Every person, every company, has a story to tell. PaperTechie is no exception, and the story begins with my big sister, LeAnna. If it weren’t for the inspiration I gained from watching LeAnna’s bravery and determination in overcoming a recent, life-changing obstacle, PaperTechie may not exist today.

During the summer of 2013, LeAnna was experiencing a number of frightening health issues, including slurred speech, difficulty walking due to leg numbness, and blurred vision. These symptoms lead her on a journey that involved countless tests and doctor visits, seeking out other doctors for second and third opinions, and coping with terms such as “brain lesions” and “spinal tap.” Ultimately, LeAnna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) in 2014.

My sister could have allowed this news to emotionally destroy her, and perhaps no one would have blamed her. But LeAnna is a fighter, and she decided early on that being labeled as an “MS victim” was not for her; her story was not going to end with this diagnosis.

LeAnna courageously marched through MS and marched on with her life. She launched head first into the world of Team Beachbody, on a mission to reclaim her health and gain confidence. But LeAnna didn’t stop there, she continued on to become a Team Beachbody Coach to help motivate other people to accomplish the same. It was here, while actively inspiring others, where she found her own peace and healing.

This was LeAnna’s story, and I was one of those inspired people.

As I experienced a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from devastation to being all out pissed, I realized that if my sister was brave enough to punch MS in the face, it was time for me to put my big girl pants on, dig deep inside and take an honest inventory of my life. She gave me the courage to finally see that I had the power to alter my own story’s trajectory; how my story unfolded was up to me and no one (or nothing) else.

It was my turn to take control and march on with my life.

PaperTechie was officially born under the beliefs that personal relationships are the backbone of our existence; cultivating creativity can empower people and communities; and artistic creation is a medium of communication that transcends all borders.

ABOUT THE GREETING CARDS

Technology consultant by day and crazy artist by night, I would sit in my bedroom working on a fold-out TV dinner table making my cards. I have since been upgraded to a very organized craft table in my "spacious" Brooklyn apartment foyer.

To me, there is something so personal and special about picking out a card for someone. I can even get lost in the card aisle of CVS even though the selection may not be that large! For now, my shop will only include handmade cards, hoping to expand my offerings within 2015.

Patterned paper is by far my favorite material to use. I love mixing and matching patterns in order to make unique creations. Bold and bright colors are also another must when putting together my items - I think it makes them more fun to look at (and work with).