Marleine Pacilio
What is your Job Title/Company/how long you’ve worked there?
I am the owner and creative director of Paper Olive, the stationery design studio I launched in 2007.
How did you get into your current line of work?
When I was planning my wedding almost three years ago, I couldn’t find a comprehensive design solution for my unique color palette (orange and green). I wanted stationery that was chic, modern, playful, elegant AND dramatic — a tall order. When I couldn’t find a designer with just the right look, I jumped in and put together some of the stationery elements myself. I loved that creative process so much, and had such a great response from my guests (as well as my own wedding vendors, including the current catering manager of the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village), that I started to consider making it a business. Two years later, here I am.
What do you wear to the office?
When I’m home designing, it’s usually the most comfortable thing I can find, since I’m sitting for long periods of time dreaming up visions of paper couture! When I’m out meeting clients, I like to look professional, but relaxed. My standard uniform is a good pair of jeans, a chic top or stylish tee/jacket combo, and great heels. I wear lots of black and white, usually with a pop of color on my feet. Keeps things fun.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Wow. Tough. I would say it’s a tie between the process during which I must translate my conversations with my clients — all the notes, ideas, colors, visions — into a design concept. The literal process of creating a new design is hugely rewarding. Also, the moment when I present the physical sample of a new custom design to a bride. When I know I’ve nailed the design and I see my client’s face light up with delight, I couldn’t be happier.
What is your least favorite part of your job?
Accounting. Ugh.
What characteristics do you have that make this job a good fit for you?
I truly thrive on art, fashion, color, design, architecture, paper — all things beautiful and tactile. It makes me appreciate the work that I’m doing beyond just the task at hand. I actually love the things I’m creating for my clients — design makes me happy — and that happiness comes through in my work. It’s great for my clients, and so it’s a blast for me.
What does the future hold for you career wise?
I would love to expand my business to a second office on the east coast, in New York City. I live in Los Angeles but I’m from the east coast, and so to capture the visions of both LA and New York clients on a daily basis would be a dream. I’m also hoping to partner with a certain cake studio to offer clients a unique service they might not receive anywhere else. Details are still percolating!
What’s a typical workday include?
Lots of email. Most of my business comes in through referrals and emails, so I’m busy helping people find what they need much of the day, and I handle it all personally. But almost every day includes a some design — whether for a client or for the Paper Olive blog. Adobe Illustrator is always open on my laptop. I also write all of my blog articles, so I spend a good amount of time planning or writing them day to day. Finally, one of my favorite parts of the day is spent researching fabrics, papers, textiles or accessories for new clients & designs. It’s a little like a treasure hunt, and when it all comes together, it’s really a lot of fun. Work, but fun.
If you could do anything else for a living what would it be?
That’s easy. Rock star.
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