Find the perfect gift at Serendipity Paper Co.
November 21, 2023
Lisa Richards used her credit card to launch Serendipity Paper Co. last summer in Tipp City’s historic downtown shopping district.
Today, she’s ready to help you find the perfect holiday gifts from fellow woman-owned businesses and creatives.
Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
I am Lisa Richards, and I am the founder & owner of Serendipity Paper Co in Tipp City.
How did your company start?
I wanted to start a card & gift shop to help fulfill the needs of the community. Our cards range from sweet and thoughtful to snarky and funny. We also carry books, journals, candles, self care items, clothing, art work, and kitchen/bath items. We have also expanded our eco-friendly & sustainable collections.
Why this idea?
I love our little downtown and everything that it offers, and I wanted to add something a little different into the mix.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
I never really saw myself as a business owner, and there’s definitely been a steep learning curve, but I love it.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
My husband and I launched Chaffee’s Brewhouse during the pandemic. I founded Serendipity last summer because I saw an opportunity to add to our little historical downtown area. Both spaces are inviting, safe, & comfortable for all in the community. Both places are also active in fundraising events.
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I spent most of my 20s & some of my 30s as a bartender in and around Dayton. I enjoy talking to people and making them laugh & feel comfortable.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
Well, I am not a tech person, and I don’t know anything about marketing, so my website needs a lot of help. And funding — I started the shop on my credit card. It was a bit risky, but I felt it would be worth it.
Why do you love what you do?
I love when people come into the shop & laugh at the cards and/or find something they didn’t even know they needed. I try as much as possible to source the items we carry from other woman-owned businesses, and I have found a stunning community of artists, creatives and makers.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you believe in your idea, go with it. Be prepared for your goals & visions to change and evolve. But keep going.
