The Flying Owl Start-up Fund

My name is Kym, and I’m a paper addict.

I was born and raised in a small town of Youngstown, Ohio. Oh, you’ve heard of it? On the Sopranos, I’m quite sure. I believe Pauly did his prison time there. Well, enough about my hometown mafia connections. During the time as a Midwestern kid, my dad would take me to flea markets as a source of entertainment. He’d give me five bucks and send me on my way to roam a 50,000 square foot warehouse filled with nothing but cheap knickknacks and “two for $10” knock off t-shirts of everything imaginable.

I always made my way to the lady who sold bulk paper. I was 8 years old at the time, and as an adult writing this now, I wonder to myself why a kid would buy paper. I mean, wasn’t there something more amusing like a “Tammy” doll (hey, like I said, I was at a flea market where knock-offs ruled the earth)?
 
I stood there with my crumpled five-dollar bill as if I were staring at a wall of candy at a dime store. My eyes scanned the multi-colored papers in various sizes and textures while I tried to make a decision on how to spend my loot. I always decided on the “Grab Bag” because it was not only within my budget, but also because it gave me the most variety.

So off I went back to home where I would run up into the attic. That was where my “office” was. I would organize my new paper by size and color on my desk, which oddly enough was a piece of plywood sitting atop two cardboard boxes.

Now, I realize this makes me sound like a kid that needed to get out of the house a bit more, and I suppose you’re right. However, it’s taken to me a place where I am today. This paper obsession has followed me throughout my life.

Being that I had to grow up eventually, I decided being a designer gave me a reason to be able to play with paper. There came to be a point where I itched to do more with my creativity and passion. Unique, quirky and whimsical design makes people smile, and wouldn’t it be cool if I could do that everyday?

Well, I am.

I moved into my own, real grown up "attic" at The Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills, CA, and I'm in the midst of creating "The Flying Owl Paper Boutique." The Flying Owl is in homage to my uncle, Tony E. Zanic, who passed away last summer. Breaking through the grief, he continuously gives me inspiration, gumption, and signs that could make people believe I've turned owl-shit-crazy.

The Flying Owl Paper Boutique will be opening on June 19th. My adoration of paper will provide customers with delightfully unordinary cards, paper goods and gifts from local artisans. I believe in uniting paper with laughter and bringing back the art of a handwritten memory.

Now that you've gotten this far, it's time I ask for a favor. In order to open, I need to purchase a POS system that can track inventory and all that jazzy retail stuff. The total cost is about $1500.00.  Any extra funds over this amount will be used to purchase display pieces and tracklighting for the store.

Thank you so much for your support, and if you're in LA, stop by to see me and The Flying Owl.

(any reward purchases will be shipped in June)