Augusta Joy began with a lifelong love of beautiful paper.
Founder Karie Hillman Doonan developed an early obsession with stationery at just six years old. Much of her childhood allowance went toward collecting papers, pencils, and notebooks—especially anything adorned with bears or Hello Kitty. What started as fascination quickly grew into a deep appreciation for design, detail, and the simple joy of putting pen to paper.
As a teenager, Karie’s creativity expanded into crafting and handmade goods, which she often sold at local art fairs. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University and built a career in graphic design. While working in the corporate world sharpened her design skills, it left little room for the kind of creativity she truly loved.
Looking for a more hands-on outlet, Karie began working weekends at a local rubber stamping shop. There she rediscovered the joy of making cards and paper goods by hand—combining beautiful papers, stamps, and thoughtful design to create something meaningful for family and friends.
That passion soon grew into a business. Karie launched Flair Necessities, a custom wedding invitation studio that served couples around the world for more than a decade. From the mid-2000s through 2019, she designed invitations that celebrated life’s most important moments with artistry and intention.
In 2019, Karie felt called to create something broader—stationery that could bring the same sense of meaning and beauty to everyday life. She named the new brand Augusta Joy in honor of her grandmothers, Augusta and Joyce, whose influence and love helped shape her life.
Today, Augusta Joy creates timeless, personalized stationery designed to be treasured for years—paper goods that reflect your style, nurture relationships, and make every handwritten note feel intentional.
Karie lives outside Detroit, Michigan with her husband Mike, their son Braden, and two beloved cats, Cookie and Brownie. Most days you’ll find her in her home studio with a chai tea latte nearby, designing the next piece of stationery meant to be kept—not forgotten.
