As Miss Swift might say, “it’s been a long time coming, but…” we’ve got a new Inspired Chicago blog feature! I took a break from producing these stories during the pandemic for obvious reasons, but I have since photographed so many incredible folks that I wanted to get to know better. So, here we are with another installment featuring the incredible and kind Devan of Petal & Pages Co! I photographed branding content for Devan last summer and was really impressed with her creativity, her warmth, and her drive. I’m so excited to share her story with you!

Q. What inspired Petal & Pages Co?

If I'm being honest, it was a whole bunch of different things. However, here's my little story:
I've always enjoyed reading, especially as a kid. But life got messy, and it felt like I was torn away from one of my favorite hobbies. A hobby that kept me grounded when the world around me wouldn't stay still. I loved reading so much that when I fell for a book -- I fell. I would become obsessed and read that book or series over and over again. But then one day, I stopped. I stopped reading because I couldn't handle the feeling when stories would end and it would be over. I have learned since that that was a trauma response (and that's a whole different story.)
But at the end of 2023, I knew something was missing. I needed to read again. I didn't just want to; it was a need. So, I set a goal for 2024: Read at least one book a month for the year. I made it easy enough to follow along, so read I did. I ended the year having read 63 books (5x more than my original goal).
Anyway, I came across this TikTok of a girl ripping the cover off a book in January 2024. I audibly GASPED and was shaken. Until I saw the final product, and it was a beautiful rebound version. I sent the video to my best friend Haley and told her, "I want to do this for a living."
She said, "do it! That's so cool!"
But I didn't follow through.
However, this girl ripping up books kept popping up on my page and I kept reading.
In March 2024, I went on a road trip with my other best friend Anne. I was moving her back to New York from Chicago, and offered to drive with her. We stopped in Pittsburgh (of all places) and came across this dried flower shop. The second I entered, I felt at home. The excitement was exuberating. I didn't want to leave. There were dried flowers everywhere, gardening supplies, tea and even some books! I knew then that I wanted to open a shop of my own.
So when I got back home to Chicago, I said "screw it." I didn't have much money to my name, but I worked enough jobs to support my ambitions. So what did I do? I pulled the trigger and bought all the supplies I needed to rebind or bind books. Everything arrived in April 2024, and the rest was history!
I knew I wanted to create something beautiful from something I loved, and I wanted to connect with a community that I felt truly understood.

Q. Tell me about the name. How did you choose Petal & Pages Co?

This is a GREAT question. I wanted to be ~professional~ and wanted a name that I could go by that wasn't "devanmarkham." So, I took to researching different terms associated with books, rebinding, bookbinding, etc. I wasn't loving any of it. So, I included Haley in the process. And somehow, together, we came up with Petals & Pages Co!
I wanted something that embodied my love for reading, creating, and gardening in one place. One day, I want to open my own bookshop and tea cafe that sells books, coffee, tea, plants, and flowers.
Therefore, looking into the future, we developed Petals & Pages Co to allow a broader opportunity to grow.

Q. Did you know how to book bind before you started?

NO. Not at ALL!
I ended up teaching myself by watching some videos online as well as trial and many, many errors!

Q. Where do you find your inspiration?

I'm lucky enough to have a keen eye for design. However, I draw a lot of my inspiration from the books themselves! I like to take elements from the book's vibe to create meaningful designs!

Q. What is your favorite part about running Petal & Pages Co?

My favorite part about running Petals & Pages Co is the learning experience. I've never built a brand for myself before. It's a very exciting adventure, and learning has always been one of my favorite things to do. Plus, I have become a part of an entire bookish community I would have never met. It's really an incredible experience.

Q. What are your goals for Petal and Pages Co? Where do you hope your brand goes from here?

This might sound naive, but I hope this kicks off and Petals & Pages Co becomes a household name. I want people to think of my brand before others when looking for books or grabbing a cup of coffee. I want my future shop to become a safe haven for anyone who finds comfort in my community.
Also, I just want to be known for being kind and welcoming. I consider my company a safe space for all and a space where readers can relate. A space where people can feel creative and follow their dreams.
My ultimate goal is to continue selling custom books and open that dream shop (in Chicago). It would be cool if it became a staple.
And one day, between you and I, I want to write my own books that inspire readers.

Q. Do you feel like you’re connected to a creative community in Chicago? And if so, how has that impacted your work?

Absolutely. While most of my community is online, I have met several creative minds in Chicago who have supported me. I would love to continue to build this and work to create a tangible space for the community to gather. Plus, supporting smaller authors in the area has also been super fun!

Q. What advice do you have for aspiring book binders or artists?

Just do it. There will be no "right time" to do what you love and what you want to create. This is what held me back for a long time. And now, by just doing it, I'm doing it! Plus, I didn't know true happiness until I started to make time for what I love. I haven't been this excited or happy in a long time.
And I'll say this: It's not easy, but it is so worth it.
Lastly: Stay spooky!