6 THINGS WITH SUANN SONG

6 Things with Suann Song Founder and CEO of Appointed

Based in Washington, D.C., Suann is the founder and CEO of Appointed, an American-made brand of everyday, elevated paper products designed to spark creativity. Suann is a second-generation Korean American who saw a need in the market for well-designed paper products and designed, planned, and prototyped for months leading up to Appointed's debut in 2015. She also had an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign with a goal of 25k in 30 days and ended up securing 50k which validated her concept. Not only am I drawn to Appointed for their minimal design aesthetic, but to the fact that they prioritize sustainability in every aspect of production.

The Appointed Notebook was their first product and one that I have been a loyal to for years along with their Year Task Planner. Suann and I share a love for paper and the satisfaction of checking off a task on a to do list. I'm thrilled to share Suann's story and how she takes thoughtful design to new levels while giving back to the community. For our readers use code INKANDPORCELAIN for a special discount on Appointed products.

1. What started it all for you?

I’ve taken a windy path to where I am now—but every stop on that path has informed how I’ve built and operate Appointed. My professional background is in marketing and public relations and I’m a self-taught graphic designer. I’ve always loved design and paper and after my first child, I decided to take the leap and make a career out of my passion. My design background, over 8+ years, included everything from letterpress printing to designing and building brands and products. And as a longtime paper lover, I was always in search of the perfect notebook—American-made, minimalist-yet-chic, and sustainably-minded. When I couldn’t find it—I decided to create it and Appointed was born in 2015. Since then the company has grown thanks to a collection of products we’re really proud of, an extremely talented team and our loyal customers.

2. What drives your creative spark?

Our goal is to create products that inspire our customer's creativity and improve their productivity and organization. I'm constantly inspired and motivated by creating beautiful and functional solutions through our products. I consider this my dream job—so it is easy to stay motivated!

I'm always inspired when beautiful design meets function and utility— when everyday objects are elevated through design.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

My favorite items are drawings and art by my children. My daughter who is 4 is obsessed with rainbows and I love having her little rainbow drawings framed next to a piece of art that I've collected.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

Remember why you started. On the days that are harder or there are a lot of distractions or uncertainties, I always remember why I started the Appointed— to create beautiful tools to inspire beautiful work. Remembering that piece of advice helps me to refocus and center.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

At 5 o'clock I'm usually pouring an apple juice for my daughter. But if it's a special occasion or a Friday night in I love a glass of Pinot from The Four Graces.