Papaya Breadcrumb Pbread Weddings Invitations Toronto

Toronto Bread Crumb Papaya Invitaions for Weddings

PE: Could you tell us a little about Papaya Breadcrumb?
PB: Papaya Breadcrumb is a custom designed, handmade wedding invitation company.

PE: I think that everyone wants to know the story behind the name, would you mind sharing it with us?
PB: Long before the company was formed I awoke from a dream in which I had a daughter named Papaya Breadcrumb. My wife was rather receptive to the name, however the rest of our family wasn’t so thrilled. Since we clearly couldn’t name a future daughter Papaya, we decided to use if for the company. We’ve created a 5 year old persona for the company to express who we are. We’re fun, simple, and different. I’ve also explained the name to mean exotic simplicity: Exotic fruit / handmade papers from around the world. Simple, clean designs / breadcrumb - as basic as it gets. Anyway, I think that’s more than enough explanation.

PE: What was the inspiration behind creating a custom invitation company?
PB: I knew I wanted to start my own business, but didn’t know what to sell. My wife is a graphic designer (highly recommended) and I dabbled in design a bit at the time so with her help we created some samples, entered some trade shows and bam, we’re in business.

PE: I always like to talk to people about their vision (or dream). What’s your vision for Papaya Breadcrumb, where do you see your company in 3-5 years?
PB: I’d like to expand the corporate side of the business. Custom invitations will always be a niche market, which is fine. And we’ll always have them available to couples, but I believe we’ll become more of a commercial design firm.

PE: What have you found to be the hardest part about running Papaya Breadcrumb?
PB: I think any entrepreneur in a creative field will tell you bookkeeping makes their head explode, unless they married an accountant (which is also highly recommended).

PE: If you were able to give one piece of advice to those aspiring entrepreneurs out there, what would it be?
PB:I would suggest properly image your new business…hey I can help with that! But seriously, a professional look will help you bring in prospects, then it’s up to you to turn them into faithful customers. Of course with wedding invitations, one time customers are encouraged.

PE: Could you tell us about that moment when the ideas behind Papaya Breadcrumb just came together, your "Eureka" moment when everything just started to make sense.
PB: It was less of a Eureka and more of a Eur-fired moment. I would guess the number one reason to not go off on your own and start a business is the security of a full-time job. Well, I took care of that problem. See, I know I didn’t want to quit, because I needed the severance to help start up the business. Now I don’t recommend seeking out this situation but if the opportunity presents itself, go for it. After being freed of the golden handcuffs, I found it much less risky for me to start my own business than seek out another 9-5 job. Other than that, it started to come together once I registered the business name.

PE: If you could change one single thing about the way in which you started your business, what would it be?
PB: I guess it would be get accounting software right away. I waited too long and it was a shoe box full of nightmares.

PE: Can you tell us how you found your first customer?
PB: After starting the business I signed up for a same-sex wedding show. Small show, thought it would be a good place to get a feel for trade shows. Not a lot of people came to the show, but even 1 is more than the number of clients we had. So we showed off our invitations, mostly to other vendors. It was another vendor who was getting married that fall and he felt his fiance would like our original work. Richard and Valerie never even knew they were our first customers, but they gave us the confidence to keep going.

PE: What events/venues have you found to be the most successful in attracting new clients to Papaya Breadcrumb?
PB: The best is the National Bridal show twice a year, once at the Ex and once at the International Centre. We generate almost all of our business from that. Word of mouth and referrals come next. You can’t really work anything but a wedding show because if you’re at a home show and you ask a couple if they’re getting married and one says yes and the other says no watch out!

PE: How important is "word-of-mouth" advertising in the overall success of Papaya Breadcrumb?
PB: We, as a small business, could be crushed by brides who were displeased with us. So we can never let that happen. Word of mouth is important because it shows you’ve done a great job.

PE: I am an avid reader, mostly of business books, can I ask what you’re reading right now?
PB: I’m reading that question…I’m trying to read Steve Martin’s autobiography, but between the business and being primary caregiver for our 1 year old and 2 dogs, I barely have time to breathe, never mind read.

PE: When you’re not busy running Papaya Breadcrumb, what do you like to do with your time?
PB: Please refer to above answer. I’m always running Papaya Breadcrumb, that’s the joy of a job without security. Dear Papaguy and Papagirl Thank you guys so much for all your work on our beautiful and original invitations and thank you cards. Katherine, I am sorry we never got to meet. You sound lovely. Thanks Lindsay and Matt Hey Adam Hope all is well. First, I would like to tell you that we have gotten an amazing response regarding the invitations. We sent them out almost 2 months ago and people are still talking about them. They said they have never seen such a neat, cool, different, classy, etc. invitation like ours. Some guest didn't send the reply card back because they wanted to keep all of it to show other people. They love the design of it and the "wit". So, thank you so much for making our invitations a smash with our guest. You did a great job. Now, enough about you. lol. This is my wedding. lol Thanx Adam. Win.. Adam, Thank you so much for all your hard work and effort on all of our fabulous wedding stationery. The invites were sensational and your efforts went above and beyond. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you. Thank you for everything. Laura and Clint Adam, We just want to thank you for your participation in our wedding, on October 7, 2007 at the Glenerin Inn. The day was absolutely perfect! It was important to us that the day represented who we are. The invitations, cd covers, and thank you notes complimented the theme. We want to thank you for your creativity and the time and detailed attention you put into your work. Angela and Todd Copeland Payapa breadcrumb will work with you, your theme and budget to customize your perfect invitation. In this gallery you will find some examples of invitations we have worked on with couples. All are custom designed and handcrafted with precision and pride. Invitation prices are subject to change and negotiation. Also please keep in mind paper changes will reflect in price. THE ONE THAT'S RED WITH RAFFIA $7.00 each map, reply postcard raffia band with initials, envelope. THE SQUARE ONE WITH A POCKET $7.50 each map, reply postcard, extra info card, ribbon/band and envelope. THE BLUE ONE WITH POCKETS $8.00 each map, reply postcard, ribbon/band, envelope. THE ONE WITH THE BEACH $4.50 each With the popularity of destination weddings increasing, this invitation gives your guests the feeling of a warm tropical beach long before they step off the plane. THE WHITE ONE WITH A GREEN FLOWER $10.00 each invitation with map, reply postcard, envelope and for the wedding day a menu and program. THE ONE THAT'S A SINGLE PANEL $2.50 each add a map card or an RSVP card for $0.50 each, if you need them. THE GOLD ONE WITH THE FAN $7.50 each A very traditional, easy to follow layout. Once opened this invitation has a pocket on the left and diplays your invitation on the right. Also available are program fans - informative and functional. Perfect when auctioning off your bouquet. THE ONE WITH THE CORKS $7.00 each Inspired by the wine regions of the world, customized to your theme/region and colours. Wine cork place card holders also available. THE GREEN ONE WITH THE BASS $6.50 each A musical themed invitation featuring map and reply card. Save the date, thank you cards and seating cards also available and as always fully custom designed. THE ONE WITH THE WHITE SLEEVE $5.00 each A romantic invitation with a wrap of handmade paper around it and your initials or names displayed on the outside. THE ONE NEXT TO THE GIANT FLOWER $5.00 each map, reply postcard and envelope.