Wanda Wen
A devoted paper arts enthusiast and consummate entrepreneur, Wanda Wen turned a lifelong passion for paper, design and the inherent beauty of nature into an enchanting paper boutique and letterpress studio that would become the favored stationer of the entertainment elite and an established lifestyle brand in Los Angeles and beyond.
The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Wen was born in Grants Pass, Oregon. At an early age she was exposed to a more sophisticated world, traveling overseas to Hong Kong and China for familial visits and to Europe to study painting and language. Wen earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. A strong interest in fashion eventually led her to New York City, where she developed her business marketing acumen working for designer Perry Ellis, fashion industry rock star Stephen Sprouse and Isda & Co. But it was her discovery of the centuries-old craft of letterpress printing and her love for paper, printing and letter writing that inspired Wen’s retail concept. From Wen’s passion and three years of learning the art of letterpress on her antique presses in her garage, Soolip was born.
Founded as a sanctuary of fine paper, writing accoutrements and handmade treasures, Soolip Paperie & Press has been a mainstay establishment of Melrose Avenue since 1995.
The West Hollywood boutique successfully embodies Wen’s vision of a life where the simplest pleasures and pastimes – letter writing, gift wrapping, floral arranging – are cultivated and celebrated in an ever-changing technology-driven world. Soolip, meaning “one’s life destiny is to seek wisdom” in Chinese, and Wen’s middle name, has become synonymous with an inspired way of living, and includes Tom and Katie Cruise, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Will and Jada Smith and Hugh Jackman among the many admirers of the brand’s unique aesthetic and hand-touched quality.
Over the years Soolip organically metamorphosed to include Wen’s signature collection of handmade cards (sold in over 100 fine stationers and lifestyle retailers nationwide), an eponymous product line of decorative papers, journals, portfolios and home accessories, and the acclaimed modern bridal event A Soolip Wedding, Wen’s highly coveted annual showcase of imaginative designers and boutique amenities.
A noted tastemaker and lifestyle expert, Wen has made television appearances on The Today Show, Style Network, E!, Daily Buzz, Fine Living Channel, Rachell Ashwell’s Shabby Chic and HGTV and has been featured in numerous national and international publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, In Style, Brides, Town & Country, Entrepreneur, Los Angeles Magazine, Travel & Leisure, People, Wall Street Journal and C Magazine. Wen debuted her hardcover tome The Art of Gift Wrapping (Potter Craft/Random House), a visually tantalizing, inspiring and resourceful how-to on the art of gift wrapping, in April 2010.
Los Angeles is home for Wen and her three children, two parakeets and one golden doodle dog. Instilled by her mantra, Wen aspires to live each day with beauty and inspiration, approaching each obstacle and opportunity with an open and compassionate heart.
