#SmallBizSpotlight Featured Member: Pam Pease, founder of PAINTBOX PRESS

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It's that time of year again.  The nights are colder, the mornings crisp, and the back to school routines are just starting. These things are just in time for this weeks #SmallBizSpotlight star, Pamela Pease, who is dedicated to the education, inspiration, and creativity of kids young, and old.  She is the designer, author, and creator of both PAINTBOX PRESS and KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, INC.

 
PAINTBOX PRESS was established in 2002 creating innovative books for children focused around nostalgic world class events, such as the Macy's Day Parade. Pease then created the KTD team and launched KIDS DEDIGN COLLABORATIVE,INC, a non-profit design resource for aspiring young designers. This non profit has created many exciting activities such as, DESIGN DOSSIERS® and KIDSTHINKDESIGN.ORG, which she discusses her motivation, challenges, and excitement for in this week's #SmallBizSpotlight interview. 

 

What inspired you to get started?
My favorite quote is "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it." So I did!
 
As a designer and entrepreneur, I wanted to create interactive books around things I enjoy: art, design, architecture, gardens, fashion, travel and world-class events. I started Paintbox Press after getting my Master of Arts degree and moving from New York to Chapel Hill, NC. Relocating provided the perfect opportunity to take a leap into the unknown.
 
Painbox Press Graphic Design interactive books
 
Paintbox Press interactive design books
 
What was your background? Was it in what you are doing now?
I have an design background in both the fashion and publishing industries. I studied at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture & Art, and began my career in Los Angeles as a swimwear and sportswear designer. Taking ideas from concept to finished product is what I love to do.

KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE INC

What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company?
Being willing to put yourself "out there" can be daunting. But there is no reward without risk!

My biggest challenge has been having the courage to follow my own instincts about people and business. I have learned that putting yourself in the right place at the right time can open many doors. But that is just the first step. Finding and collaborating with others  whose talents and values complement my own has created the most significant growth opportunities for me.

What do you have going on in your business right now that you're excited about?
We are working on a series of books on creativity for kids 10+ that really have the potential to change lives. We hope to inspire the next generation of innovators by showing young people how they might bring their own great ideas to life in a variety of creative professions. Igniting that spark in kids has us very excited! This is not something kids are typically exposed to in school. 

Along with the Design Dossier series, we have developed a carefully curated ad-free website www.kidsthinkdesign.org, featuring KIDS DESIGN LAB, which keeps students up-to-date on news about design and extends our reach into schools nationwide. This school and museum initiative allowed kids to connect with creative professionals. The website also promotes design thinking and even provides a showcase for kids' original projects.

Where would you love to see your business in 5 years?
I would like to see design and creative thinking incorporated into both school curriculum and informal learning environments. These are competencies that will help kids thrive in the 21st century. I envision Paintbox Press playing a significant role as a catalyst to make that happen within the next five years.

PAINTBOX PRESS