Turning a Passion for Paper into a Palace

Turning a Passion for Paper into a Palace

Lavenna Stambaugh

The Ashland Beacon

What began with a pre-owned Cricut machine, and a pile of ambition has quickly grown into a thriving creative venture for Nikki Boyer, owner of Ollie's Paper Palace.

Launched in May, Ollie's Paper Palace is a handmade stationery business specializing in notepads, planners, to-do lists, bookmarks, stickers, and other paper goods. Every item is thoughtfully designed and assembled by Boyer, whose passion for paper and creativity has helped turn a hobby into a promising endeavor.

Like many entrepreneurs, Boyer started small. Armed with a used Cricut machine and a desire to create, she began experimenting with bookmarks, stickers, and vinyl transfers. As her confidence grew, she decided to take a chance and set up a booth at Ashland's Makers Market. The response was encouraging. "It was a success," Boyer said.

Since then, her product line has expanded considerably. Today, she designs and produces her own stationery collections, including planners, cards, notepads, organizational tools, and paper art pieces. The covers feature unique artwork and designs, and each piece is assembled by hand in her home workshop.

Among her most impressive creations is a three-dimensional paper octopus crafted from a dozen carefully cut pieces in various colors, textures, and patterns. The intricate design became a defining moment for Boyer. "That's when I knew I had found my passion," she said.

While Ollie's Paper Palace is new, Boyer's connection to paper stretches back to her college days. While in college, she worked in the printing department at Kinko's, where she created flyers, banners, and promotional materials for customers. The experience introduced her to the many varieties of paper and printing techniques available.

"I loved all the different textures and types of paper," Boyer recalled. "I'm a very tactile person."

Her career later led her into education, where she spent several years working as both a teacher and librarian in Tennessee. Whether she was helping students discover a favorite comic book, introducing them to manga, or encouraging them to explore the classics or new genres, Boyer found fulfillment in fostering a love of reading and creativity in her students.

Several years ago, Nikki and her husband, Andrew Boyer, relocated to the area to be closer to family. After the move, Boyer accepted a position that was very different from her previous creative and educational roles.

"My job is not creatively stimulating," she said. "I needed an outlet." That outlet became Ollie's Paper Palace.

Boyer has chosen to reinvest every dollar she earns back into growing her craft. What began with a single Cricut machine has expanded into a dedicated home workspace equipped with two Cricut machines, a cutting tool, and a binding machine.

While showcasing her work, Boyer's enthusiasm is unmistakable. "I'm so proud," she said with a smile.

A commitment to supporting artists and designers is another principle at the heart of her business. Boyer either creates her own designs or purchases artwork from professional graphic designers. She intentionally avoids using AI-generated designs, believing that creative communities thrive when artists support one another.

In an era when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in creative fields, Boyer hopes customers will continue to value and support human-made work.

She encourages others to seek out local artists and makers whenever possible and to invest in the creative communities around them. The business's unique name also carries a special meaning.

The Boyers share their home with four beloved dogs, but one in particular inspired the company's identity. Ollie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, joined the family as a puppy after being adopted with an umbilical hernia. Following a few health scares, Ollie made a full recovery and has become an important part of the family.

According to Boyer, Ollie is a true "people puppy" who loves meeting new friends and often accompanies her to Makers Market events. Today, he serves as the face of the brand. "He deserves to be a little king and have his own palace," Boyer said.

Because every item is handmade, Ollie's Paper Palace is constantly evolving. Customers can expect to find new products and fresh designs at each event.

Shoppers can find Ollie's Paper Palace at the remaining Ashland Makers Markets and at the 2026 Fall Vendor Craft Showcase fundraiser at Blazer High School on Sept. 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To see new designs, learn about upcoming events, and follow the business's journey, visit Ollie's Paper Palace on Instagram.