fellow literary-fans and kindred spirits. I am quick to tell inquiring minds that I have the kindest customers a girl could ask for. I love talking about your favorite books, and getting your excellent feedback on future products! (Follow @carrottoppapershop on instagram to join the party.)
My hope is that my shop has exactly what you need to brighten your daughter's room, classroom, your book space, or boring office cubicle. Carrot Top Paper Shop has designs for kindred spirits of all ages. And as Anne Shirley says, kindred spirits aren't as scarce as I used to think. :)
A note about my process:
I draw and paint all of my artwork by hand in my bright and cheerful home studio with a variety of mediums, from Pan Pastels to Copic markers to gouache paints. As my business has grown, I've partnered with many local businesses here in Oklahoma to make use of their professional printing services, and bring you the best possible product.
Join the Kindred Spirit club for new product updates, sales, freebies, and more: http://eepurl.com/bD2_tb
