The Chicagoist | March 7, 2008

Made in Chicago: 16 Sparrows
Some of us aren't sure how we ended up in Chicago, but it did call to us, and before we know it, we were unpacking our suitcase and calling it home. This happened to Donovan Beeson, 25 and Kathy Zadronzny, 26, proprietors of 16 Sparrows, a digital source for all things paper. Both ladies found themselves drawn here from warmer climates, Savannah, Georgia and Miami respectively, during the blizzard of 2003 and have never looked back.

16 Sparrows was Kathy's creative outlet aside from her corporate gig, but she soon found that the shop had grown so much she needed the help of her roommate, Donovan, creating more customized design work and together managing the shop. Everyone loves getting handwritten letters, but the designs on 16 Sparrows run from the classy telegram (pictured) to snarky cards. We want to buy a bundle so whenever the urge to write comes along, we have the perfect stationary at our fingertips, especially if it says, "Congratufuckinglations."

Kathy and Donovan shared with us girl scout memories, healthy cynicism, and life as a shut in.

Read entire interview on The Chicagoist website.
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