For the last 11 years we have been driven every day by our purpose: helping independent Makers and small businesses find their people and grow their business. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting these businesses in an unprecedented way across the US and around the world. We’re connecting with a few of our Makers to elevate their stories and share the challenges they face. With these stories, we hope our community can see the impact of their support and how these businesses are foundational to our society.
We caught up with Quilling Card Makers Huong and Raphael Wolf. The Massachusetts-based duo lead a team of artisans in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam who have been handcrafting beautifully intricate artistic greeting cards and DIY kits since 2012.
When I sat down with the Wolfs, they shared optimistic views for the future, advice for small businesses, and the reality of what a small business is going through during COVID-19 pandemic. Jump into the conversation:
Quilling Card began when Huong decided to move out of the corporate world and pursue her passion for quilling, the traditional art of rolling and shaping paper to create intricate shapes.
There will be a lot of new norms and we will evolve into a lot of new ways to do business.
Huong Wolf
She and husband Rafe ensure their team in Vietnam is paid above-average wages and receive benefits and job training. This commitment from the Wolfs has made them members of the Certified Fair Trade Federation.
You have to hang in there, and you have to really listen to your own heart.
Rafe Wolf
As the Wolf’s continue to navigate the unknown and take on new challenges, they remain committed to creating their uniquely lovely cards, finding new ways to reach their customers, and supporting their talented employees in Massachusetts and Vietnam the best way they can.
Check out Quilling Card products here and read about The Grommet’s support of small businesses during COVID-19 here.