“Soul Paper is a bit of a creative hub. It’s a stationery and paper shop that carries art supplies as well. Our whole philosophy is to create a space where people feel comfortable and valued.”
Businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today the StarPhoenix talks to Susan Gallagher, who recently moved her business, Soul Paper, to Broadway Avenue and celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Susan, who was born in Moose Jaw, always dreamt of opening her own paper shop.
After spending years working as an interior designer, she finally realized her dream and moved to Saskatoon to open her own business.
Her dad had told her stories of her great-grandfather, who was a successful entrepreneur of cattle and livestock in Saskatchewan, she said.
She was inspired to learn that her great-grandfather had built something from scratch that allowed him to fill a need in his community and make a difference. Susan makes her own difference now, in her own area of paper and art supplies.
Q: What is Soul Paper?
A: Soul Paper is a bit of a creative hub. It’s a stationery and paper shop that carries art supplies as well. Our whole philosophy is to create a space where people feel comfortable and valued. If they’re dabbling in something artistic, they don’t need to feel uncomfortable; they can feel free to ask questions. We’re happy to help.
Q: Why did you open Soul Paper in the first place?
A: Having a paper shop has been a dream of mine since I was in my early 20s. Life takes you down different roads and instead, I worked in interior design for a number of years.
I was born in Moose Jaw and have lived there and in Regina, prior to Saskatoon. As I and my siblings were growing up, they came up to Saskatoon for university, so I was coming up here to visit them.
I just think Saskatoon is such a beautiful city and I just love the feel of the city. My husband and I made the decision to come to Saskatoon for employment and to open Soul Paper. I was at a point in my life where this had been a dream for so long, and if I didn’t do it now, I’d always ask myself, ‘What if?’
Q: Why did you relocate Soul Paper this year?
A: Our first location was quite small. Over the years as we were bringing in new products we just ran out of space. Every time I wanted to bring something new in, we wondered where we were going to put it. Moving to Broadway just made a lot of sense in that regard. We also had a workshop space at the other location and we have a space here where community can gather.
Q: What products do you offer?
A: Soul Paper specializes in products that celebrate the milestones in our lives, our creativity, and our need to let others know we care. It is a venue for artistic exchange and community that occasionally offers classes where people can explore not only their ability to create, but a way to express who they are.
In our shop we carry a lot of products that inspire people to do something more — like our fountain pens. People start to write and then they write letters to each other and then they start to connect more deeply.
We carry books that have a positive message to them, that help people to look within themselves and become better in their journey. It’s something that’s supportive.
We don’t usually carry anything snarky in our shop. It’s usually a very nurturing type of product. Even if you’re coming in for a gift, you’ll find a gift that will be something that speaks soul to soul.
We’ve got large sheets of decorative paper from all over the world, that people use for all kinds of different things. They’ll do book binding or they’ll do mixed media art. They’ll frame it or they’ll decoupage it onto the back of a cabinet.
And then we’ve got the art supplies. We’ve got stationery and notebooks, all of the fun stationery things. We do have some fountain pens that are actually created by a local pensmith.
Q: What is your background that led you to open this business?
A: From an early age, I wanted to own my own business. To me there was just something magical about the thought of creating a place where I could meet and serve the people of my community.
Soon, I also developed a love affair with paper and art supplies. Books, cards, wrapping paper, boxes, pencil crayons, paint, you name it. I would spend hours colouring and making things out of paper.
I enjoyed working with my hands and learning new things and so I took up sewing, cross stitch, crocheting and anything else I could. I liked making gifts for those I loved, and continue to explore the many creative uses for the supplies around me. Beautiful things take me to a happy place, so I felt they would do the same for others.
Q: What kind of atmosphere will people find at Soul Paper?
A: The atmosphere has a bit of a nostalgic feel to it. We play older 40s music or jazz music, so it’s got an old-time feeling. The building itself was built in, I believe it was 1910. So it’s got its own history.
The actual aesthetic of the shop to me is just very joyful. Growing up in Moose Jaw, we had Main Street. When I was growing up there weren’t any malls, so Main Street was where we went to shop. That really influenced how I wanted Soul Paper to feel. That’s the vibe of the shop. It’s warm, it’s relaxing, it’s welcoming.
Q: You have a gathering spot for people in the shop?
A: At the very back of the shop there’s more of an open area. We’re still working on it. We’ve still got a few things on our to-do list to finish up. It’s an area where people will be able to come and just sit and journal or do some art if they’re wanting to sketch or whatever. We’ll also use it as a workshop space where we will offer art-based or creativity-based workshops.
Q: What sets Soul Paper apart?
A: I think personally it really is about connection. I think that a lot of people can sell the products that we sell, but I think it’s the connection that we build with people as they’re in our shop, and that feeling of community.
Q: What stands out from your recent 10th birthday celebrations?
A: What stood out to me the most was how many lives we have been a part of since we started this journey. From previous team members who came to play live music or taught a craft at our celebration, to the longtime customers that came to celebrate and bring hugs and share stories. It was truly touching.
Q: What do you love most about owning Soul Paper?
A: What gives me the most joy is the happiness I see when people come into the shop. They smile and they’re happy, and much of the time they leave happier than when they came in, even if they haven’t purchased anything.
It really is about them having a better day. That’s so important. Our tagline is, ’Feed your Soul every day’. That’s what feeds my soul: creating something that gives other people joy. And I hope that what feeds their soul is coming in and being able to visit with us or find something for someone they love to give as a gift or find something creative.
So, it’s one soul to another.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Soul Paper
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