Wallpaper Mogul Elizabeth Rees Returns to MKE After Years Spent in NYC

Elizabeth Rees, the creative entrepreneur behind the removable wallpaper company Chasing Paper, has returned to Milwaukee after several years in New York City. Rees's upbringing was steeped in the printing industry, as her father leads Kubin-Nicholson, an 84-year-old commercial printing company located on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. Her lifelong interest in art and design, combined with her family's expertise in printing, laid the foundation for her innovative venture. The concept for Chasing Paper emerged in 2013 while Rees was living in New York City. She faced the common dilemma of decorating a rental apartment in an affordable and flexible way, a challenge that many renters encounter due to restrictions on permanent alterations. Recognizing an unmet need in the market, she leveraged her knowledge of printing processes to develop a solution: removable wallpaper. This product is designed to be easily applied to walls and, crucially, removed without damaging surfaces, offering a versatile decorating option for those who frequently change their living spaces or reside in rentals. Chasing Paper operates as an online-exclusive business, selling individual wallpaper panels for approximately $40 each. The adhesive backing of these panels allows for straightforward application and removal, a significant advantage over traditional wallpapers, which are often difficult and labor-intensive to take down. Rees highlights this ease of removal as a key benefit, acknowledging that personal styles and tastes evolve over time. The product quickly gained traction, experiencing a doubling of sales year after year. The success of Chasing Paper enabled Rees to make a significant life and business decision in 2017: relocating her operations and personal life back to Milwaukee. She noted a palpable transformation in the city since her departure, describing it as undergoing a "creative renaissance." This invigorated cultural landscape drew her back, as she desired to contribute to and be a part of Milwaukee's burgeoning creative community. Her current residence, a historic home, reflects her design sensibilities and has been thoughtfully decorated with the assistance of local Milwaukee creatives. The article also includes Elizabeth Rees’s personal recommendations for Milwaukee, offering a glimpse into her favorite aspects of the city. Her preferred neighborhood is Walker's Point, known for its vibrant atmosphere. For retail therapy, she enjoys exploring stores such as Cream City Restoration, The Loom House, Form, Specter, Orange and Blue Co., and Bona Drag. When it comes to dining, Snack Boys is her top choice, praised for its inventive and consistently fresh menu, indicative of passionate culinary efforts. For music and community engagement, she appreciates 88Nine, Radio Milwaukee, noting its role in fostering the city's lively music scene. Her style icon is Christene Barberich, the global editor-in-chief of Refinery29, admired for her unique style that incorporates vintage finds, often sourced from eBay. This feature, titled “Wallflower,” was published in the January 2019 issue of Milwaukee Magazine. Readers interested in obtaining a copy can purchase it via milwaukeemag.com/shop or find it on newsstands starting December 31st. The article serves as an insight into a successful entrepreneurial journey rooted in design, innovation, and a connection to community, highlighting the blend of personal and professional decisions that led to Rees's return to her hometown and her ongoing contribution to its creative economy. #ElizabethRees #ChasingPaper #RemovableWallpaper #Milwaukee #HomeDecor #CreativeEntrepreneur #Design #InteriorDesign #LocalBusiness #ElizabethRees #ChasingPaper #RemovableWallpaper #Milwaukee #HomeDecor #CreativeEntrepreneur #Design #InteriorDesign #LocalBusiness