Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

What is particularly unique about your store or store location?

We are located in the Mall of America and from our store you can see the giant Legoland figures, a Ferris wheel and several Roller Coasters! It is a destination for domestic and international travelers, so we have people from all over the world visit our store. We are unique in that we are part of a huge Retail Mall as well as an amusement park.

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

I have five long term employees, ranging from 4-1/2 to 9-1/2 years.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family and how long ago did you start?

After many years of operations/management in the public and private corporate world, I was looking for a change. I have always loved pens, fine paper and beautiful leather accessories. I started 9-1/2 years ago.

Mall of America Paradise Pen Store Team

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of person?

I primarily use a roller ball but I also love a good fiber point.

Barb, can you share your passion for fine writing instruments?

There is nothing like the feel of a perfectly balanced, beautifully crafted writing instrument. It makes you think more about your writing to create more legible, lasting documents and notes.

Which pen would you say you personally like the most and why?

This varies by the day. The color is very important to me, either in the ink or the pen itself. Right now I am particularly fond of the Parker Ingenuity with a colorful refill.

Tell us something we don’t know about store #27’s team or team members.

We all truly care about the items we sell. Several of the staff collect pens of all varieties.

What advice can you give to individuals who would like to purchase their first writing instrument?

Take the time necessary to try a variety of pens to find the right one for you. The angle that you hold your pen, the weight that you like, the size of the barrel, where you place your fingers on the barrel, the look of it in the hand, all contribute to a person’s satisfaction with their purchase. A picture can be deceiving.

How do you think the increase in technology has affected the demand of fine writing instruments?

I think that we all rely so much on technology now that sometimes it is nice to go back to some of the more traditional basics. What do you prefer, a beautifully crafted thank you note or a quick thanks sent through email? Most prefer to see that you are taking the time to create something more personal.

Mall of America LEGO® Store

Which recently released collection do you find the most appealing and why?

I really like the Parker Collections that use the 5th Generation technology. The fiber point is durable, lays down a fine line and the refill lasts through a lot of writing. I also love Visconti. It is always a favorite and the new Van Gogh Self Portrait in turquoise is especially stunning!

Barb, why do you think handwriting matters?

My degree is in teaching and that educational background really instilled the importance of this form of communication. Your handwriting says so much about you. It is just another way of expressing yourself. No matter if your handwriting is big or small, neat or messy, cursive or printed, it is unique to you. In this age of everything electronic, you still need to at least sign your name or hopefully write some note cards occasionally. I can always find a reason to hand write a note. Think how exciting it is to open the last handwritten card you received. Didn’t it seem more special or personal?

The writing instrument community is quite vast, knowledgeable and dedicated. Is there a particular customer at your location who stands out?

We have many customers who visit us while traveling, either for business or pleasure. They might not get back to the Mall of America often (or at all) but we try really hard to make a good impression on behalf of all Paradise Pen stores. We try to get everyone registered so that we can get them a catalog and we encourage them to visit another Paradise store if there is one close to their home. We offer information on placing web and phone orders for the future. We have many loyal, local customers as well but we respect that their choices and their purchases are private.

Paradise Pen at Somerset Collection North

Suzanne, what is particularly unique about your store or store location?

Our store location is unique because it is in The Somerset Collection and this resides about 30 minutes outside of Detroit. Our center is a Forbes property. As a store manager it has been a unique experience because the staff of this center is really focused on customer service and the tenants are the customers. I’ve experienced the commitment to service from many departments of the center, housekeeping, concierge, security and marketing. The marketing department operates differently than I’ve experienced before. They work with us to make sure events are successful. This holds especially true for fund raisers. Our marketing director shared that Mr. Forbes believes a strong community is the basis for a strong market so doing what we can to assist you, helps us. It may not sound that unusual but it is definitely a different environment to work in. They are committed to making each store in the center as successful as possible so they in turn are successful.

The location of The Somerset Collection is Troy, Michigan. Much of the economy in the area is based on the auto industry. Southeast MI is home to GM, Ford and Chrysler. In our surrounding counties (Oakland, Wayne and Macomb) there are 4,300 manufacturing establishments and 158,300 jobs based on manufacturing. That is manufacturing of any kind. The point is that our customers are builders. They believe in something and work to bring it to life. I think this breeds a unique loyalty from our clients. If they believe in our company and our products they want to help us succeed.

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

I have 9 members on my team right now and that’s the largest team I’ve had. It’s nice having some fresh eyes in the store and new energy to balance out the experience of the remainder of the team. I feel very blessed to be able to work with each one of my colleagues. The variety of subjects that come up in a day in the store is amazing and it seems that someone in the store is always able to contribute. That is truly on of the greatest joys of a retail career. It’s never the same day twice and we get to know our staff and guests so well.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family and how long ago did you start?

I’ve been at Paradise pen for just over 7 years. I was only a customer on one occasion before starting with the company. I was buying executive gifts (5 Waterman Carene roller balls) and thought it was so wonderful to be able to present them. The executives loved them and I saw them used on a daily basis. I love being able to help others have that same experience. I’ve worked in retail and customer service since 1985 and it’s just become part of who I am. I enjoy hearing the stories of what brought a customer into our store, who they’re buying for, what the occasion is. Many times it’s a big decision and I feel very proud that a guest in our store entrusts us to assist him/her in finding the perfect writing instrument. It’s great teaching someone about fountain pens. I remember being so intimidated by them and now it’s so much fun watching someone write with one for the first time. It’s also amazing how much I continue to learn from colleagues and guests. Everyone has different experiences with products and listening to the frustrations of products or the praise of products really expands my knowledge.

Paradise Pen Manager Suzanne Kirkland

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of gal?

Working with the variety of products and brands that we have in our store is such a pleasure. Just when I think I have my favorite brand or mode or refill—in comes something new that I just have to have. That passion for having fun with our products is what I think brings our store to life. It’s great to hear any of my team members talking about their latest pen to a guest. I’ve seen many pens sold because they were in the pocket of one of the guys and inevitably then in the hands of a client. It’s so fun when selling isn’t selling—it’s sharing a passion for what you enjoy with others. It becomes contagious.

How do you think the increase in technology has affected the demand of fine writing instruments?

People ask all the time if a pen store can really survive with all the technology around us. From what I see we not only can survive but thrive. There seems to be a little push back on everything being so instant. Some people don’t enjoy that demand on their time so it’s a luxury they take to sit down and express themselves with pen and paper at a pace that they chose, at a time that is convenient to them. Journaling seems to really have taken off with people of all ages. I also see people that want to show appreciation and respect for others in the form of letters. They realize the affect is different when someone receives a hand written letter.

Suzanne, why do you think handwriting matters?

Hand writing has been significant to me from a young age. I marveled at each adult’s writing style and the differences. I watched my Grandmother write and use hand written recipes in a black and white composition book that I have today and cherish it. Her writing was very round and tilted funny. My father worked in the evenings at a big desk in the family room. He talked on the phone and filled up his desk calendar with very strait capital letter printing. He also wrote on yellow notepads and used pencil most of the time. My brother is three years older than me but his hand writing was always messy. Printing or cursive, didn’t matter—still messy. He is a Physician’s Assistant today and his handwriting hasn’t gotten any better. I don’t know why but I always liked looking at people’s handwriting. I guess I equated it with their personality. I still think it’s fun.

The writing instrument community is quite vast, knowledgeable and dedicated. Is there a particular customer at your location who stands out?

I feel so fortunate to work with beautiful writing instruments every day and put them in the hands of people that have truly become friends. It’s ironic that we’ve become so close “talking” about “writing”. I look forward to the upcoming Holiday season as I get to share my great team with so many shoppers and they get to share their passion with future friends.

If you live Troy or the Detroit area, or are visiting, please stop by and visit Paradise Pen at Somerset Collection North. They can be located at:

Paradise Pen Somerset Collection North Map

Paradise Pen Tuttle Crossing Manager Denise Bloom

Denise, how long have you been working with Paradise Pen Company?

8 yrs.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family?

I had worked for another company at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing so I was familiar with the store. I was thrilled when I saw the ad for The Paradise Pen Co. I entered the retail industry many years ago in Cleveland by working for a family owned jewelry store, so I felt like I’d come full circle.

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

Five.

Denise, what is particularly unique about your store or store location?

Out of the hundreds of merchants at the mall, there are only about 40 that have been original tenants since we opened in 1997 and we’re proud to be one of them!

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of gal?

I’d have to say I am an equal opportunity pen gal, I appreciate all modes. I tend to use a ballpoint mostly in the store for convenience. Out of the store I choose the pen that best matches my shoes and purse, of course.

Which pen would you say you personally like the most and why?

I’m currently in love with the Montblanc Princess Grace—the color, the detail, the story…beautiful

Tell us more about you, Denise—who are you and what are your passions in life?

My passions include, but are not limited to, spending time with my daughter, Amanda, writing (esp. poetry), cooking, fashion, decorating, and anything creative. I think everyone knows that I’ve written several children’s books for Heartfelt Stories. Our stories are always about inanimate objects which we breathe life into and there is always a moral or lesson. Recently we’ve been writing about college football mascots. Lil’ Brutus, Born a Buckeye and Lil’ Smokey, Born a Volunteer are amongst the most recent titles. You can check us out at: www.heartfeltstoriesllc.com.

Paradise Pen Company Tuttle Crossing Team

Do you have any particular hidden talents you’d like to share with us?

Hidden? Is there anything anyone doesn’t know about me? Well, the gift of gab did come in handy once at age twelve when I won Big Macs for my whole family by reciting the two all beef patties ad forward and backward faster than 49 other kids! (And yes, of course I can still do it!) Also, this is not necessarily a talent, but I have saved every lunch note I’ve ever written to my daughter since first grade. She’s now in eleventh grade and I include one in each packed lunch. I create books like diaries for her to keep and am excited to have just started volume eleven! I write about what’s going on in our family or current events, sometimes I draw pictures or write to her from the cat. Volume one’s forward reads: This book is a reflection of how very blessed I feel to have such a special daughter for which to prepare a meal. For all the time spent packing, mixed with the love I add is the recipe for memories of the happy year we’ve had!

Tell us something we don’t know about your Paradise Pen location.

Tuttle Factoids: 1. The mall physically spans 3 municipalities, the sign is in Dublin, the mall is in Columbus and the ring road around the mall is in Hilliard. 2. 89% of our customers live within 10 miles of the mall. 3. The bedrock beneath the foundation was so hard that they could not build the mall as intended; they had to flip the entire design of the building, therefore the food court wound up in the back of the mall!

What advice can you give to individuals who would like to purchase their first writing instrument?

Try it, you’ll like it!

What questions should they be asking?

When establishing the friendship factor and engaging them in conversation, I always make mental note of comments they make regarding their lifestyle, their needs, even if they’re buying a gift. Once you select a pen to put in their hand its fun to witness those who have an “ah ha” moment. Most seem to ask about the price. If you’ve opened and presented the product as deserved, it’s easy to communicate the value.

What is your favorite color of ink and why?

Well, I don’t know in which blog it was written, but I’ve had several customers communicate to me that Tanzanite by Private Reserve is the laxative of inks! They claim that no matter what, if your pen is skipping, Tanzanite will make things flow. They all say it’s something in the pigment…so, I sell the you know what out of it!

Paradise Pen Company Tuttle Crossing

A lot of new collections are being introduced this Fall. What products are you looking forward to and from whom?

Let’s see…I’m looking forward to the new styles of the Parker 5th Technology, because I think they will be huge sellers at Christmas time, but personally, I’m really digging the Cross Forever Pearl pens!

The writing instrument community is quite vast, knowledgeable and dedicated. Is there a particular customer at your location who stands out?

Tom Cook, one of my best customers, is a very unique individual. He is the director of the Ohio State marching band. He has a very unique accent and a photographic memory. He loves sharing some stories like the one he told me recently. He said, “The other day I was in line behind the same lady at that bank that I was behind 23 years ago. I tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘I’m sure you don’t remember me, but we were in this very same line in this very same bank many years ago!’” Ahhhh…such is Paradise…our customers can be as colorful as our “Ink Bar”!

Paradise Pen is known for carrying a plethora of fine writing instruments. However, we carry amazing accessories as well. What is your essential writing accessory and why?

Okay, not necessarily a writing accessory, but love, love, love my red messenger bag from Bosca that I got years ago with my Bosca Bucks!

Dublin hosts the annual Memorial Tournament for the PGA Tour. Have you had any golf pros visit your location?

I’ve met a few pros over the years, but specific to this store would have to be Mr. Harold Riley. He is not a golfer, rather an artist that comes from England every year to sketch the golfers. He has designed pens as well; more precisely, the Serinite for Waterman, the Montblanc sketch pencil and several Dunhill. He was even featured in the beautiful catalogue that Dunhill gave us a few years back. When he came in several years ago and started doodling Winnie the Pooh with the Waterman refills he was buying, while telling me that his grandfather invented Winnie himself. I looked forward to his annual visits for years. His final trip to the states was a few years ago, he invited myself, a few women from the tournament and the manager from Bob Evans (where he at breakfast each morning) to dinner at Hyde Park. The champagne toast consisted of his magnificent accent and words of gratitude toward all the people who had made his trips special by treating him so nicely!

Please stop by and visit Denise and her team at Paradise Pen at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing if you are in the area. They can be located at:

Paradise Pen Company at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing

Paradise Pen at the Burlington Mall

What is particularly unique about your store or store location?

We were the first store in the US to have a Visconti Shop-In-Shop fixture. We are also the only Paradise Pen store in all of New England.

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

Three: Linda Jandreau-Schuster has been with us for 14-plus years. Christian Hans Engler has been with us for 5-plus years. I have been with the company since 1998. Together we have over 50 years of retail sales experience. During the holiday season, we try and bring in one or two additional sales associates.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family and how long ago did you start?

I moved to Massachusetts in November 1997 after spending the previous eleven years in Daytona Beach and Miami, Florida. After learning that a pen company was opening a new store in the Burlington Mall in 1998, I applied for the store manager position. The rest is history.

Paradise Pen at the Burlington Mall with Manager Chris Dudzic, Jim Paradise & Jenni Paradise

Chris, can you share with us your passion for fine writing instruments?

I have been selling fine writing instruments since 1992, when I became the manager of several departments in Bloomingdale’s Home Division, including stationery. I sold Montblanc, Parker, Waterman and Sensa pens. Of all my departments, I gravitated to the pens and within two years time I was number one in sales, outside of the 59th Street Flagship store. There is something very special about fine writing instruments. For something so small, they speak volumes about who you are.

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of guy?

I use all three modes throughout the day. They all serve very specific purposes. But there is nothing better than writing with a fountain pen, especially ones with extra-fine, flexible nibs.

Which pen would you say you personally like the most and why?

I like all of my pens equally. However, lately I have really been enjoying writing with and showing off my Visconti Homosapiens Steel Age fountain pen. And of course it has an extra-fine, very flexible nib.

Paradise Pen is known for carrying a plethora of fine writing instruments. However, we carry amazing accessories as well. What is your essential writing accessory and why?

I keep most of my pens in my Agresti 60-pen chest and do most of my writing in a Graphic Images journal.

At what age would you say an individual can become interested in writing instruments?

Just as soon as their little hands can hold one.

Tell us something we don’t know about your Paradise Pen location.

The Burlington Mall store is located just 40 miles from Townsend, MA our founder and CEO, Mr. Pete Paradise, grew up. So we like to think of this store as his “home away from home”.

Chris, tell us more about you—who are you and what are your passions in life?

I have been married for eight years and when I am not at the store selling pens, you can find me on my snowboard in the winter, my motorcycle in the summer, and when we are not traveling or dining out, you can find me in the kitchen cooking.

Paradise Pen at the Burlington Mall with Manager Chris Dudzic and Linda Jandreau-Schuster

Do you have any particular hidden talents you’d like to share with us?

I went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL and earned my Commercial Pilot’s License (SEL, Instrument rated) and my Private Pilot’s License (MEL) as well as becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (SEL). Since I no longer fly, I have turned my passion to food and wine. I love to cook and enjoy hosting 6-person, multiple-course dinners for my special friends and family members.

What advice can you give to individuals who would like to purchase their first writing instrument?

Buy what you love. Buy what makes you happy.

What questions should they be asking?

Depending on the mode, I would ask about different refill options, quality of materials vs. cost, and how well they write on different types of paper. When and where the pen will be used are factors as well as the manufacturer’s warranty. I would also ask what they want the writing to look like on the paper.

There have been many new collections introduced so far this year. Which one do you find the most appealing and why?

So far this year, the limited edition Aurora “Ottantotto” fountain pen and roller ball made from clear Plexiglas with matte black appointments, including a matte black nib, is visually striking. But the pen I will most likely own is the new Omas Vintage 360 fountain pen in transparent turquoise…with an extra-fine nib of course.

How to you educate your customers to be adventurous when it comes to trying new writing instruments and how should anyone reading this interview expand their love of writing?

Once you own the “basics”, black or blue pens with both gold and white metal appointments, start building your collection. First, always buy pens that fit your hand well and make your handwriting attractive (and legible). Then choose colors and patterns that compliment your wardrobe. This holds true for both men and women. Also, buy pens that have a personal meaning. For example, if you were born in Florence, Italy, try out a Visconti. If you earned your MBA this year, perhaps a limited edition made this year. And always, never stop writing, especially on quality paper like Claire Fontaine and Rhodia.

Fine writing instruments can be seen everywhere—including on the big screen. Can you tell us about a writing instrument you’ve spotted being used in one of your favorite movies (other than Paul Blart: Mall Cop which was filmed at the Burlington Mall)?

While Knight and Day (2010), starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, is not my favorite movie, it was filmed in Massachusetts. In one scene, Roy Miller (Cruise) is showing June Havens (Diaz) how to use a particular “device”. It is actually a Lamy Swift capless roller ball in matte black and it was bought from me at the store.

Please stop by and visit Chris at Paradise Pen at the Burlington Mall if you are in the area. They can be located at:

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

We have 2 full time, 2 part time, and 2 seasonal part timers.

What is particularly unique about your store or store location?

Our store is one of the few upscale stores in this mall.

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of guy?

I am a Fountain Pen person; however, I do use ball points and roller ball pens.

Which pen would you say you personally like the most and why?

I think that Cartier has one of the best nibs available, however, that is not to say that other pen companies do not have wonderful nibs too. There is Montblanc with their Meisterstück 149 fountain pen which is a wonderful writing instrument. Delta has a 14k nib which is also very good.

William, how long have you been working with Paradise Pen Company?

I started with Paradise Pen part time in 1999 when it was still Colorado Pen Co.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family?

My first time in a Paradise Pen (Colorado Pen) store was in January of 1999 to purchase a bottle of ink. I was given an application, which, I did not fill out for about two weeks until my wife asked me if I was going to. I did and she delivered it back to Store 20 on a Tuesday. Thursday the store manager called and wanted to know if I could start that Saturday. I did start part time, and with the exception of a few weeks here and there, I have been the company ever since.

How did you get into fine writing industry?

I have always liked fountain pens even when I was a kid in school. I worked one whole summer to save enough to purchase a Sheaffer Snorkel fountain pen.

Tell us something we don’t know about Paradise Pen at Bridgewater Commons.

Ruth Ann was responsible for me taking a part time job with Paradise Pen (Colorado Pen) and now works with me and enjoys pens as much as I do!

Paradise Pen Company Employee Gail

Tell us more about you, William—Who are you and what are your passions in life?

My family is the most important to me and then my friends; I feel that the person we become is a mixture of ourselves and the influence from family and friends. A good relationship makes us all a better person.

I love to travel, Charleston, SC and New Port, RI being two of my favorite places in the US to visit. I plan to go Paris and London and hope to return to Italy as a tourist.

At home I enjoy reading historical novels about Winston Churchill, General Macarthur, and others. Books on Art Deco are another passion and I enjoy searching for the unique items when we travel.

What advice can you give to individuals who would like to purchase their first writing instrument?

A person who is buying their first writing instrument should consider how they will use the pen. How the pen will fit their needs? How does it feel in their hand?

What questions should they be asking?

How does the ball point, roller ball and fountain compare to each other. What is the difference between BP and RB refills? If considering a fountain pen for the first time, then they should ask about the difference in using cartridges compared to ink from the bottle.

What is your favorite color if ink and why?

Pilot’s Iroshizuku Kon-Peki Blue. It a very rich blue and flows well on paper.

Paradise Pen Company Employee Ruthann

There are many new collections being introduced so far this year. Which one do you find the most appealing and why?

The new Cartier Roadster Rivets collection. I used to fly and have always enjoyed seeing the older aircraft such as WWII vintage. The new Rivets collection is reminisce of this era.

How to you educate your customers to be adventurous when it comes to trying new writing instruments and how should anyone reading this interview expand their love of writing?

Show the customer the new products, tell them about the product, where the pen is made, the materials used and relay any stories that is related with the pen. Cartier has some very interesting stories related to their pens and the Montblanc Writers series, the Diva series and Patron of the Arts also have interesting stories that makes purchasing the pen more memorable.

Remember that whichever type pen you prefer, roller ball, ballpoint, or fountain it is your personal preference and the one you will enjoy most. Then venture out and try something new, we will be glad to demonstrate each pen and let you decide which one will be your next great adventure in writing.

Paradise Pen is known for carrying a plethora of fine writing instruments. However, we carry amazing accessories as well. What is your essential writing accessory and why?

I think desk accessories are a part of the appreciation of not only writing but the complete office environment.

If you live in Bridgewater, or are visiting the area, please stop by and visit Paradise Pen at the Bridgewater Commons. They can be located at:

The beautiful design of the classic and legendary Ottantotto writing instrument of the 1950s inspired the creation of the new high-tech Aurora 88 Limited Edition Demonstrator Nera. This beautifully created pen is a timeless writing instrument; the Aurora 88 Nera Black Demonstrator channels purity, class, character, and an allure all on its own. This intriguing translucent demonstrator is created from a unique smoky Plexiglass, and features matte black finishings. A unique 18K gold black nib crowns the Aurora 88 Nera Black Demonstrator in pure perfection.

The Aurora Nera Black Demonstrator is a handsome writing instrument and is available as a fine Fountain Pen and Roller Ball.

What first brought you to the Paradise Family and how long ago did you start?

I have been in the writing instrument industry seventeen years. During that time, I had the good fortune of working with Paradise Pen as a distributor of several pen lines. When the economy took a downturn I found myself unemployed and missed the pen industry. I applied with Paradise Pen last summer. Good fortune smiled on me again when Jim Paradise contacted me regarding the Manager position at the Lenox Square location. I joined the team in March of this year.

Karen, can you share your passion for fine writing instruments?

There is nothing like the feel of a wonderful fine writing instrument in your hand. In this age of technology, a fine writing instrument in the hand brings a warmth and personal touch that is so often forgotten. I enjoy a hand written note or card and realize the author took time and care to share a personal moment with me. I in turn try to incorporate a “personal touch” whenever possible…and always with the warmth and feel of a fine pen!

What is particularly unique about your store or store location?

Lenox Square sits in the heart of Buckhead, a posh and desirable area of Atlanta. Revered as an International city, Atlanta is host to conventions, ambassador for international travelers; and the heartbeat of Georgia. It is our intent to make Paradise Pen Lenox Square a must stop destination for those visiting our city and a community shop for our neighbors.

How many members are on your team, including yourself?

There are two full time and two part time team players on the Lenox Square team.

Are you a fountain pen, roller ball, or ball point kind of gal?

I actually use and carry all three writing instruments. My fountain pen is very personal and is used for cards or personal notes. Rarely do my fountain pens leave my possession. My ball points and roller balls are my “quick reach” go everywhere pens. These are borrowed by others (but always return home).

Which pen would you say you personally like the most and why?

I love my Omas Gentleman fountain pen. The nib is perfect for me and I love the feel of this pen in my hand.

Tell us something we don’t know about Paradise Pen in Lenox Square.

You may not know…we are located above the cookie company, beside the tea factory, and across from the Apple store. We like to think we are sugar and spice and EVERYTHING NICE!

Tell us more about you, Karen—Who are you and what are your passions in life?

Let’s see if I can define myself:
Karen: Wife, Mother of three; Grand-mother to one
Born in the South and loves the city
White water rafting, swimming biker who occasionally stops for wine, cheese, and Italian cuisine
Lover of the arts, interior design, outdoor concerts and gardening
Friendly, curious, adventure seeking traveler who still has many places to visit and memories to make.

What advice can you give to individuals who would like to purchase their first writing instrument?

Look for a pen that feels nice in the hand, writes well, and is cosmetically appealing to the owners’ eye; Try pens from various manufacturers as they are all different in some way.

What questions should they be asking?

What is the pen made of? What type of filling system does the pen have? If the pen is a roller ball or ballpoint; are the refills generic? What ink should be used in the fountain pen? How do I clean the pen? Are there specific care instructions? Is there a warranty?

There are many new collections being introduced so far this year. Which one do you find the most appealing and why?

My team likes the Mont Blanc Carlo Collodi. The craftsmanship is outstanding. The novel characters are beautifully portrayed in the cap producing intrigue and delight to the pen holder. This pen is unique yet recognized by so many as the Pinocchio pen.

Paradise Pen Lenox Square Team. From Left to Right: Ivelina Ivanova, Torraine Walker, Karen McElwaney

How to you educate your customers to be adventurous when it comes to trying new writing instruments and how should anyone reading this interview expand their love of writing?

We educate our customers by expanding their knowledge base. For instance, if a roller ball customer is looking for another roller ball, we explain the technology found in the Visconti Eco Roller thereby expanding the roller ball arena to include one with the filling system of a fountain pen. Or perhaps the Parker Ingenuity—a porous flexible tip providing the user with a crisp continuous write-out. It is my sincere hope the reader of this interview is compelled to revisit a “simpler time”. When a written note was cherished; saved; and pulled out from time to time to be read again. A time that brought warmth and feeling that can not be transferred via email or text messaging. A written word…a treasure not to be forgotten.

At what age can an individual become interested in writing instruments?

An individual can become interested in a writing instrument from the time their tiny hand can hold one.

Paradise Pen is known for carrying a plethora of fine writing instruments. However, we carry amazing accessories as well. What is your essential writing accessory and why?

A bottle of great ink! The ink flow in my fountain pen can make or ruin my writing experience. I enjoy choosing a color that represents my mood or the occasion.

Atlanta has a vast history of culture, art and music. How do you feel the history of Georgia affects the fine writing industry?

From the authors to historical movements which began in Georgia—all great speeches, books, and plays began with the written word. From Margaret Mitchell to Kathryn Stockett from Franklin Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter from Ray Charles to James Brown there is one common thread…the written word.

Please stop by and visit Paradise Pen at Lenox Square if you are in the area. They can be located at:

This holiday, Paradise Pen Company would like to extend our gratitude to the men and women who fight for our freedom. Starting June 29th through July 4th, Paradise Pen Company will contribute 10% of all online Patriot pen or accessory purchases to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering wounded warriors by servicing “military service members who incurred service-connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.”

By honoring a Patriot in your own life you will allow us to honor those heroes that gave their lives so selflessly for our country.

If you would like to make a donation of your own to this fine charity, please visit the Wounded Warrior Project.

In light of this new and improved addition to our website, we would like to take you on a step-by-step walk through of the new product review feature.

Now, when you click on a product collection, such as the 5280 Majestic, you will see a 5 star rating indicator available under each product.

When you click on a product, such as the 5280 Majestic Carbon Fiber Fountain Pen, you will now see the same 5 star rating followed by the text “Be the first to write a review”.

Once you click on this text, a new review widow will pop up on your screen. This window includes input fields for your name, your location, your email address, your review title, and your written review. It also includes a selection for the 5 star rating system.

The 5 star rating system take into consideration your rating on the following:

• Appearance
• Size/Weight
• Functionality
• Item as described

The more stars given is equal to a higher rating. Each category must be rated. When each category is rated, the overall average of each category is taken into account to provide the final rating in the 5 star system.

When submitting your review, your rating for each category, your email address, your review title and your written review are required. If you submit without any of these items completed, you will receive a notification upon submitting what information is missing.

When this happens, scroll back down the page to the review window and fill in the completed information. Then submit.

Once you submit, you will see a notification on the top of the page thanking you for your review.

You will also receive an email notification after your review which includes information regarding your review submission and the product you have reviewed. Reviews take approximately 48 hours to be updated to our website.

Once your review is submitted, you will be able to see the star rating on the product in the product collection and on the product page.

Your review is now available to share online!

We hope the new reviewing system will enhance your Paradise Pen online experience. We invite you to submit a review if you have recently purchased any items online or in store of any product from Paradise Pen. As always please feel free to share your thoughts with us! We are always here for you.

Fortunately, molding is not a very common occurrence—however when it does occur, it can be a nightmare to contain. Did you know that the origin of source mold usually stems from your ink? This is caused by bottles of ink not being stored or sealed properly. It can also occur in areas with higher humidity. Fountain pen inks are primarily a water-based solution of dye, wetting agents, and a biocide. Biocides are used primarily as a fungicide and mold retardant in most inks available today. While these biocides are available in the ink composition, any alteration in pH levels of the ink can make it a harvesting ground for mold.

There are a few ways to tell if your ink has gone awry. You can sometimes tell if there is a possible contamination if the smell of the ink changes drastically, or if there is an odd color change to the ink as well. Ink also solidifies and collects at the bottom when it becomes older or when there is a chemical change to its properties, also referred to SITB (slime in the bottle). And as always, if there is any indication of floating white or green fuzzy objects in your bottle of ink, chances are you may have mold growing.

If you do have an ink contamination on your hands, the best option is to replace your ink. It’s definitely not a good idea to reuse the ink because it can transfer onto your writing instrument or paper and spread more. Also, inking a fountain pen can potentially contaminate other bottles with transferring ink from one bottle to another.

If a pen is not performing as it should, such as skipping more or not writing at all, this is a telltale sign something might be wrong. The most common source of trouble with your pen can be caused from dried ink deposits. This can be easily resolved by flushing your pen with cool, never hot, water. However, if the cause of source does happen to be mold in the writing instrument itself, your best bet is to immediately flush your fountain pen and sanitize. If you are a seasoned fountain pen user, you can disassemble the pen from the nib to feed, as well as the remaining components and clean thoroughly.

To clean your writing utensil, rinse first and then gently scrub using a biocide or a cleaning solution mixed with water, such as a 1:5 ammonia water mixture to sterilize your fountain pen. Always remember to avoid any cleaners that can corrode or deteriorate metals or celluloids, if applicable, on your writing instruments and to flush with water after each cleaning cycle to ensure that nothing is left behind to damage your pen. Remember to clean inside of the cap as well, as this is often an overlooked area where additional mold can be left behind.

As previously mentioned, mold is not something of the ordinary. With proper storage and sealing of your ink, as well as proper care for your writing instruments, it can be avoided. There is a wonderful community of help and resources available at your fingertips for any questions or concerns regarding fine writing instruments, such as The Fountain Pen Network or here at Paradise Pen. We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. And the best way to care for your fountain pen is to clean often, ink often, and write!