Holly Jakobs

Holly Jakobs has one primary mission at Envelopments, “make the customer happy.”  Even though her retail days are long gone, she still considers herself a 3rd generation retailer.  In her “pre-retail” days Holly expected to have a career in politics.  But opportunity and fate wrote a different story. As a co-founder of Envelopments, she has worn multiple hats and has done every job from shipping and invoicing, to production and customer service, finally landing as Chief Financial Officer.  But if you asked her today she would add “CTO…Chief Tweeting Officer.”

If there were no Envelopments, what would you be doing today?
I am a retailer at heart.  It’s in my blood – need I say more?

Is the company today what you envisioned it to be?
My vision was pretty short-sighted.  As a retailer, there wasn’t much available outside the printed albums or imprintable market.  We were developing products for ourselves first.  It was a little bit later that the light went on and we decided to share with our competitors.

Anything unexpected you want to share?
After 17 years, I didn’t expect to still love to come to work, still get excited over paper and all of its low tech applications.  And still go crazy over all of the cool products coming out of our design department.

Where do you find inspiration?
It seems to find me when I least expect it; while I am quietly reading a magazine, or making dinner for my family.  I wish I was one of those people who have super visualization powers, but when I close my eyes all I see are shades of gray.

What do you like to do outside of work?
One would more than likely find me in the garden.  I love getting my hands dirty, growing vegetables, feeding my roses.  I really want to raise some backyard chickens. I am a member of Slow Food and devoutly believe in sustainable growing practices.  I love to cook for family and friends and am happiest when I have lots of people around our table.

Any secret passions?
Ok, not that I have the chops for it, but I would love to open a restaurant.  It would be hip and casual with really great food.  I even know the location. But we will keep this in the “nice to dream about file” right now.