Hazel Swisshelm
Founder & Creative Director
Hi, I’m Hazel — the heart and hands behind Paper & Pose.
If you told little me that one day I’d get to turn my love for weddings into something real — designing stationery and creating photo experiences for couples — I never would’ve believed dreams could come true so beautifully. Art has always been a part of who I am; I grew up in art classes, sketching, painting, and creating anything I could imagine.
After earning my bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and Entrepreneurship from Miami University in 2021, my life took an unexpected turn. Instead of starting my career right away, I became a full-time mom to my little boy, Easton — a role that completely changed my world. It wasn’t the path I planned, and there were moments of doubt and heartbreak, but I held onto the belief that everything happens for a reason and that I was exactly where I was meant to be. In time, that faith led me to where I am now — building a career I love as a Manager of Graphic Design and Brand Development, where I work on everything from catalogs and packaging to brand storytelling and creative direction, while also taking on freelance design work that keeps my creative spirit alive.
When I was little, I made my own wedding magazines, designed dresses out of scrap paper, entered art competitions of wedding drawings, and wrote stories about love. Now, through Paper & Pose, I get to bring that same childhood magic to life — creating intentional stationery for couples and elevated, joy-filled photo experiences through The Pose Bar.
Easton is my reason, my joy, and my reminder that life unfolds exactly as it should. I want him to see that it’s never too early to chase your dreams or build something you love, even if the timing doesn’t look how you imagined. That lesson came from my dad, too — he started his own business, and 30 years later, he’s still running it with the same passion and heart. Watching him build something from nothing showed me what’s possible when you believe in yourself — and it’s the same courage I’m choosing now.
Through Paper & Pose, I finally get to share the part of me that’s always been waiting to come alive — the creativity, the heart, and the love I’ve carried all along. I have so much to give — so many ideas, so much design, and so much love to share with others — and this is just the beginning. It’s never too early to start something you’ve always dreamed of. This is your sign to start now.