Carolyn Chu of Papers + Ink
It’s high time you meet Carolyn Chu. Blending unique design from BIPOC artists and craftspeople with botanical wellness, Carolyn is at the forefront of the cannabis conversation with her brand Papers + Ink. Inclusivity and expression is at the core of her brand — with funds raised for women’s health, among other issues. If you joined us at the October Show, you might have seen the buzz around Carolyn’s activation in the 10th Dimension, where she taught the art of rolling the perfect joint. Carolyn is committed to sharing her knowledge and destigmitizing use, as well as building community among “Blazers and Trailblazers” who enjoy life through activism and self-expression.
BEST BUDS: Join us in LA at our January Show for another exciting activation with papers + Ink!
NAME: Carolyn Chu (most call me ChuChu)
CITY: Los Angeles, Cali Cali
TELL US THE STORY OF HOW PAPERS + INK CAME TO BE: I founded Papers + Ink Studio to build an entity that celebrates creativity, inclusivity through design, and to support the community. I noticed that there weren't any high-quality, well-designed, and consciously produced rolling papers made in the United States that celebrate uniqueness. I’ve always been a color and patterns on patterns type of gal and all the papers out there then were so plain and boring. So I was motivated to create my own line of premium rolling papers and accessories for people that like to have fun, are aesthetically inclined and seek luxurious experiences without forgoing function. In other words, I created a company that designs gorgeous smoking accessories that you would be proud to leave out rather than hide away in a drawer.
NOT ONLY IS PAPERS + INK YOUR OWN STUDIO, BUT A COLLECTIVE OF ARTISTS AND CREATORS. WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TO SEE YOUR COMMUNITY EXPAND OVER THE YEARS? It’s so wonderful! Always fun to meet like minded innovators and trailblazers. I have experienced some of the stigmas around being a female smoker, and hope that by encouraging women to take pride in their herbal medicine use, a greater shift can be made throughout society. I created something that celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and unapologetic authenticity. One of our taglines is, ‘Papers as unique as you,’ and we keep this phrase at the forefront of all products and their designs. Attitudes toward cannabis are changing dramatically, so we see an opportunity for growth in our business. However, we know there is much more work to do in the normalization of cannabis use and other forms of herbal medicine, especially for women. We hope that by offering stylish and fun accessories, along with tools like cone rolling machines, we can help show that cannabis can be casual and accessible to all and you can see that from our growing community.
HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR COLLABORATORS, AND HOW DOES THAT INFORM YOUR BUSINESS? Everywhere! It’s so incredible to meet artists and creators I admire or have incredible ones reach out to us and introduce their work! We jam on ideas and inspirations and if we feel aligned we co-design and create together. Teamwork makes the dreamwork and that things are better when you work well together. We know a collaborative spirit pushes boundaries and fosters an open environment for truly creative ideation.
WHERE WE CAN FIND YOU IN 2023: On our website papersandink.com, on social media (Instagram, Facebook and TikTok) @papersandinksesh and at select retailers. And, find us at the next Brand Assembly!
HOW YOU STAY INSPIRED: I draw inspiration from everything around me! I am passionate about nature, fashion, travel, botanicals and I take every opportunity to be in inspirational environments whenever possible and digest the beauty around me.
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