A View On: Pen+Pillar

Taylor Mahlke, Owner of Pen + Pillar sits at her desk and works on a new design

Taylor Mahlke, artist, designer and businesswoman, calls using her creativity to make a living “such a blessing.” But those who have the privilege of knowing Taylor and Justin, the husband and wife team behind the art and card company, Pen+Pillar, know that what the Mahlkes do on a daily basis is the real blessing to those around them.

Since 2015 when the Mahlkes conceived of and started Pen+Pillar, their company has grown, expanded, and created space for art to flourish while also helping local refugee communities. Their High Point-based business donates 10% of all proceeds to World Relief to help with the resettlement of refugees. Today, Justin (the logistics) and Taylor (the artist) work in tandem to create cards, art prints, journals and more that bring beauty and light to people’s homes. Keep reading below to hear from Taylor how this business was first born.

Q. Tell us about your company in about 10 words.

A. We create ethical, sustainable, and functionally beautiful paper goods.

An assortment of greeting cards, notebooks, art prints, and desk accessories ready for delivery at Pen + Paper.

Pen+Pillar, a paper goods company based right here in High Point offering greeting cards, notebooks, art prints, desk accessories and more.

An assortment of art supplies for cards, notebooks, and other products for Pen + Pillar.

Q. Why was it started and what was the vision?

A. We started in 2015 while we were living in St. Paul, Minnesota. I started Pen+Pillar because Justin actually brought up the idea. We had a car that was old and becoming expensive to fix. All my paycheck was going to fixing the car, and because I worked at an after school art studio, the hours were fixed without the option to add more. We originally wanted something that was just an extra income for us, but it became clear over the first few months that we were starting something much bigger. In June 2018, Justin came on board with me.

Pen + Pillar owners Taylor and Justin Mahlke smile at eachother while working on a new project.

Taylor and Justin met each other while they were teaching in the Middle East, Taylor and Justin returned to the US and began their online storefront in 2015 to sell paper goods inspired by their travels, nature, textiles, color, community, and warmth.

Taylor Mahlke paints a water color portrait of flowers for a new product at Pen + Pillar.

All Pen + Pillar products are printed in the US, and almost all products are printed on recycled paper.

Q. What do you love about your work?

A. The creativity. I get to create art for a living, which is such a blessing. But we also get to be creative with the growth. We can create our own structure, change directions, and be creative with what we are offering. We also love that it gives us the ability to work with and support our refugee community. This is a cause that is very close to our heart, and High Point is the perfect place for that.

An assortment of art supplies for cards, notebooks, and other products for Pen + Pillar.

Pen + Paper owner Taylor Mahlke works on a painting for a new notebook.

Pen+Pillar gives 10% of all proceeds to help local refugees get settled into their new lives, as well as partner with local refugee artisans.

Q. What is one thing people would be interested to learn about Pen+Pillar?

A. We really bootstrapped this business from day one. I don’t have a degree, and my hope was to be able to work in the art field somehow. I worked nonstop for the first few months learning all I could about building a website, figuring out Etsy, how to ship product, how to print my goods, what to price my items at…all the things I suddenly needed to know about building a business. We were living on a tight income, so we used our $50-$75 of leftover money each month to put towards the business. Justin was so supportive. He took extra shifts to make ends meet and kept encouraging me when I felt overwhelmed. We didn’t make a profit until 2 years in, but it’s been worth every second.

Pen + Paper owner Taylor Mahlke works intently at her desk

Q. What are the highlights of working in High Point?

A. I grew up in High Point, so our network of friends and family is large. It was great to come home to my network, and everyone has been so welcoming to Justin. It’s also been really cool to see High Point grow.

The entrance to Pen + Pillar in High Point, NC

Pen+Pillar is owned and operated by wife and husband team, Taylor and Justin Mahlke. They work out of their backyard studio in High Point, North Carolina.

Pen + Pillar owners Taylor and Justin Mahlke admire one of their completed cards.

Pen + Pillar | Maria West Photography

Q. Why did you choose to locate your company in High Point?

A. We decided to move back to High Point to be closer to my family, and because Justin wanted to become a teacher and take advantage of the Lateral Entry Program that NC offers. The cost of living is also much lower, so we could invest more in our business.

Shelves filled to the brim with notebooks, cards, and other stationary from Pen + Pillar.

Q. How has High Point changed since you started Pen+Pillar?

A. So much! It seems most of the change has happened in the last year or year and a half. We’ve noticed a growth in the amount of small businesses, and we are so happy about the new stadium!

Q. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

A. Growth strategy has been the hardest. Sometimes clear opportunities land in our laps, but most of the time sustainable growth happens when we make strategic and consistent decisions. Knowing what’s the right next step and when to take risks has been difficult, as I imagine it is for most small businesses.

Pen + Paper owener Taylor Mahlke smiles at her husband Justin.

Q. How have the citizens and community of High Point supported you?

A. We have felt so much support from the community. The more we talk to people, the more we realize that High Point is excited about small businesses, and people tell us often what they share about our business with their friends. There is a real sense of loyalty, and we are very grateful.

A photo of the work space for Pen + Pillar in High Point, NC

Q. If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in High Point, what would it be?

A. Make connections – don’t isolate. People are willing and eager to see you succeed. And don’t forget to pay it forward!

Pen + Pillar owners Taylor and Justin Mahlke working hard at their desks.

Q. What are you excited about for High Point’s future? 

A. Seeing more small businesses pop up!

Q. How can the HP Discovered audience find you online?

A. Our online home is penandpillar.com, and you can find us on Instagram @penandpillar.

A View On is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point businesses to share their view. Past guests have included Linwood Art and FitHub.

Discovering our High Points (and Prints!),

HP Discovered

Photography by ZoZo Photography

SaveSave