Published February 19, 2018
Amy Robinson embraces change. She recognized quickly after her son was born that her
professional priorities had changed. She is not afraid of transition, much like the
university that helped mold her. Majoring in Mass Communication, Amy attended NLU
turned ULM from 1998-2003, a time of change for the institution. Everything from the
name to the mascot was evolving, and Amy witnessed that transition and the effect
on the students firsthand. Amy graduated from Ouachita High School, and decided to
attend college in her hometown, fully immersing herself in the experience. From being
captain of the coed cheerleading squad to a member of the Kappa Delta Council, to
SGA, to a maid on the Homecoming Court, Amy learned to adapt to the changes taking
place around her.
As a cheerleader, Amy developed self-discipline and learned the importance of professionalism
being a representative of the university. The cheerleading team was made up of people
from across the country, and forming friendships with those individuals are among
Amy’s most treasured memories. This opportunity allowed Amy to learn about diverse
backgrounds. She considers that exposure a privilege and encourages students to get
involved in organizations outside of class. Amy recognizes ULM as a “diverse little
melting pot right in our own backyard.”
Kappa Delta taught Amy to “strive for excellence.” The philanthropic and leadership
aspects encouraged her to be part of a “bigger mission.” The sorority is also where
Amy met many of her lifelong friends, who supported each other while “navigating the
social, and academic struggles of college.”
She found mentors along the way that stand out long after Amy has left their classrooms.
In undergrad, Dr. H. P. Jones was the engaging history teacher who also taught her
mother. Dr. Bette Kaufman showed her what caring for students meant after an internship
position didn’t quite fit. In graduate school, while also working at ULM, Dr. Lesli
Pace forced Amy to “see outside her bubble.” Dr. Catherine Wilson served as Amy’s
advisor while she was getting her Master’s. Her bosses Lisa Miller and Susan Duggins
encouraged and supported Amy while she juggled school, career, and motherhood.
Working as an event planner in Recruitment and Admissions at ULM and then as the freshman
orientation (PREP) coordinator, Amy learned to handle events and marketing. Lisa Miller
was the boss who showed her how to be a leader and to not doubt her capabilities.
It was with this assurance that she made the big career shift in 2011. Her son Grant
was about to be one, and Amy realized she wanted to be her own boss. She saw untapped
potential in her then favorite store, so she bought The Paper Market and made it her
own. While she admits the flexibility of being a business owner is all worth it, it
doesn’t mean at times it isn’t scary. She can’t just run to Lisa in a crisis and ask
what to do. Amy now must make those decisions.
Customers frequently tell Amy, “Your store makes me happy.” Every person who comes
through those doors is celebrating something. She hires part-time workers, many of
them ULM students, and she can groom them until they graduate. It’s a way she gives
back to the institution that helped groom her. She is also free to serve on committees
for ULM like The Pursuit and the L-Club Board. Amy insists, “I love this university.
It is a big part of my life story. It is one of the largest drivers of our local economy,
and as a business owner and resident of Monroe, I am dependent on the success of ULM
and will do whatever I can to support it.”
Paper Market, like most businesses, wouldn’t be possible without support. Amy has core group
of employees who are the backbone of the store. They’re the first faces customers
see when they come in the door. Her twin sister Ashley, also a ULM graduate, is a
Marketing and Public Relations consultant, advising her sister on marketing and social
media strategies. Amy’s husband Brian handles the financial side of the business while
her brother Joey serves as her inventory manager, handling the day to day orders.
Paper Market wouldn’t be a success without all of them.
While Amy has had a lot of encouragement from people along the way, her parents’ faith
in her and constant support are the main reasons she is not afraid of failure. Michelle
and Pete Dougherty taught her to believe in herself. She is always encouraged to do
what she wants to do by the people who matter most, and she isn’t afraid to change
course. She thrives on operating a local business that gives back to her community.
Amy considers it a privilege to have been raised in Monroe, to have gone to school
here, and now built a life here for her family.
