Meet Karly Matzen | Owner, Artist and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karly Matzen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karly, what is the most important factor behind your success?
It is hard to identify just one factor, as success is achieved through discipline, hard work, collaboration, a little bit of luck every now and then, and ultimately surrounding yourself with great and supportive people. When I had the opportunity to Sweet Paper first crossed my plate, I was immediately drawn to how this brick-and-mortar location would be a physical manifestation of all the things important to me, personally and professionally. I’ve been a creative person my whole life, designing my own wearables, producing photography, web and digital design, and curating home goods collections, while always having close relationships with team members and business partners across all disciplines. Sweet Paper represented the chance to take all of those passions and successes and distill them into a space that others can experience on a regular basis. While the business had been successful prior to my ownership, I am grateful and excited to evolve the offerings, expand our services, grow our connection with the La Jolla community, and continue to offer a great location for staff to work and visitors and residents of La Jolla to equally enjoy. Sweet Paper specializes in custom stationery, wedding invitations, holiday cards, and a wide array of curated gifts for your loved ones… when you think about it, we offer items that support the fabric of family and personal connections and those types of connections are what life is all about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Oh my… where to even start! My professional life spans many disciplines. I got where I am today by working with and for many businesses within the spa industry, retail stores, artist markets, and high-end hotels. I was a massage therapist for 17 years, and have managed several spas across the country (I’m originally a Jersey Girl by the way). I am always looking to expand my skills and never want to be complacent, so I’ve also expanded my reach into creative outlets like jewelry making, or sourcing fabrics from Bali for handmade beach towels. Those side projects have also allowed me to engage in philanthropy and community outreach. For example, proceeds from The Tides Project towel sales were partially donated to secure additional art supplies for underserved classrooms in the Lake Tahoe area, when I lived and worked there a few years ago.

Ultimately though, I got to where I am today by building community and family connections in every facet of my life. It has always been important for me to work with other creatives and artists in each area. I think it is essential for the community to know that Sweet Paper will always have the same offering as before but that we will be expanding our offerings to continue serving the changing needs of the community and featuring new, exciting, and upcoming makers, artists, and purveyors whenever possible. Eventually, I would love for Sweet Paper to be known for the best custom invitations, holiday cards, business collateral needs, and as the best gift shop in all of San Diego!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My best friend is actually coming in a few weeks! Thanks for making me think about this, ha! Obviously, my first stop would be Sweet Paper to show off my pride and joy… but then, the store is so well located it is a great jump-off point for a full day of exploration. I’d say, these would be high on the list to hit for a friend visiting…

– Grab a coffee from the new MarketSpace that opened up in La Jolla.
– Brunch at Sugar and Scribe… definitely an order of the blueberry and lemon curd pancakes… wow!
– Health and wellness are critical, so we’d squeeze in a Yoga class or meditation at Trilogy or  Massage or Facial at Four Moons in Encinitas, CA.
– Hike Torrey Pines or catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
– Shopping in Solana Beach Cedros Street and Catch a Show at the Belly Up
– Dinner at Campfire in Carlsbad
– Shopping on Girard Street
– Kayak with the Seals in La Jolla

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to the incredible network of people I’ve worked and collaborated with over the years. There are just too many to give the full list, but I am sure everyone knows who they are and how much I appreciate them. Also to my friends and family for holding space for me throughout the years!! Without great people in my life and the experiences I’ve taken away through knowing them, I wouldn’t have the confidence needed to take on the responsibility and ownership of a store like Sweet Paper.

Website: https://sweet-paper.com/

Instagram: https://sweet-paper.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpaperlj/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-paper-san-diego

Image Credits
Samantha Green, https://www.samanthagreenphotography.com