When Camille and John Akin founded Ever After Scrapbooks in 1999, the plan was to use the business as a means to put John through medical school. What it became was something even bigger than the two of them could have imagined.
The store, which specializes in paper crafting and scrapbooking, recently expanded their business for the third time and moved into a 7,200 square foot building at 2618 B El Camino Real in Carlsbad. It is now one of the largest independent specialty scrapbook stores on the West Coast.
The Akins answered questions from the Carlsbad Business Journal about their expanding business and the unique market they encompass.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Akins: We love the challenge of retail; every day is a new adventure. The scrapbook industry is constantly producing new products. So that has to be one of the biggest challenges: staying on top of the latest products to satisfy the consumers. Most people who come into the store are amazed at the sheer number of individual items. It is a huge challenge to keep over 300,000 individual units organized and beautifully merchandised.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Akins: The people: hands down. We love interacting with our customers and enjoy one on one demonstrations of the product. We enjoy meeting new people in the community and helping get a person into scrapbooking. It's a wonderful hobby, both on a personal and social level. Most people don't believe they are artistic, so they come in and say they can't do paper crafting or scrapbooking. Once they get started, they love it. It's a great self esteem booster, it's a great way to meet new friends, and it's a great way to document your life's journey. It's been likened to the Quilting Bee of generations past.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Akins: Growing the business from a tiny store to a mega store is probably the greatest accomplishment. We've also made a difference in the community we serve. We take great pride in our store sponsored 24-hour scrapbook marathon called Survivor Crop. This event benefits the San Diego Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Each year nearly 200 women raise $50,000 for the Komen Foundation. Other than growing the business to what it is today, this is probably the greatest accomplishment for us personally.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this
company?
Akins: As with any industry, you must keep up with the constant change. We see ourselves doing more with digital scrapbooking. And, we are targeting the wedding market for personalized, handmade invitations and announcements. We are hosting more kids' birthday parties, moms' nights out, and Girl Scout troops.
For more information visit www.everafterscrapbooks.com or call (760) 433-9313.
The store, which specializes in paper crafting and scrapbooking, recently expanded their business for the third time and moved into a 7,200 square foot building at 2618 B El Camino Real in Carlsbad. It is now one of the largest independent specialty scrapbook stores on the West Coast.
The Akins answered questions from the Carlsbad Business Journal about their expanding business and the unique market they encompass.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Akins: We love the challenge of retail; every day is a new adventure. The scrapbook industry is constantly producing new products. So that has to be one of the biggest challenges: staying on top of the latest products to satisfy the consumers. Most people who come into the store are amazed at the sheer number of individual items. It is a huge challenge to keep over 300,000 individual units organized and beautifully merchandised.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Akins: The people: hands down. We love interacting with our customers and enjoy one on one demonstrations of the product. We enjoy meeting new people in the community and helping get a person into scrapbooking. It's a wonderful hobby, both on a personal and social level. Most people don't believe they are artistic, so they come in and say they can't do paper crafting or scrapbooking. Once they get started, they love it. It's a great self esteem booster, it's a great way to meet new friends, and it's a great way to document your life's journey. It's been likened to the Quilting Bee of generations past.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Akins: Growing the business from a tiny store to a mega store is probably the greatest accomplishment. We've also made a difference in the community we serve. We take great pride in our store sponsored 24-hour scrapbook marathon called Survivor Crop. This event benefits the San Diego Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Each year nearly 200 women raise $50,000 for the Komen Foundation. Other than growing the business to what it is today, this is probably the greatest accomplishment for us personally.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this
company?
Akins: As with any industry, you must keep up with the constant change. We see ourselves doing more with digital scrapbooking. And, we are targeting the wedding market for personalized, handmade invitations and announcements. We are hosting more kids' birthday parties, moms' nights out, and Girl Scout troops.
For more information visit www.everafterscrapbooks.com or call (760) 433-9313.