Paper and Rice Co.

About Paper & Rice Co.

founder, designer

Hi, I’m Vivian.

I'm the face behind Paper and Rice Co! A second-generation Cantonese-Toishanese Canadian who loves sharing cultural knowledge and traditions, leading me to start Paper and Rice. I'm also a graphic designer, which comes in handy!

when did It start

2020

Paper and Rice Co. officially started on May 1st, 2020, coinciding with Asian Heritage Month, but it began as a "hmm" idea in 2015: nothing spoke to my cultural identity in stationery stores and greeting card aisles, thus sparked an ambition.

why did I start

I love nostalgia, stationery, culture and heritage

My family roots reaches across China, Hong Kong, Canada and the US; their stories and memories, including mine, inspire each product. I want my cards to be like a warm embrace, evoking a feeling of home, comfort, nostalgia and an emotional connection. Spreading joy far and near and connecting to our culture with one card at a time.

why the name

paper & rice

The name Paper represents my love for the beautiful material and honours one of the Four Great Inventions (四大發明). Rice represents the diaspora; it feeds and nurtures; it travels well and resiliently; it adapts and grows almost anywhere. Rice is life!

what matters to my heart

local, sustainable & planet-conscious

Environmental sustainability and planet-consciousness are super important to me, so is supporting Canadian and local businesses to reduce carbon emission. I aim to ensure 90% of the paper I use are FSC-certified, made from 100% recycled or PCW material. The other products are 10-30% recycled content.

My greeting cards' cardstock is from a paper mill located in my province of Québec. I try my best to avoid plastic and reuse packaging materials, so nothing goes to waste. All products are shipped in minimal materials and are protected together in plant-based, biodegradable cello sleeves. The envelopes are made from 100% recycled paper. Sometimes limiting factors, like location, accessibility, affordability, and supply chain, impact my decisions that are out of my wishes. The more we advocate for accessible, affordable, sustainable packaging and options, the more our system will shift towards change.

land acknowledgment

Paper and Rice Co. remains on the unceded Indigenous lands, inhabiting in Tiohtià:ke, commonly known as Montreal, which the Kanien’kehà:ka nation is the custodian of the land and water. As a settler of colour, I recognize my role and responsibilities. I will always stand in support for Indigenous rights and movements, learn the injustices, their stories, and spread their knowledge as well as their joys. I hope you will join me in this pursuit of Indigenous learning, reconciliation and reparations (I recommend to start with Indigenous Canada, a free online course at University of Alberta!).