Meet Kelly Block | Owner, Tape and Twine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Block and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My husband and I had been running a shipping and fulfillment from our house for the past 5 years. We were ready to move out and realized the need for a shipping and small scale printing shop in Erie. When we started look around we had a hard time finding a location. Once we found our current spot we knew it was meant to be. It is the perfect location, easy access for our customers and the best landlords ever!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I went to college, I planned on working in victim services, and did for many years. I learned so much about working with people, supporting them and also working with different groups of people. After about 15 years (and three kids later) my mindset was not in the same place and I needed to take a step back. I was lucky enough to find a part time job working for a friend planning events and speaking engagements. My very first event (with no event planning what so ever) was a camping trip in Utah for 400 people. It was an amazing first event (and literally every event was measured against it). As we transitioned to more virtual events, I also started shipping for my job and decided I could expand to shipping for e-commerce businesses. I have worked with Authors and small mom and pop online businesses. It has been an incredible experience working with a diverse group of business owners to support them in a part of the business that most people dislike. The best part is the last 8 years I have been afforded the flexibility to be a mom and a friend and a partner and be there for those that I love the most while still working.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are in one of the most beautiful places on earth (as my parents from the East coast would say.. God’s country). I would start with breakfast at Lucille’s in Erie, and hopefully the chance to view balloons taking off and landing, almost in the back yard. We would then head to Boulder for a quick hike (or the Longmont to Tube down the St Vrain). After that a short walk on Pearl Street, maybe a lunch some where near by.

We would end the night at Teocali in Lafayette. But we would have to be in home by 8:30 so we could go in the hot tub and be in bed by 9:13pm. This mom is not looking to stay up past 9:30.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel so lucky to have such a supportive network of people. My husband and kids have been so supportive and always willing to come help at the shop. My parents have been instrumental in helping me get off the ground and stay focused on the exciting part of owning a business, instead of the scary parts. I am lucky to have an incredible support network and many little steps over the past 15 years that really have led me to this step! My favorite speaker is Mel Robbins. She just tells you like it is and pushes your forward without really feeling like you are being pushed. I have also been luck to have an incredible staff at Tape and Twine. Each of them bring a unique personality and strength to our little family!

Website: www.tapeandtwineshop.com

Instagram: @tapeandtwineshop

Facebook: www.facebook/tapeandtwine

Image Credits
Photographer Kim Brown Photography