The Art of ‘Pretty’ Encouragement
Empowering Lives, One ‘Pretty Peptalk’ at a Time
Meet KJ Blattenbauer, the Visionary Behind the Empowering Stationery Brand, Pretty Peptalks.
KJ Blattenbauer, the creator of Pretty Peptalks, a high-end letterpress stationery brand based on the belief that life is better when lived in bright color.
In a world where digital communication reigns, KJ Blattenbauer found her inspiration in the timeless power of a heartfelt pep talk. Her passion for motivational messages and the beauty of paper led her to craft a stationery brand like no other—one that brings joy, support, and positivity to people's lives.
The Birth of Pretty Peptalks: Where Love Meets Motivation
At the heart of Pretty Peptalks lies a simple yet profound concept - the belief that a pep talk has the power to uplift and make a meaningful impact on someone's day or life. For KJ, giving and receiving pep talks exemplifies how much we care about each other. Inspired by the unforgettable moments of encouragement received from unexpected sources, like a random drunk girl's advice in a club bathroom, KJ envisioned recreating that same feeling of delight for others.
“I’m a firm believer that there’s both power and promise held within a pep talk, which is what motivates everything behind my business. It’s what drives the products that I create.”
on how KJ Blattenbauer came up with the concept of Pretty Peptalks
We wanted to learn more from KJ about what a ‘good peptalk’ means to her and how ‘taking the time out to select and send a handwritten card’ laid the foundation for what is now known to be an elevated line of handmade and exceptionally crafted stationery. Read our Q&A with her below.
How did you come up with the concept of Pretty Peptalks?
The basis for my business is simple: I love a good pep talk. To me, giving a pep talk shows how much you care about the recipient. Likewise, being on the receiving end of one represents how much you mean to the giver. I’m a firm believer that there’s both power and promise held within a pep talk, which is what motivates everything behind my business. It’s what drives the products that I create. When I started dreaming up Pretty Peptalks, I wanted to provide a flash of delight in each recipient’s day. It was my dream to one day offer a physical way to recreate how spectacular it feels to receive a pep talk. Pep talks can come in all shapes and sizes and that’s what I love about them. They can be sweet, but not too sweet. Bold, but not too bold. Or tough, but not too tough. No matter how they’re delivered, however, pep talks are a labor of love. Pep talks make everyone feel good. And that’s how I hope my business will make everyone feel. Which is why it’s our mission at Pretty Peptalks to make beautifully simple stationery perfect for life’s pep talks. I want to make it easier to tell those you love that you love them, to give that tough love pep talk when it’s warranted, and to reach out when it’s been way too long.
As someone who has always been passionate about paper and a stationery snob, it seemed like creating elevated note cards that evoke emotion was the perfect way to tie everything I love together. In a nice, pretty package, tied with a bow. Minimal in design, the note cards from Pretty Peptalks are a perfect addition when building a supportive community because they pair your personality with the space to add a meaningful message. And, even if it’s grammatically incorrect to smoosh pep and talk together in the Pretty Peptalks name, it suits the brand perfectly—I’m so excited to share our products with you, I’m in a rush and can’t be bothered to add that extra space between words in the name.
How much of a difference do you think a personal note makes on someone's day/life?
I think a personal note makes all the difference in someone’s day or life. And I’m not just trying to be dramatic. We’ve all heard the quote that “one kind word can change someone else's day.” I like to take it a step farther and add in another powerful quote from Langone: “The two most powerful things in existence are a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.” A personal note is both of those two very powerful things wrapped up in one. Taking the time to select and send a handwritten note says a lot. Text messages are easy, but they’re incredibly impersonal. Phone calls put pressure on you to say the right thing. But a personal note – especially sent through the mail – nothing compares to that feeling of receiving a letter in the mail. Plus, a card is something the recipient can hold on to forever. I know what you’re thinking, it’s 2023, a personal note seems like a relic. But etiquette experts say physical notes can more powerful than ever. In fact, 80% of consumers say that social media can’t replace receiving a tangible card. Moreover, consumers have said that they prefer an actual card compared to a social media shoutout or text.
Do you believe in writing your own pep talk notes to yourself?
Of course, I do! Writing your own pep talks to yourself is a must. As the saying goes, we all get by with a little help from our friends. Outside of my real life friends, pep talks are my BFFs. From the time I open my eyes in the morning, through my morning exercise routine, well into my workday, and as I’m turning down for the night, I’m giving myself pep talks. Whether I’m going through a tough time, facing the challenges of running my businesses, being there for a friend, or looking for a little inspiration, the right words always help.
Ever since I was a little girl, I was a curator of quotes. Or as I like to call them wise words. If something spoke to me, it got written down in my journal, torn from the pages of a magazine, or now as a screenshot on my phone or a reminder in my Notes app. These wise words are pep talks I’ve revisited hundreds of times over the past forty-plus years. They keep me going, they keep me sane, and honestly, pep talks are good therapy – for myself and others I may encounter. Especially when you need help to look inward, embrace the power of positive thinking, and continue chasing your dreams. Pep talks are full of comfort, inspiration, and beautiful mental imagery, which is perfect for anyone who needs a quick lift.
What are your go to solutions/tactics for staying motivated and focused on your business?
It may sound corny, but my number one tactic for staying motivated and focused on my business is remembering my ‘why’. Without it, I think I’d be lost. There’s a reason why I work so hard and sacrifice so much for Pretty Peptalks. My why is the reason I don’t feel bad when I miss out on family events or good times with friends. My ‘why’ is the reason I don’t get FOMO when I’m up stressing about numbers at 3 a.m. or when I’m not on that amazing girls’ trip to Barbados. I know what my ‘why’ is – it’s printed in five different places in my office – and it’s what keeps me going. I have a purpose. I believe in what I’m doing. I love everything about my business. And I want her to succeed. That fuels me and keeps me motivated.
Outside of my ‘why’, I’m a big list maker. Every day, I sit down and handwrite out my To Do List. The office stays open until I tackle at least three big items from that list each day. The list keeps me focused and it helps me stay on track. Especially when shinier, more fun things come up.
As I’m getting older, I’ve also learned that taking care of my health, both physical and mental, are incredibly important to keeping myself motivated and focused on growing Pretty Peptalks. I make sure I’m getting enough sleep and that I drink enough water. I also will not start my workday without getting in at least an hour outside with the dogs or on a run solo. It’s non-negotiable. You are your business, and your health and happiness must come first. Motion equals emotion as they say, and you won’t be successful if your head and health aren’t in the game.
About KJ Blattenbauer
KJ Blattenbauer is a passionate creator and the visionary behind Pretty Peptalks. With a background in public relations and a love for all things paper, she seeks to empower lives through motivational stationery. KJ's work has been featured in prominent media outlets like the New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and Forbes. She resides in Dallas, Texas, where she continues to inspire through the power of beautifully crafted notes.
About Pretty Peptalks
Pretty Peptalks is a premium letterpress stationery brand that embraces the art of empowering connections through heartfelt notes. Their minimalist designs and motivational messages redefine the way we express care and support, bringing joy to recipients and fostering meaningful relationships. With Pretty Peptalks, every note is a gift that keeps on giving, resonating with recipients long after they've received it. To explore their exquisite range of products, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
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