We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Aurigemma and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Pursuit of Paper began as just an idea almost a decade ago out of an overwhelming affection for invitations, with an emphasis on beautiful paper. A passion for paper — along with a love for wedding and event planning — is what drove the desire to create custom designs that did not cost a fortune. Through Pursuit of Paper, this was a chance for brides or event planners to have timeless stationery that could work within any budget.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pursuit of Paper offers more than just wedding invitations – we offer an experience. The thing is, it is not just about choosing a color palette or typeface; it is about creating an experience that will set the standard for every other detail that follows in the planning process. It does not matter if it is a fabulous dinner party or a once-in-a-lifetime fairy-tale wedding; the branding for the event will set the mood for the couple and the guests. However, it is not always coming up roses. Challenges occur in every business, but starting a stationery business two months before a global pandemic was the ultimate obstacle. When the whole world shut down, it changed weddings and events for the foreseeable future. “Change the Dates” became super popular, but many were no longer investing in printed invitations if they were going to continue changing their events. Being a small business, when these issues arose, there was not much to do other than wait. Thankfully, events are coming back slowly, but bigger and better than ever! Ultimately, what sets our brand apart from other stationery companies is the love we have for this industry. We are visionaries. We are expert designers and stylists. We are seekers of all things beautiful. We are Pursuit of Paper.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Luckily, you found just the woman to show you around! I actually keep a list on my phone of all the best places to go – broken down by Country, State, and City. Always prepared. Some of my favorites site-seeing spots in Miami are some-what typical, but they are worth seeing. Places like Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, The Pérez Art Museum Miami, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, South Pointe Park Pier, the Wynwood Walls, Brickell City Centre and Bayfront Park.
As far as activities, there are a lot of of fun things to do to immerse yourself in the culture. You can rent a scooter and explore downtown Miami, which can be more exciting than waiting in traffic. You can also try Sky Zone Trampoline Park+ for something athletic or the Faena Theater for a late-night show. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. As far as food is concerned, there is such a melting pot in Miami.
When it comes to lunch spots, some of the best are Joe’s Stone Crab (sit at the bar in Takeaway and thank me later), La Sandwicherie (best sandwich you’ll ever eat), Icebox Cafe (feels like you walked into the Hamptons), Spris (amazing all-around food), Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine (an institution) and Mister 01 Pizza (a hidden gem and get the Star Lucca). Yardbird and Zuma are also better to go to around lunch to beat the crowds, but still enjoy their delicious food offerings. Nikki Beach is also a blast for brunch on the weekends.
For dinner, the options really are endless! For the best sunset view, I say Juvia is the place to be with amazing cocktails and an incredible menu. The Bazaar by José Andrés is pricey, but the food is worth every bite. Barton G and The Forge are both great for the experience. Cecconi’s is so delectable and the ambiance is a treat, and the same goes for Chotto Matte. Bâoli Miami is a great time as well…especially on Wednesdays for “My Boyfriend’s Out of Town” night – the ultimate girls night. Komodo is always my go-to spot though for dinner, and it’s worth every penny! But if you’re looking for a party, KIKI on the River is a fun time. The food at Mandolin Aegean Bistro is also one you should not miss. And if you want to eat good in Wynwood, SUGARCANE Raw Bar & Grill is a personal favorite.
And lastly, the hidden bars that most tourists don’t frequent are my favorite. Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami is definitely a local spot. There is also Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (don’t be fooled by the appearance outside, there is a bar inside). Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company has delicious cocktails. Segafredo L’Originale is the best for people watching along Lincoln Road, and gives you the best bang for your buck drinks wise. Pubbelly Sushi isn’t a bar, but they have the best selection of Sake on the beach (and the food is heaven on earth).
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When it comes to influences in my life to start Pursuit of Paper, it really began as an idea with my cousin, Rachele, who was getting married in 2014. She was the first person who I designed a wedding suite for, including all the menus, programs, etc. Her wedding suite was created with a beautiful letterpress design that is still one of my favorites to this day (Scripted Love Collecion). Without her trust in me to create something classic and timeless, I don’t know where I would be. I also owe so much to every bride since then who has trusted me to create the stationery of their dreams for one of the most important days of their life. There are too many to name, but each know who they are. I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who have always told me to pursue my dreams. In this case, my dream was to pursue paper.
Website: https://www.pursuitofpaper.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.of.paper/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuitofpaper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursuitofpaper/
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pursuitofpaper/