• Wes Bloomquist •
• Originally published January 17, 2009 at 5 p.m., updated January 17, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Editor's note: Your Money, Your Business showcases small businesses. If you have a small business or know of an interesting one, please let us know. See the end of this feature for submission information.

Business name: Paper Moon

Address and phone number: 108 N. Virginia St. Port Lavaca, 361-552-3500,ItsOnlyAPaperMoon.com

Business owner: Kyle and Paula Boyd-Robertson

Date opened: Sept. 1, 2007

Number of employees: Two

Services offered: Antiques, Victorian gifts, jewelry, local art and collectibles, including vintage postcards and historical Texas documents.

1: Why did you choose the industry?

We have always been collectors/treasure hunters and lovers of all things old. My first business in this general field was repairing and restoring antique Victrola and Edison phonographs. When we settled back in Port Lavaca, we started collecting vintage postcards and historical Texas documents and photos. We soon found that the more than 80,000 postcards were taking over our house, so we opened a small space in an antique mall and added a line of antique shaving mugs and razors. We quickly outgrew this space and took the next logical step in opening a physical location of our own.

2: Describe your first day in business.

It was a mixture of excitement and relief. The excitement was for what lay ahead and the prospect of meeting new people and sharing our passions. The relief was due to the fact that we had just finished a month of non-stop work in the heat of August, getting the place ready for our September opening and we were exhausted. I believe the only things we sold that first day were to family members who came to wish us well, but we felt as though we had the best day ever.

3: Describe a typical workday.

We generally open up shop around 10 a.m., which consist of taking several pieces from inside the store to display outside. We then settle into doing book work, sorting through postcards and other collections or working on our Web site until customers arrive. We love helping customers connect with fond memories from their past and most of all we love talking with and swapping stories with all the wonderful and interesting people who come in. Sometimes we make a sale and ... well, that's just the icing on the cake.

4: Why open up shop in the Crossroads region?

Well, most of all, it's home. I, being raised here, and Paula, also being from a small town, remember what it's like to shop and hang out in our old downtowns. We dream of seeing the old Main Street in Port Lavaca revitalized as a shopping and tourist destination.

5: Is it difficult to find employees in our workforce? How do you find workers?

At present we are just a small family-operated business with my wife, myself and, occasionally, our teenage daughter when she is not busy with school and other activities. I do see a time right around the corner when we may want to take a short vacation or something and may need temporary help, but I don't think there will be a problem finding good workers in this area.

6: What advice would you give others starting a new business?

First, do what you love. Something you would do even if you weren't getting paid. People can pick up pretty quick on whether you're passionate about your business. Second, get a computer and learn how to use it. Those companies that are not utilizing the Internet as a sales or marketing tool are not living up to their full potential. I have been on a crusade for some time now, trying to get all the little "mom and pop" shops to start their own Web sites. It opens you up to a global market and supplements your bottom line. It just makes sense.

7: What is the biggest challenge your industry faces?

Right now I guess I would have to say the declining economy.

8: What is something most people don't realize about running a small business?

The amount of paperwork involved to keep the business running smoothly. We are all told about it but somehow it just doesn't sink in until you're in the middle of it.

9: In your time running your business, what is your best story?

We have a 6-foot paper moon prop at the shop we take pictures of, reminiscent of the turn of the last century. A middle-aged man came in, had his wife sit on the moon for a picture and then got down on one knee. He presented her with a dozen roses and re-proposed to her. It was an emotional moment for all.

10: Where do you see yourself and your business in five years?

In five years I'd like to think we'll still be sitting here at the shop enjoying a cup of coffee and the good conversation of our customers. We, however, love giving local artists a place to show their work and are quickly running out of space. So, we foresee needing a larger building on the old Main Street in the near future.

- Allison Miles, Victoria Advocate

To be considered for the Your Money, Your Business feature, call 361-580-6511 or e-mail Business Reporter Allison Miles at amiles@vicad.com. The form is also available electronically.

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