Katie Gastley
Idlewild Co.
Fun paper goods
Katie's journey to founding Idlewild Co. began unexpectedly at a Brooklyn craft festival, where her hand-painted neighborhood prints caught the attention of wedding-planning shoppers. These initial commissioned invitations blossomed into a collection of wedding suites, which she then expanded into greeting cards and hand-bound notebooks that debuted at the National Stationery Show. In just a few years, her distinct aesthetic helped establish Idlewild as a sought-after independent brand, now available in hundreds of stores worldwide. After relocating to Vero Beach, Florida in 2013, Katie continues to lead her team with a mission to create uniquely artisanal products that bring fresh energy to the gift market. The Pennsylvania native balances her creative work with weekend pottery sessions and kimchi experimentation, alongside her pets Larry and Otto, who serve as the company's unofficial "human resources" department.