For more than 20 years, Dominique Schurman has been the CEO of the Schurman Retail Group, which includes the popular greeting card company, Papyrus. After her father—who founded the company in 1950 with his wife—retired in 1991, it was Dominique’s turn to take the reins of the multi-million dollar company. What started out as a small business in the Schurman kitchen has now become a multi-million dollar company specializing in custom-printed announcements, greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, stationery, note cards, journals and other speciality products.
Minted chatted with Dominique about what it’s like running a family-owned business and how she handles her high-powered position as a mother of two.
Minted: Did you always want to take over the family business?
Dominique Schurman: No… I had not thought seriously about it until my father announced that he wanted to retire. I always loved the business but had not planned to take it over.
Minted: What’s the process of designing greeting cards? Do you yourself ever design the cards that are found at Papyrus?
DS: I do not personally design the cards. Our team develops the concepts, and we then work with artists around the world, as well as our own internal talent to design, and execute our concepts. We’ve had cards designed by Project Runway alum Rami Kashou, and we are about to announce an exciting new partnership with another notable designer.
Minted: What do you hope to see for the Schurman Retail Group in the future?
DS: We hope to be able to continue to develop exciting retail brands that lead the industry in design, quality and innovation. We will continue to open new stores, and have other exciting projects going on as well.
Minted: There is a saying that a handwritten card goes a long way. What are the top three most memorable cards that you have ever received?
DS: I have received many notes and letters that are incredibly meaningful. The ones that stand out are the notes that include heartfelt thoughts that may be hard to express in words. Sometimes the written word provides an avenue to say the things closest to your heart that may be hard to say out loud. These are the treasured notes and letters that have changed my life.
Minted: You’re a CEO and a mother of two boys, how did (do) you juggle it all?
DS:. It is truly a challenge to manage all aspects of my life. My boys are now young men in their twenties, so it has gotten much easier as they are living their own lives now. I don’t think there is an easy answer when it comes to juggling, it just takes a lot of love and effort and a willingness to stretch oneself everyday to do more.
Minted: Minted is for “The Modern Career Girl.” What’s your definition of a modern career girl?
DS: I would say a modern career girl is someone that is multi-faceted, is able to leverage the many tools in our world today, technology especially, and one who is true to herself, confident, and not afraid to take on challenges.
