Stockist Spotlight Series: Chrome Yellow Trading Co.
"It can be very challenging to be your own boss, but we love being able to dream up an idea and bring it to fruition to then share with others."
Do you ever wonder how your favorite local stationery shop picks out new products, stays inspired, or keeps a small business thriving? In our Stockist Spotlight series, we explore the day-in and day-out of your favorite small shop owners.
Chrome Yellow is a cafe and coffee roastery in Atlanta, GA—serving the historic Old Fourth Ward since 2015. We chatted with founder Kelly Taylor to discuss running a business and stocking your store with goods that you believe in.
Walk us through a typical work day.
Most mornings start with several cups of coffee or maybe an espresso; catching up with staff and regulars at the bar. On a good day after wrapping up some computer work, I walk down for lunch to our friends at Staplehouse.
What is your favorite part about being a shop owner?
I think the overall creativity and freedom to dream up a vision and see it through to completion is a very big driving factor for me and my husband/partner Kyle. We also work very well together and have complimenting strengths which makes for a good combo in business. He often concentrates a lot on the right sound and lighting throughout the space, he’s amazing at hiring and managing the staff and always seems to find the most wonderful human beings to be a part of the team. I love interiors, reinventing spaces and trying to improve systems and flow. It can be very challenging to be your own boss, but we love being able to dream up an idea and bring it to fruition to then share with others.
How do you decide what to stock? What qualities do you look for in stationery and paper goods?
I love journals, always have, and have journaled consistently throughout my life—probably since late middle school. I personally prefer blank pages and I tend to look for a slightly thicker page because I like to be able to use watercolors in my journals. I’ve learned that lined pages often sell better though, so now I try to include a little bit of everything...lined, dot-grid and blank. I love a fabric textured journal when I can find one, like the Appointed Notebook. They have a great feel to them and I love the colors and the paper is high quality—very smooth and enjoyable to write on.
Do you have a go-to Appointed product?
Definitely the Dot Grid Workbook, my last one was a lovely mustard color.
What advice would you give to your younger self just starting your business?
While it is definitely important to be careful when starting out on your own or considering a big career change, you also don’t want to be SO careful or afraid that you never even try.
Also do not shy away from consulting professionals, like attorneys, tax accountants or good real estate agents. They can help you start a business the correct way and avoid headaches later on.
Lastly, if you make a mistake, take notes and keep moving. As long as you don’t let a mishap completely stop you in your tracks, you’ll only get stronger and wiser for the next go-round.
What is inspiring you right now?
Oh my, so much is inspiring me right now. I love spending time with my family; we have two young boys and we love spending time outside with them gardening and playing sports like baseball and mini tennis in the carport. Playing music together—I play guitar and sing, my youngest is learning piano and our 8 year old is learning drums. We’re always trying to inspire them to draw or write and keep some kind of notebook of their own. Kyle and I both love art and keeping the creative mind alive and working. All the more reasons to have a great journal on hand at all times :)
Want to see more from Chrome Yellow? Check out their Instagram @chromeyellowtradingco or visit their cafe if you are in Atlanta—501 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
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