Daphne Xia

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Picture by Brian Soergel

After operating in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market for a decade, the Paper Feather, a local gift and stationery shop owned by Jennifer Cullin decided it was time for a move to downtown Edmonds. She opened the store in April.

Now, Cullin said the Paper Feather is thriving in Edmonds thanks to the supportive community and numerous collaborative events.

The main reason for the shop’s move to downtown Edmonds? Cullin said it was the distance. The Paper Feather is now only eight minutes away from Cullin’s home in Richmond Beach. Beside the quicker commute, the new location brought other advantages for the shop, she said.

Such as: When the Paper Feather moved to Third Avenue North in the Alister Place building, surrounding businesses warmly welcomed Cullin and her shop.

“It’s been really busy, and everyone’s been so welcoming,” said Cullin.

Edmonds’ business community certainly has a reputation for welcoming new small businesses to town. Cullin recalled how her neighboring businesses greeted the Paper Feather when she set up shop. She praised Ombu Salon + Spa, also on Third Avenue North.

“The salon across the street – (Beth Sanger) is so supportive of local businesses. And she plans the events and the art walk. So it’s been really nice being across from her.”

Sanger is the advisory board secretary for the Downtown Edmonds Alliance (Ed!), which exists to support and improve business conditions in Edmonds

“Pike Place was good, but I was kind of on the backside (of the market) so I got more people asking questions like, ‘Where’s the gum wall?’ or ‘Where’s the main market?’”

Not only did the location make it harder for sales, but the cramped space limited room for displays and storage.

Cullin’s shop in Seattle was only 160 square feet, and located in the back of the market on Western Avenue. Now, she has a whole wall of cards displayed in the store and a back room where she keeps her printer.

As a worldwide destination that attracts tourists as well as locals, Pike Place Market was a great place with opportunities to start a brand, said Cullin, but downtown Edmonds gives the Paper Feather a chance to grow as it provides a smaller and centralized environment for small businesses to thrive. Moreover, people now actually stop by to check out the store instead of asking for directions.

Back at Pike Place Market, Cullin participated in events including mural painting and art walks. That will continue in her new home.

In Edmonds, Cullin participated in the city’s popular monthly art walk for the first time in July.

“That’s why I love Edmonds so much, because they have so many fun events,” Cullin said. “I feel like every month we have something that is good for the community to do.”

Cullin wants to become a part of the downtown community. She is looking into the Chamber of Commerce, Edmonds Downtown Alliance, and Downton Edmonds Merchants Association (DEMA).

“I’ve been coming to those meetings, where we meet up and talk about different events,” she said.

Cullin said that what makes the Paper Feather stand out is that she designs and prints all the shop’s greeting cards. She also creates custom invitations, wedding stationery, hand-lettering, artwork, and customized pieces for events. She said this distinguishes her shop from similar stores in town.

And, as a business that also supports other smaller independently owned businesses, Cullin collaborates with local, women-owned businesses for items such as candles and jewelry.

“I feel like because I print my own, that gives me a unique twist. So I make the designs here and go to the back and print them. I can do custom stuff for people. So I think that’s what makes me different.”