Life and Work with Sophie Ulibarri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Ulibarri.

Sweet Zion Paperie officially began in 2010 when owner, Sophie Ulibarri’s career path collided with a personal passion: art + design. As her job in non-profit event coordination led her into the occasional design responsibility, her passion for design, stationery + entrepreneurship outgrew the hobby title she’d once given it. After much encouragement + prodding from close friends, she closed the door on her corporate job + opened the door to her own small business. Sweet Zion is regarded for its ability to create luxury, custom invitations that are carefully tailored to fit a client’s identity, event + budget. Design, printing, + assembly services are done by the SZP team, distinguishing them from other stationery operations.

Sophie grew up on an acreage outside of Lincoln, Nebraska + became a lucky transplant to the gorgeous state of Colorado via her native husband. She brags on her Midwestern upbringing, noting it provided a sense of stability, a great work ethic, loads of creativity + general happiness about life. She + her husband Tim enjoy spending time with their son, Benaiah + dog, Milton, traveling, exploring new restaurants, + playing board games with friends.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anything in life, if something is worth pursuing, you’re going to encounter challenges. Our story is certainly not immune to this. We’ve had them all – with personnel, with clients, with finances, need I go on? Just as in nature, there are also seasons in business – you’ve heard of them, “bear + bull”, “feast + famine.”

I think the most important piece of advice to remember is to keep your cool in all of these seasons. I’d encourage you to look at your challenges through a perspective of opportunity (to learn, to grow stronger, to inspire). Realize that getting worked up or emotional about a problem/circumstance doesn’t actually solve it. That action only enables the circumstance to take up more + more real estate in your life. Focus on what it is you need to get done/change/admit + keep it moving.

My advice for women, in particular, is to support one another. Business (read: life) is challenging + presents us with a lot of expectations – many fair + many unfair. In my opinion, I see far too many women tearing other women down. Face the music: babes need to support babes. If we don’t, we cannot expect the larger culture to follow.

Please tell us about Sweet Zion Paperie.
Boiled down, Sweet Zion specializes in custom luxury event stationery, branding + identity. It’s our goal to tell a story or to get across a person’s or business’ essence to their intended audience. I’m also available to provide consulting services to businesses in regards to their brand + how consumers respond to it visually.

I think the things that most set us apart are that we do it all – literally + figuratively. We don’t outsource if at all possible + I take great pride in the diversity of our portfolio. I’m proud that I haven’t pigeon-holed myself into a “signature style.” Our clients come to us with their vision + we execute that into design – whether it’s modern + clean, rustic + woodsy, or romantic + soft.

I am also proud to have created a life-giving, open-door, positive working environment for our team. My assistants have been with me for over four years + they feel like family.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I generally work in a pretty female-dominated industry, so I don’t feel a ton of restraint in my work.

If anything, I don’t appreciate being lumped into the “lazy millennial” category. Lazy, I most certainly am not + one cannot be if they are determined to succeed in small business. I believe there may be those types within our generation, but to make broad derogatory assumptions (whether across age, gender, race, etc.) is often what I call small-thinking + usually unfounded.

Pricing:

• $4000 minimum for weddings
• $2500 minimum for social events + day of
• $950 minimum for branding + identity

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetzionpaperie.com
• Phone: 4024328640
• Email: sophie@sweetzionpaperie.com
• Instagram: @szpaperie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetzionpaperie/
• Twitter: @sweetzionpaper
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetzionpaper/

Image Credit:
Headshot: Rachel Havel, Flat Lay Images: Amy Caroline Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.