In a world that often feels fast-paced and screen-filled, 12-year-old Harper Lou is bringing back the charm of handwritten words and heartfelt connections through her business, Poetic Paper by Harper Lou. Local to our Rochester community, this young entrepreneur has turned her love for drawing, writing, and spreading joy into a growing greeting card company with an ever-expanding collection of thoughtful designs.
"Growing up, I’ve always loved art, being creative, and making money," Harper shares. Her earliest memories of creating date back to her grandma’s visits: "My Grandma K used to bring over a ‘craft of the day’ every time she visited, and the crafts progressed in level of difficulty, eventually decorating our house for the holidays."From a homemade vending machine crafted out of a cardboard box to driveway mini markets filled with handmade crafts, Harper's entrepreneurial spirit was clear early on.
Before launching her online shop, Harper first tested her card line at her neighborhood sale. "Last summer was the first time I sold my handmade cards, and it was a hit!" Encouraged by that success, she used the income to invest in her very own business and, at age 12, launched *Poetic Paper by Harper Lou*.
Her journey into card design began during the COVID-19 pandemic. "At the age of eight years old, I started drawing and designing cards for fun during COVID. I hand-drew every single card and gave them out to family and friends." As she developed her brand, her dad suggested scanning her handmade cards to reproduce them more efficiently. "So, for my 12th birthday and Christmas, I received my own printer. Shortly after that, I began designing my online store."
A love of words runs in Harper's family. "My mom was a Language Arts teacher, so I was born into a home that fostered my love for reading and writing. “I have always enjoyed being creative and imaginative, and I wrote stories when I was little”, shares Harper.
That thoughtful sentiment is the foundation of her business. “The cards I create serve as an avenue for people to write a special note of love, appreciation, admiration, or thoughtfulness. To receive a card is a gift, and I like that my business is part of the gifting process, whether as stationery or the thoughtful message written on one of my cards,” explains Harper.
Harper's creative process involves both traditional and digital methods. "Originally, I did not use any technology to produce a card, but we found it was much faster and more efficient to upload my hand-drawn designs to the computer and print from there." She now uses Canva to format designs, add text, and create matching stationery. Still, her work remains largely analog at heart. “At home, we try to use as minimal of technology as possible, and this allows me to explore my own art throughout the cards. Working solely on a computer can limit my creative abilities and work places, such as outside in my backyard or on vacation,” shares Harper.
Even as a business owner, Harper remains intentionally unplugged. "I don’t have a phone or watch, so I can be more productive with my time by making cards and doing other hobbies." She checks orders and fulfills them from her workspace at home, using her mom’s phone only when needed.
Outside of *Poetic Paper*, Harper is a well-rounded and joyful kid. "Some hobbies of mine are playing basketball and spending time with my family. We especially enjoy eating out at downtown Rochester’s restaurants." She also plays on an AAU basketball team, has recently taken up lacrosse, and attends mass with her family at St. Andrew Catholic Church. "I am thankful for my faith, as all the success and joy I experience in life are truly a gift from God."
Her family is at the heart of everything. "My parents help me run my business and play a huge role in *Poetic Paper by Harper Lou*. My dad helps me with the financial side of my business... My mom has an eye for design and helps me with the format of some of my cards." Her younger sisters, Ruby and Wynnie, inspire creativity at home with their energy and love of play.
Harper's favorite card? "The Peony 'Thinking of You' card is among my favorites because I love flowers and being outside... I draw peonies often, whether it’s for a school assignment or outside on the concrete with chalk."
As her product line expands to include everything from graduation and teacher appreciation to wedding and baby shower cards, Harper remains focused on innovation. She dreams of seeing her cards become a household name in the community. "My overall goal is for there to be brand recognition when someone receives my cards and stationery." From seasonal lines to exploring opportunities at local markets, PTA collaborations, and beyond, she is determined to grow her business the right way.
And while she's excited about what's next, Harper never forgets to be grateful. "I think it is important to share how grateful I am to have a community that supports me." From friends and neighbors to her first wholesale opportunity at Studio Em & Lu, Harper's journey is a beautiful reminder that creativity, heart, and a strong village can take you anywhere.
"It is pretty cool that I am able to create something beautiful and sell it to someone who will write something beautiful in it for another person. To me, that is 'poetic' in itself."
"It is pretty cool that I am able to create something beautiful and sell it to someone who will write something beautiful in it for another person. To me, that is “poetic” in itself." shares Harper Lou
“The cards I create serve as an avenue for people to write a special note of love, appreciation, admiration, or thoughtfulness." says Haper Lou