Linda Wright and Karen Steinhart, owners of Paper Paper Stationers and Gifts in Old Town La Quinta, have been staying busy since they opened shop on Main Street in September.

“We are definitely doing better than we thought,” Wright said.

Paper Paper Stationers, Wright and Steinhart's first retail business venture, offers a selection of gift cards, invitations, specialty paper, palm tree-themed products, La Quinta-branded items, journals, holiday ornaments and an array of decorative items.

Wright said it was “a little scary” when they first opened, not knowing what to expect.

“‘What if we only sell one card a day?” Steinhart asked Wright early on.

“What if we sell 100 cards a day?” Wright countered at the time. “This is an adventure.”

The duo credits nearby businesses for helping send potential customers through their doors.

“I have to give the shopkeepers” thanks, Wright said.

She said word-of-mouth, networking and the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce have all helped create buzz for the new business.

“The economy gets blamed for stores closing, but it's not necessarily always the economy,” Wright said.

She said a good business plan, a roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and willingness to listen to what customers are asking for are essential to running a successful business.

“This is my fourth time in here in a week,” customer Susan Richey said.

Richey said the store offers a selection of items that can be purchased as hostess gifts and a refreshing alternative to the traditional offering.

“We're a little tired of taking wine to someone's house,” the La Quinta resident said.

“It's a great, great place, and there's nothing like it in the area.”

Wright said the farmers market — held on Sundays in Old Town — has been a boost to business.

“We're busy from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.” when the farmers market closes, Wright said.

They'll even stay open a little later at night if customers are still coming through the doors.

“We're new here,” Wright said. “It's all about exposure.”

Steinhart and Wright said they're on the same page when it comes to purchasing decisions.

The 600 square-foot store is filled with colorful and diverse merchandise that is functional and stylish.

“We try not to buy stuff we like, but I'd buy everything in the store,” Steinhart said.

Wright said she can't wait to come to work in the morning, usually arriving at 8 each day.

“When you're doing something you love, it's just fun,” she said.