FRANK & EILEEN: What inspired you to start your design company, Pencil & Paper Co.?
GEN: After 20 years of spearheading retail concepts for Old Navy and Victoria's Secret, I wanted to reimagine the shopping experience for women through joyful curated content and thoughtful product development. I founded Pencil & Paper Co. in Nashville in 2003. Fast-forward to now, and we have a Happy Mail Box subscription featuring our must-have finds! I tell people to think of us as your chic best friend who shares their favorite fashion finds, decorating discoveries, entertaining tips, and undiscovered travel gems.
Gen is photographed wearing Eileen Casual Cotton in White, Kinsale in White, and Belfast Italian Performance Denim in our 1977 wash.
GEN: After 20 years of spearheading retail concepts for Old Navy and Victoria's Secret, I wanted to reimagine the shopping experience for women through joyful curated content and thoughtful product development. I founded Pencil & Paper Co. in Nashville in 2003. Fast-forward to now, and we have a Happy Mail Box subscription featuring our must-have finds! I tell people to think of us as your chic best friend who shares their favorite fashion finds, decorating discoveries, entertaining tips, and undiscovered travel gems.
Gen is photographed wearing Eileen Casual Cotton in White, Kinsale in White, and Belfast Italian Performance Denim in our 1977 wash.
FRANK & EILEEN: What inspired you to start your design company, Pencil & Paper Co.?
GEN: After 20 years of spearheading retail concepts for Old Navy and Victoria's Secret, I wanted to reimagine the shopping experience for women through joyful curated content and thoughtful product development. I founded Pencil & Paper Co. in Nashville in 2003. Fast-forward to now, and we have a Happy Mail Box subscription featuring our must-have finds! I tell people to think of us as your chic best friend who shares their favorite fashion finds, decorating discoveries, entertaining tips, and undiscovered travel gems.
Gen is photographed wearing Eileen Casual Cotton in White, Kinsale in White, and Belfast Italian Performance Denim in our 1977 wash.
GEN: After 20 years of spearheading retail concepts for Old Navy and Victoria's Secret, I wanted to reimagine the shopping experience for women through joyful curated content and thoughtful product development. I founded Pencil & Paper Co. in Nashville in 2003. Fast-forward to now, and we have a Happy Mail Box subscription featuring our must-have finds! I tell people to think of us as your chic best friend who shares their favorite fashion finds, decorating discoveries, entertaining tips, and undiscovered travel gems.
Gen is photographed wearing Eileen Casual Cotton in White, Kinsale in White, and Belfast Italian Performance Denim in our 1977 wash.
F&E: Your days revolve around style and design. What are three to four wardrobe essentials that make you feel your best?
GEN: Frank & Eileen linen shirtdresses! I love the flexibility and ease of this versatile style—it's ideal for travel. From the beach to evening cocktails, you are set! I also adore a bit of gold paired with summer whites—our Gold Fish Earrings are the perfect whimsical finishing touch. My leather wrap sandals from Italy are my warm weather go-to, and I always love a great hat.
Gen is photographed wearing Rory Organic Voile in White.
GEN: Frank & Eileen linen shirtdresses! I love the flexibility and ease of this versatile style—it's ideal for travel. From the beach to evening cocktails, you are set! I also adore a bit of gold paired with summer whites—our Gold Fish Earrings are the perfect whimsical finishing touch. My leather wrap sandals from Italy are my warm weather go-to, and I always love a great hat.
Gen is photographed wearing Rory Organic Voile in White.
F&E: Your days revolve around style and design. What are three to four wardrobe essentials that make you feel your best?
GEN: Frank & Eileen linen shirtdresses! I love the flexibility and ease of this versatile style—it's ideal for travel. From the beach to evening cocktails, you are set! I also adore a bit of gold paired with summer whites—our Gold Fish Earrings are the perfect whimsical finishing touch. My leather wrap sandals from Italy are my warm weather go-to, and I always love a great hat.
Gen is photographed wearing Rory Organic Voile in White.
GEN: Frank & Eileen linen shirtdresses! I love the flexibility and ease of this versatile style—it's ideal for travel. From the beach to evening cocktails, you are set! I also adore a bit of gold paired with summer whites—our Gold Fish Earrings are the perfect whimsical finishing touch. My leather wrap sandals from Italy are my warm weather go-to, and I always love a great hat.
Gen is photographed wearing Rory Organic Voile in White.
F&E: Your P+P Creative Club is a community that supports and celebrates female creatives and brands. Do you have any words of wisdom for women nurturing their own network?
GEN: Surround yourself with women who will build you up, mentor you, challenge you, and be there to celebrate the wins and help soften the losses.
Gen is photographed wearing Northern Ireland in White.
GEN: Surround yourself with women who will build you up, mentor you, challenge you, and be there to celebrate the wins and help soften the losses.
Gen is photographed wearing Northern Ireland in White.
F&E: Your P+P Creative Club is a community that supports and celebrates female creatives and brands. Do you have any words of wisdom for women nurturing their own network?
GEN: Surround yourself with women who will build you up, mentor you, challenge you, and be there to celebrate the wins and help soften the losses.
Gen is photographed wearing Northern Ireland in White.
GEN: Surround yourself with women who will build you up, mentor you, challenge you, and be there to celebrate the wins and help soften the losses.
Gen is photographed wearing Northern Ireland in White.
Shop Gen's Styles
Eileen
Eileen
Current Price $238
$238
5 colors available
Rory
Rory
Current Price $288
$288
$288
$288
4 colors available
Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Gen!
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MORE 'A CUPPA WITH'
CAITLIN FLEMMING
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"After working for a designer for a year, I made the leap and started my own firm."
WHITNEY LEIGH MORRIS
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"I’m interested in so many creative fields — from photography and editing, to writing, to designing — that I wanted a profession that allowed me to explore all those interests daily."
ELLEN MARIE BENNETT
Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Hedley & Bennett
"To get something started, you have to use your imagination, but for a business to really evolve, you also need to rely on facts and data to support the work."