Jayme Burns has been working in the illustration and design industry for almost fifteen years! During that time, Jayme has developed her unique style that’s very painterly and colourful. She pays homage to her beloved home, Cape Breton, with her lovely island scenes using watercolour, ink, and acrylic as well as graphic design. Her prints and greeting cards are sold across Nova Scotia, and she flexes her most creative muscles with commission work. She’s also our newest Paper Hearts Pen Pal, and we warmly welcome her aboard!

What are five fun facts about you?

Well, I’m a night owl, but I love being the first one up in the morning to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee with my dog, Maisy (she’s a Bernadoodle). I’m known for my laugh - it’s loud and bubbly (I have friends who will text me a joke if they lose me in a crowd and it always works to find me!). I come from a really big family - my mom is one of 11 and we’re all very close. My mom’s sense of humour is what comes through in most of my cards - she’s hysterically funny, it’s her best attribute. I was a photographer for over ten years, mostly shooting weddings and family portraits, but also fine art photography. And lastly, I’m a Christmas baby! And yes, it does mean I make a big deal about my birthday.

Do you have a first memory of getting mail?

I was eleven. I’m originally from Truro, but when we moved to Cape Breton my best friend and I became pen pals. She would write to tell me about her horses, how school was going, and keep me up to date on our childhood friends. Those letters were always so precious to me. I still have them, too! We still write occasionally today, albeit not as often, usually for birthdays or Christmas, but it’s always been something special to me to receive something handwritten from someone dear to you. I think that’s where the love of stationery began. 

What’s one thing you now wish you could go back and tell your past self when she was starting her business?

Not to be so shy about it! I was really critical of my style when I first started, as I think anyone is. But when I finally embraced my work, I found an appreciation for what I was creating and was able to define it better. It’s also helped me to realize some dreams I didn’t even know I had.

What’s your favourite part of being an entrepreneur?

The challenges it presents really invigorate me. There’s always something new to learn about the industry, and it allows me to better my product. Also, being able to talk directly to my clients brings me so much joy. I love being able to meet the people who enjoy my work, getting to hear them chuckle when they find a funny card in my collection, and hearing about who they’re sending the cards to. Those one-on-one interactions are so precious.