We spoke with Suzanne Loesch, owner of Mockingbird Paperie on the Commons, to learn about her interests and her business.
What year did your Mockinbird Paperie Open? *
How long have you owned/managed this business? How many years of experience do you have in your line of work? *
I’ve owned and operated the business since 2012. I walked into the previous business, Ithaca Cards, and saw it was for sale. (Before it was Ithaca Cards, it was House of Shalom for 40 years). I had a massive stationery collection and thousands of love letters from my husband. I have many years of restaurant and retail experience. At age 19-21, I worked at Victoria’s Secret. Most of my experience is in the restaurant industry working for a family-owned business in California.
Are you an Ithaca native? If not, where are you from and what brought you to the Ithaca area? Tell us your backstory! *
I’m from California’s Bay Area. I moved to Ithaca for love. I’ve been married for 30 years. I met my husband while working at a restaurant. It was love at first sight. From 1993-
Suzanne teaches a customer how to write with an ink pen.
9
4, my husband and I exchanged love letters. Each letter that was written was super creative. I cherish them and have a truck full of them in the shop.
What did you choose to own, manage, create this type of business? And, Why did you choose to work in Downtown Ithaca? *
I had a massive stationery collection. I love the variety of paper that is available from around the world, especially Italian paper. I also enjoy meeting and talking to new people. This community is full of people who are really cool to talk to.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
It’s fun to come here. We are a great resource for all stationery needs, and we have an extremely knowledgeable staff.
What makes your business special? i.e. Why should people shop at your store/eat at your restaurant/ or try your services?
We do bookbinding and I’m working on my own fragrance and candle line for 2022. We have a worldly collection of stationery items…. The Bortoletti ink pens from Venice, Italy, for example. In addition, we sell a lot of quirky books. We have a lot of materials for people who are desk-oriented, perfect for remote working. We have greeting cards for every occasion with quotes from modern to class personalities. Plus, I restored this space to its natural glory…the tin roof and brick.
What is your business’s greatest accomplishment? *
Staying open through the incredible challenges. I had to overcome a political satire crisis, the pandemic, the Commons re-construction, and other construction.
What do you enjoy most about working in Downtown Ithaca?
Meeting and talking to new people. We receive so many interesting visitors.
Are you involved in any community organizations, clubs, groups? If so, which ones?
I’ve always wanted to start or get involved with a program that helps women who are incarcerated, and help women after they are released from incarceration.
Outside of operating your business, what are some of your hobbies, passions, talents, or causes? Does it overlap with your business on a day-to-day or annual basis? E.g. Would a customer likely see this talent in action if they came into your shop? *
I’m a craft person: I do bookbinding and make personalized stationery such as boxes of thank you notes and wedding invitations
