Welcome to SCRAPS, The Coffee Shop and Scrapbook Store. I am honored that you have chosen us for your scrapbook needs and expertise. It is my desire that you receive first-rate service with us, and I want you to feel pampered as a part of your SCRAPS experience.
Before, I started SCRAPS I was working for a large healthcare organization in marketing and advertising. I enjoyed this position, but I often found myself wishing that my hard work and long hours would directly translate into my own success, versus that of a corporation, where I was one of many.
After meeting my husband and relocating to a small town, I found myself looking for avenues to start my own “little” business. I attempted to return to the marketing and advertising world as a consultant, but did not find that as fulfilling as it had once been. By this time I was about 3 months pregnant with my son Ethan. Little did I know that after Ethan was born I would be really busy being a first time mom, but still desiring time for my own interests.
After Ethan was born I was plenty busy at home taking care of him, but lacked the adult interaction and creative outlet that I was so accustomed to. I needed some adult girl time! Having previously been invited to join a scrapbooking group in our town, I decided to go, solely out of desire to make friends. Now the part you really need to know is that all the while I was planning to go I was telling myself, and my husband, that “this is one of the hokiest things I have ever done but I will go because I need friends.” So, I prepared myself to attend, and arrived with a scrapbook kit, glue pen and scissors. I was certain it would not take more than this, until I entered the site where everyone was scrapbooking.
No offense to my friends who are reading this, but I was sure someone had “vomited” scrapbooking product all over that basement, and that it was pure sin that one could have bags and bags full of paper and embellishments. I mean they even had real toolboxes and pant hangers to hold their supplies and ribbons!
I must confess it was quite overwhelming, although I was able to ease into the group and participate. Soon enough I also had many items to bring to our regular group gatherings!
As time passed I began thinking about combining my love for scrapbooking with my long-standing desire to own my own business. My husband and I had talked for some time about opening our own coffee shop, as we both are coffee connoisseurs. We eventually decided to combine the coffee shop with a scrapbook store, and make into reality what we had been dreaming. We began working on our business plan in August of 2006, and the store opened in April of 2007.
So, here we are, scrapbooking, selling espresso and catering for many, and we couldn’t be happier! I hope our love and passion for SCRAPS is evident in your experience. Please feel free to ask about anything you might want or need, as we are happy to assist you. We hope to see you in our store often, or if you are just passing through. We would love to share our classic and cozy environment with you, and invite you to taste our fresh roasted coffee and browse our very own exclusive paper line. Without a doubt we want you to appreciate your experience and desire to return. So stop by and ask for us at SCRAPS, where coffee and creativity collide.
Tayleene Van Norden, Owner