Sky’s the limit for N.K. stationery store

North Kildonan

Transcona

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This article was published 19/06/2024 (518 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One local business owner sees blue skies ahead for his stationery shop.

Skyler Moyer, 27, is the owner of Sky Paper. Formerly known as Pen and Paper, which opened its doors in 1989, Moyer took over the business this spring, and hosted a grand opening celebration on June 14 at Unit 6-935 McLeod Ave. While Moyer aims to maintain the spirit of the store going forward, providing copy and printing services, as well as stationery and office needs, he has a grander vision in mind, too.

“It’s important to me to support my community, supporting families, entrepreneurs and other small businesses,” Moyer said. “Every decision I make I want to keep those things in mind. I want to provide exceptional service, from start to finish, we’re going to make sure the job is done right. We’re going to treat every guest that comes through the door as though they’re the most important guest of the day. I feel there’s a lot of potential with this business.”

Along with stationery, office supplies and printing, Sky Paper is once again a FedEx shipping centre (Pen and Paper was also a FedEx centre until February). Moyer hopes to add more in the coming months, as well.

“We want to add a few more services, like mailboxes so people can have an address here,” Moyer said. “We’ll likely do passport photos, because a lot of people come in here to scan or print passport documents already.”

Born in North Kildonan, Moyer spent much of his life in Transcona, until recently moving back to North Kildonan and finally launching his own business.

“It’s always been my dream to own my own business,” admitted Moyer, who managed the McDonald’s on Regent Avenue for years. “This opportunity came up because I knew (the previous owner) through church. We would often talk about business, what it takes to run a business. He would give me some advice. Eventually, I talked to him about this mail box idea, where people rent mailboxes. He started laughing and invited me to come check out his business, which he was in the process of closing. We made our way over here after church and started talking.”

That was in March, and by April 22, Moyer was opening the doors to Sky Paper. He now has two employees on board, as well.

“We worked out a deal we were both happy with. I get a fresh start with a new business, he gets to see Pen and Paper live on in spirit,” Moyer said.

One product Moyer is particularly excited to be carrying are high quality fountain pens, which are almost impossible to find locally, he added.

“It’s really like the watch industry, only toned down a little,” he said. “People are into the craftmanship. You can buy a fountain pen for a couple of hundred dollars and it’s something you can keep for your life. You can refill it. They all feel a little different, they all write a little different. When you’re doing your signature, you can’t replicate that look with a ballpoint or roller pen. It’s a niche market that I feel is really coming back.”

Moyer also hopes to be able to provide shelf space for local entrepreneurs, where possible.

“I want to support other entrepreneurs and small businesses,” he said. “Starting your own business or being an entrepreneur is something tangible. I believe it makes for a healthy community. When you’re working on your own thing, you put so much more love and care into it.”

Sky Paper is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, see skypaper.ca