A Story of Paper & Perseverance
I’m the founder of Curio Press, a personalized stationery business built from equal parts grit, creativity, and necessity. I now work remotely while our dedicated all-female team runs daily operations from our studio in St. Louis, Missouri. Though we've moved spaces over the years, we’ve stayed true to our roots — designing, printing, and shipping everything in-house with care and attention to detail.
My background is in architecture and print media, but Curio Press started during a challenging chapter in my life. A health crisis forced me to take a step back from grad school and traditional work, and I suddenly found myself needing a way to earn an income from home. I leaned on my love of design, my knowledge of print, and a little Etsy experiment that led to my very first sale just six hours after opening.
Above: This photo was taken in winter of 2016 when my living room was still the studio
What followed wasn’t an overnight success story — it was slow and steady growth, built on trial and error, customer feedback, and sheer perseverance. Along the way, we moved a few times, I finished grad school, we grew our family, and I grew a business that now supports a talented team of women and thousands of loyal customers.
My health journey is still part of my daily life, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Curio Press continues to evolve — just like I do — but we’ve stayed true to what matters most: thoughtful design, beautiful paper, and meaningful connection through handwritten notes.
If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need perfect circumstances to start something worthwhile. You just need the courage to begin.
Thanks for being here — and for supporting small businesses like mine. It truly means the world.
xo, Alexis
Founder, Curio Press
Just received my second set of your lovely Notepads. I loved the first set so much I tried to find the same design, but stumbled onto another floral (which just arrived) and it is even lovelier! I want to buy “5x7 pads” for stocking stuffers for my sister and daughters.
I don’t know if you focus only on florals. A Daisy design would be perfect for one daughter. The other two fancy animals. One is a cat lover and the other a dog enthusiast. I’ll be eager to hear from you regarding these categories. .
Alexis, your courage, determination, and downright spunk continue to inspire me. I first discovered your shop a couple of years ago and have bought your beautiful note cards regularly ever since. Most recently, I doubled my normal order because of your very favorable quantity pricing.
I love that this is an enterprise that is all yours ( with your husband and with Emma, your daughter, of course!)
Your team has grown over the years, but you have kept the personal touch, and your quality is still the finest I have seen at very reasonable prices!
Success to you forever and ever!
Your Southern California buddy who you have never met, Lee M.
I searched Etsy and Amazon for personalized note cards for an upcoming graduation gift and found your site. I think I know what I will be buying my nieces for Christmas next year! Love your stuff!
Michele
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