Name: Elisha McGhee
Company: Page Eleven Paper Goods
Title: Owner and Founder
Instagram: @pageelevenpapergoods
Website: www.pageelevenpapergoods.com
Location: Frisco, Texas
Favorite Quote: “When you know you are destined for greatness, your potential haunts you. You won’t feel complete until you succeed.

Elisha McGhee, is a Chicago born, Dallas raised self-proclaimed task doer and master of organization. She’s always had a big imagination, dating back to the huge mansions she would draw alongside the elaborate details. Her interest later led to a career in Real Estate after graduating from University of North Texas. Elisha obtained her Masters from Dallas Baptist University in Management and progressed in her career, however had the desire for something deeper. Elisha’s love for planning led to the creation of Page Eleven Paper Goods. She manages many roles while obtaining the ultimate balance as a wife, a mom, career woman and an entrepreneur. Elisha’s other interest include interior design, photography and her wandering desire to explore the world.

As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? If you’re not doing that, what do you think happened?

As a kid, I wanted to be a teacher. I was never specific about a subject, but I loved to teach people new things. I remember sitting with my grandmother at the kitchen table teaching her about the planets (she sat there to amuse me). I’ve since changed direction; however, I enjoy helping progress people and assist them in experiencing new things.

What lead you to create Page Eleven Paper Goods?

I’ve always been a planner. It all started as a child with a serious love for stationery and all things organization. I would help plan out the day on Saturdays with my mom or set time frames around which homework assignments I would complete when. I remember reading something in college that said, “if you don’t have time to do it right, then how will you have time to do it over?” and it was in that moment that I realized I wanted to actively focus on the life I often dreamed of. From that point forward, I planned out everything in detail and tried to live with more intention. Others noticed, they would question me about my goals, my plans, how I was so organized and motivated. I begin teaching others to create their own planning styles and helping develop their thoughts. I launched Page Eleven Paper Goods in Fall 2016 with that on my mind. I strived to create products that lead people to push through their fears and knock down the limitations that they had built on themselves.

If an up and coming entrepreneur wanted to follow your footsteps, what was your blueprint to launching/creating Page Eleven Paper Goods?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I had a blueprint. I think for me the most important step in launching a business is believing in yourself. I held on to this business idea for years. I was fearful that I wouldn’t know how to manage a business, scared that nobody would support me, I didn’t think I had what it took. What I needed was right in front of me, Faith. Do not doubt yourself, even if you start and don’t succeed in the way you imagined, you at least experienced growth on the journey. Growth can only be gained by those of us who decide to try. Remember being uncomfortable is a good thing.

Tell us about your company and what differentiates you from your competitors?

I believe what differentiates Page Eleven Paper Goods from our competitors is that I strive to change lifestyles, not just sell products. I have a strong belief in living intentionally through God’s purpose in your life and I hope to reach people who are unsure about their direction. Through planning, I’d like to enable those who are fearful or scared to start a new challenge or journey, because sometimes just starting is the hardest part.

As much as we love success stories, can you tell us some of your pain points as an entrepreneur and how you overcame them?

One of the major pain points for me as an entrepreneur is accepting that I need help and having the strength to ask for it. It is truly a moment of vulnerability; you want to be able to do it all but realistically it is too much to handle alone. As a working mom, wife and now business owner I struggled with the thought that I would need help. I wanted to make sure that things were done “right” and with the love and dedication that I put into the business myself. I finally gained the courage to accept the truth, I couldn’t do it all and maintain the quality that I had worked so hard for. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a business owner. Sometimes, we must realize that making a change isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it could help you grow and achieve more.

We believe the Power of a #COSIGN is real. Can you tell us how a #COSIGN has impacted your business. Whether it’s been through word of mouth? An influencer #COSIGN or friend?

#COSIGN is a significant part of many businesses. People trust other people and the word begins to spread. It has been a major factor in my growth over the last few years. Especially with social media a major part of advertising, having referrals or recommendation from a #COSIGN can change things. Word of mouth increases new customer engagement and can often define a reputation.

COSIGN Media specializes in increasing a company’s digital presence, can you tell us a few things you did early in your business to market your brand?

One of the main things that I did was put value in collaborations and personal relationships. I do not look to only sale my product, I want to instead show people the value of planning and how it could be beneficial in all areas of their life. Through those genuine connections, I could establish relationships which then grew into business recommendations or other connections. I think as a new business you have to understand your value and true purpose. If you allow yourself to establish sincere relationships, the rest will come in time.

If a stranger asked a co-worker or friend about you, what do you think they would say?

My friends would say I am very focused in going after what I want. They know me to be organized and always planning things ahead of time. They would note how my smile always lights up a room and that I have mastered the gift of effective listening and unbiased advice. They would describe me as selfless, outgoing, compassionate and loving. Additionally, they would be sure to note that my support for those around me is constantly overflowing.

Where do you see your company a year from now?

As I continue to grow my business, I want to expand our product lineup to offer more inspirational items. I look forward to offering educational seminars and events that teach people how to plan and take steps towards their dreams through planning and living an intentional life. I want to work with more millennials and college students to help them develop a guideline to where they see themselves in the years ahead.

Last but not least, who do you #COSIGN and why?

I #COSIGN Melarie Odelusi, of Mauve Paper Company. She’s a super mompreneur who doesn’t take no for an answer and always knows the right things to say to encourage those around her. Mauve Paper Company products are phenomenal and represent beauty through illustrations.

Jeannette King @fearlessmillennial
Cyndi Brown @cyndiibee_
Allyson Nick @chasingfearless
L’areal Lipkins @visionboardsoverbrunch
Bree Clarke @theimanproject
Melarie Odelusi @mauvepaperco
Roddeya Robinson @tivityconsulting
Marty McDonald @bosswomenmedia
Sabeina Harris @a_seatatthetable
Jennifer Allen @justelopedallas