The Making of Dogwood Hill

A void in the marketplace led to Jennifer Hunt's creation of Dogwood Hill, a semi-custom stationery and wedding papers firm she founded in 2015.

Many inspired ideas spring from a discovered void in the marketplace,
and the same applies to Jennifer’s creation of Dogwood Hill, a semi-custom stationery and wedding papers firm she founded in 2015. One year, Jennifer waited a tad too long to order the custom Christmas cards she was envisioning, so she tried to search for alternatives. Everything was either cookie cutter or had too long of a lead time. For the CPA and art dealer, a light bulb flashed, and she came up with Dogwood Hill. With a collective of 30-plus artists and an in-house design team that creates unique products to reflect many distinctive styles, the company offers something for everyone and every season of life. Plus, the delivery time of 10 days or less and the reasonable prices resonate with customers.

Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit comes from her father, who helmed an insurance business in Russellville, Alabama. Later, she worked as vice-president of financial reporting in the corporate office of Zoë’s Kitchen during the earlier days of its growth. “It was like an MBA mini crash course!” says Jennifer. This type of experience, along with working for Arthur Andersen LLP and later owning her own art gallery, gave Jennifer the confidence to go for it. “I get to use both sides of my brain, exploring my creativity while understanding the details of running a business,” she says.

Before each holiday season, Dogwood Hill partners with tastemakers around the country to collaborate on seasonal collections with one of their 30-plus artists. It’s not just about big names and the number of Instagram followers, although the company has partnered with well-known interior designers such as Meg Braff, Mark Sikes, Amanda Lindroth, and James Farmer. The choices involve more intangible qualities. “Like-mindedness is key,” says Jennifer. “We want to work with people who inspire us, are in harmony with our brand, and are nice!” Going forward, Dogwood Hill is looking into licensing opportunities while also branching out into select branded partnerships, such as one with the Birmingham-based company Bauble Stockings. 

2021 Holiday Collection

Each year, Dogwood Hill chooses tastemakers who team up with their artists to create seasonal paper goods.

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1. (Top) Washington, D.C.-area blogger and creative behind @tallwoodcountryhouse, Jenny Bohannon, looked to her farm animals when designing her goose-themed papers with artist Shanna Masters.

2. (Middle Left) Charleston influencer Megan Stokes cued the traditional juniper branches when working with artist Holly Hollon.

3. (Middle Right & Bottom Left) Connecticut-based portrait and fashion photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank’s holiday Santa and golden retriever-led sleigh were rendered by artist Willa Heart.

4. (Bottom Right) Minnesota-based interior designer Bria Hammel partnered with artist Sally King McBride to create the wreaths, magnolias, and delicate blue floral prints.

For Dogwood Hill’s full line of offerings, and to see more from this year’s tastemakers, visit dogwood-hill.com

“Our next launch will be fabrics sold by the yard and ready-made tabletop pieces such as napkins, tablecloths, and place mats. It’s a natural extension of our paper products—and another piece in the art of entertaining.”

– Jennifer Hunt

Dogwood Hill artist Riley Sheehey designed the Nutcracker Garden wrapping paper. 

See more of Jennifer and her Christmas creations here.

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