Karen Wilson now Paper Salad’s sole owner

Co-founder Claire Williams continues designing for publisher, Jack Wilson becomes ops director

In an amicable agreement, Claire Williams has decided for positive personal reasons to sell her shares in Paper Salad to longstanding business partner and friend Karen Wilson, who is now the sole owner of the business.

**Above & top: Karen Wilson (left) and Claire Williams on the Paper Salad stand at the recent PG Live**

In the move, revealed today, 10 July, Karen will also continue as creative director, and the main designer for the company while Claire will retain her links with Paper Salad as she is to continue to assist in a design capacity, but will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

Karen and Claire have worked together successfully for over 25 years, co-founding Paper Salad almost 20 years ago, establishing the multi-award-winning publisher as the go-to for super bright designs and exquisite finishes on greeting cards as well spawning strong licensing partnerships, notably with Glick on giftwrappings.

Above: Over the years, Paper Salad has won many Henries and Louie awards – Karen (centre), Claire (second left) and Emotional Rescue’s creative director Jennie Rutter (right) are shown at The Henries 2023 winning with the Emosh contemporary sentiments range collab — Above: Over the years, Paper Salad has won many Henries and Louie awards – Karen (centre), Claire (second left) and Emotional Rescue’s creative director Jennie Rutter (right) are shown winning at The Henries 2023 with the Emosh contemporary sentiments range collab

Supporting Karen in taking Paper Salad forward is her son Jack, who has been working with the business for seven years and has now been appointed operations director.

The reasons for Claire’s decision were that she wanted to concentrate on her young son, her elderly mother and her new home that is in need of major restoration.

**Above: Colour Hub is one of Paper Salad’s current ranges, which has also spawned the licensed giftwrappings collection with Glick**

“I could see that Karen had a natural line in Jack joining the business which has enabled me to confidently step away,” Claire said.

Commenting to PG Buzz, Karen admitted the period leading up to the deal being agreed was “really emotional”, recognising that she and Claire have “built this incredible business up over 20 years and are so proud of what we have achieved”.

**Above: Jack Wilson, who is now operations director of Paper Salad, with his mum and co-director Karen at The Henries**

Karen added: “It was Claire’s decision to leave the company and I fully accept and support her reasons for doing it. There were many tears shed when the deal happened and we are still the best of friends.”

“Design is at the heart of what we do and, for that reason, Claire will be staying on in a design capacity. I’ll still see her on a weekly basis and know that she’ll be on hand to assist me with decision making as a friend whenever I need her, for which I am so grateful. I’d also like to thank our agents, customers and distributors for their support on hearing the news.”