By Cara Spilsbury
Elaine Barker, owner of Paper Potpourri on Broadway in Haverhill, has been helping brides and other party hosts with their invitations, stationery, thank you cards, place cards and more for the last 32 years.
She does it for the love of the work and the enjoyment of making people happy. But her efforts bring awards and recognition, as well.
The most recent was the 2009 Dorothy Penner Award from the Association of Bridal Consultants. It rewards passion and excellence in services connected to the wedding industry and was given at the consultants' annual convention in Indianapolis in November.
The award was particularly special for Barker because of the respect she had for Penner, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and succumbed to the disease a few years later, yet continued to participate at the annual convention until the end. Her advice and suggestions, but more so her spirit, really stuck with Barker.
"I was overwhelmed by this woman," Barker said. "She had so much passion for the wedding industry. She left an impression on me."
Barker attended the convention just like she would any other year, clueless that a national honor awaited her.
When she was given the award, Barker couldn't help but cry.
"I never expected it," she said. "I didn't even know I was nominated until the night before."
Barker was nominated Amanda Niemoitka, a wedding and events coordinator in Illinois. In the same way that Barker was moved by Penner, Niemoitka said she was impressed by Barker.
"At the annual ABC conference, she is a one-woman welcoming committee," wrote Niemoitka. "She is so open with her extensive knowledge base to new people in the industry. She is an incredible mentor to many. I know I can call her with questions and she will spend endless time helping me. Her enthusiasm is contagious."
Barker got into the stationary business when an old friend relocated her business and decided not to sell invitations anymore. Barker was told that she would be the perfect fit in her own invitations business. Thirty-two years later, her location at 95 Broadway is frequented by potential clients from Greater Haverhill as well as Boston; the Cape; and Newport, R.I.
Barker said about 75 percent of her business is wedding related.
Part of what make's Barker's business successful is her attention to detail and her ability to hone in on exactly what the customer wants, especially when a client comes in with no ideas of her own, Barker said.
"I just think it's a talent I have."
Barker said she is proud that her business offers everything from inexpensive to middle of the road to very high end. She said she makes sure to be conscientious of her favorite word: complementary. Her work must complement the bride, her venue and her budget.
Her goal is to have her brides and other customers leave without a care in the world when it comes to their invitations.
"I tell them not to worry about a thing," she said. "I don't want them to stress at all. Even if someone comes in at the last minute, with a tight budget or without any ideas, I just tell them 'it's OK, we'll find something for you.'"
