Why I Started Around the Way Parchment: A Female Entrepreneur's Journey
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
When I look back on it now, I don't know who I thought I was to start a whole business during the pandemic. What was I thinking?
It's one thing that I started writing a blog
about Motherhood in 2016. It's a whole different thing to add a physical product to said blog, then sell it. A very different thing. And let's be clear- the only thing I sold prior to this was Mary Kay and I vowed after those 'at home spa parties' to never sell anything to anyone else...again! So imagine my surprise when the good Lord dropped this idea in my spirit.
The world was in shambles. We were under stay-at-home orders complete with face masks and social distancing, and here comes my bright idea to launch something new. The time really felt like the right time.
The thing is- I had no fear. Even though I didn't know the first thing about graphic design or selling a product, I was VERY excited and passionate about this big idea and I I knew I had to get it out.
I didn't know what the outcome of my decision would be. Would women like the cards? Would anyone buy them? What would they think? I had no idea and this didn't bother me.
I didn't think He got it wrong by giving me the gift that Around the Way Parchment is. As a matter of fact I started telling myself that I woudn't "fumble the ball." I was going to run with it all the way to see it through from idea to actual product.
I whipped out my mechanical pencil. I sketched out my ideas. I contacted a graphic designer. Then I connected with a printing company to bring them to life.
750+ Mother's Day cards later and a whole a new business was born. As a female entrepreneur, I learned a valuable lesson- Moms do care about celebrating and acknowledging their Mom friends.
So even while working a full-time job, I wrote down my plan, took classes, practiced, won a $20k pitch competition, and made it happen. In another blog I'll tell you about that competition (and the others) and how a new passion for public speaking and presenting has arisen.
With all of the mental gymnastics it takes to be a Mother in 2026, whether your kids are wearing diapers or driving and living on their own, the fact remains- it can feel exhausting and lonely at times.
You might begin to wonder if you are the only person Mothering through this moment and dealing with the things you're dealing with. I"m here to tell you, you aren't. We're all Mothering through a new stage and learning how to navigate without losing all our edges.
When I sketched out those first card ideas in 2021 I did it with all Mothers in mind. Those who are first time Moms, to the more seasoned Moms. For the Mom who doesn't feel seen. For the Mom who is thinking about her tribe and her girls who hold her up. For the Mom who needs, and deserves, extra encouragement. For the Mom who has weathered a storm and come out on the other side. For that Mom... and for you. --Krystal
Let this be the Mother's Day you take a moment to celebrate those Moms in your life in an extra special way. See how Around the Way Parchment does the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do it scroll and click. See some of the options below.
*I capitalize the "M" for Mom and Mother because we are indeed proper nouns! I've been doing it for so long, it fits.
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