Last week, manager of Jespers in Harrogate, Lynn Cummings, celebrated 30 years with the business. This week she shares her story of how she started with Jespers and what she loves about the stationery industry.
How did you get involved in the stationery industry?
By chance! After leaving university I was looking for a full time job and I had always had an interest in stationery items. As Jespers of Harrogate had such an excellent reputation, I thought it would be an interesting and ideal place to start my working career. Originally I was only going to stay for six months while looking for a graduate training scheme in my educational field of hospitality management. I’ve now just marked my 30th anniversary at Jespers!
What is the best part of being involved?
Meeting people who likewise have a passion for stationery related items. Assisting all our wonderful customers both local and those that have travelled many miles to visit Jespers. It is so interesting listening to customers talk about their beloved fountain pens, the stories behind these, and learning new things and facts every day. I oversee all the buying at Jespers and I love the excitement of sourcing and ordering new products. I also enjoy meeting up with reps in the industry and discussing the latest products and trends – there are now so many fantastic ranges of stationery products available.
What is your favourite industry memory?
There are so many memories that have taken place over the years but the highlight of my career was selling a £10,000 limited edition Montegrappa fountain pen to one of our valued pen collectors and the joy that this customer had when receiving the pen.
What does 2024 hold for you?
Firstly, I’ve been looking back over my 30 years at Jesper and all the changes that have taken place within our industry and the business over the years and how products have changed. When I started at Jespers we still had an engraver on site, continuing the service that the company was originally founded upon in 1901, and Charles Jesper undertook embossing. Typewriters were very much in use with spool ribbons and dictaphones available in the store.
I am looking forward with the Jespers team to another successful year, welcoming all our loyal customers, building on the ranges and products that we have in store, and looking at new trends. Recently we have introduced a more sustainable/recycled range of products from Snopake, Leitz, Pukka and Pilot, as demand for these kinds of products increases.
Three interesting facts about me…
- My college and university courses were in Hospitality Management and Catering so I have a passion for cooking and make a mean chocolate cake with a recipe passed down from my mum.
- My ideal day off is a long walk in the countryside taking in the views and the sunshine.
- I love travelling and discovering new and exciting places, and in my younger days would think nothing of going camping with my husband on the back of his motorbike.
Favourite stationery products…
Every day I use my Filofax A5 leather organiser at work and would be lost without this; it is such a valuable item to me. I also have a Lamy chrome ballpoint pen that I was gifted many years ago by David the Lamy rep, and it always goes everywhere with me.
