We had the good fortune of connecting with Marneia Gravely Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marneia, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Martinsville, Virginia. University of Va – sociology concentration in psychology. Only child and raised by my grandparents. Manners and grace and thank you note and acknowledgment. Aunts would give me a stationery set.

Silver base of pen. That’s a sign when I came to interview

Heavy round base with a velvet bottom – guest book pen. at register – received with stationery – one
hadn’t seen one since.
maternal grandparents raise you – proper etc.
first typewriter in 6th grade – straight to it
every Sunday would type out my wardrobe
hangers match – very organized

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For starters, It wasn’t a straight path to get here. I worked in Los Angeles as an event planner. At the end of that engagement, I honestly thought I wouldn’t “touch a wedding with a 10 foot pole.” But somehow I have an affinity for weddings and the events surrounding and I ramped up and started my own wedding planning business! I didn’t advertise or have the resources for marketing but my business grew from simple word of mouth. I held to the very same high standards that I learned from my career in LA. In 2005 my life changed – I had a wedding of my own (yes, I planned it!) – and I moved to London with my husband and started a new career as a corporate wife. I eventually divorced and moved back stateside where I worked for another paper and stationery brand and rediscovered my love and passion for all things creative. I received several regional awards while there and was recognized by the executive team based in Chicago. I worked with that brand for four years until the founder of Paces Papers – my current employer – ‘discovered’ me and asked if I would consider joining her team.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Itinerary for weekend visit:

Hit Ponce City Market and a walk on the Beltline with coffee at Dancing Goats
Check out the latest exhibition at the High Museum, Atlanta’s art museum
Lunch at Storico Fresco
Followed by shopping at Buckhead Village District
Back in the car to navigate Atlanta traffic to head north to my favorite Newtown Park in Roswell, Ga. Worth the drive!

My other favorites!
Downtown Decatur Square
Lobster Bar in Buckhead
Cryotherapy at IceBox, the Midtown location

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big part of my story is the neighborhood where I was raised and where I grew up in Virginia’s North Street community. A predominantly African American neighborhood, I was raised by my grandparents who lived there. There were many prominent and successful people who lived on North Street including the first black pharmacist and his wife – Mrs. Claudia Caldwell – who was an active member of the local school board. Many of the North Street neighbors took me under their wing and provided mentoring on many levels during my childhood. I am very grateful for their influence.

Website: http://www.pacespapers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacespapers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PacesPapers/

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