Urbanic More Than a Boutique: An Experience of Joy
Founded in 2006 by Audrey Wollen, Urbanic has grown from a small side hobby into a celebrated destination for paper goods in Los Angeles. Located on the iconic Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice (and later expanded to FreeMarket in Playa Vista), we are purveyors of thoughtfulness.
We specialize in:
- Premium Letterpress Goods: High-quality, tactile cards that feel as good as they look.
- Curated Greeting Cards: A hand-picked selection from independent artists worldwide.
- Stylish Wrapping Paper & Tissue: Unique patterns to make every package a work of art.
- Small Gifts & Office Accessories: Desk essentials and whimsical items for daily inspiration.
- Creative Gift Wrap Service: Our signature service, well-loved by the community, where experts turn any gift into a masterpiece.
“Urbanic is not just a boutique. To many people, it’s an experience that brings joy and creativity.”
— Audrey Wollen, Founder
Meet the Founder: Audrey Wollen
From Fashion Trade Shows to Paper Perfection
Audrey Wollen’s journey to opening Urbanic was born from a lifelong love of design and stationery.
- Early Inspiration: As a child, Audrey found immense excitement in “back-to-school” shopping, particularly spending her allowance on Sanrio desk accessories and cards to send to friends. This early passion laid the foundation for her appreciation of the tangible connection letters and gifts create.
- Fashion Roots: After college, Audrey moved to New York City to work in the fast-paced clothing industry, attending trade shows and refining her eye for style and trends. She later relocated to Los Angeles, continuing her work in fashion.
- The Pivot: While working in fashion, Audrey began designing stationery as a creative outlet. She started selling her own line at local Farmers Markets and small venues around LA.
- The Leap: Realizing there was a deep demand for her curated designs and unique collections, she took the bold step to open Urbanic on Abbot Kinney Blvd in 2006.
Today, Audrey continues to lead Urbanic with a philosophy that blends her fashion background with a devotion to paper arts, ensuring every item in the shop reflects quality, color, and intentionality.
Our Story: Resilience & Growth
Urbanic’s path hasn’t been without its challenges, but each hurdle has only strengthened our bond with the community.
- 2006: Opened our flagship store on Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA.
- Growth: Built a reputation through word-of-mouth and social media, becoming an international destination for stationery lovers.
- Overcoming Adversity: Like any small business, we’ve navigated significant challenges—including break-ins, a random IRS audit, surviving the recession, dealing with a criminal ring incident, and navigating the global pandemic.
- Expansion: Through resilience and community support, we have thrived and recently opened our second location at the FreeMarket in Playa Vista, bringing our curated joy to a new neighborhood.
Welcome to ERA: Where Responsible Luxury Meets Creative Excellence
ERA is a private, members-only network of global executives and cultural leaders advancing a more responsible future in luxury and premium sectors. Rooted in excellence and guided by values, ERA connects leaders across industries to drive responsible innovation, meaningful collaboration, and lasting impact.
Founded in January 2026 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, ERA represents a new generation of membership ecosystems—designed to elevate conscious creative leaders who are reshaping how luxury and premium brands operate in harmony with ethical principles.
Meet the Founder: Emmanuelle Rienda
Emmanuelle Rienda is a French Cultural Strategist and Ethical Luxury Architect based in Los Angeles, California. With over 17 years of experience building movements at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and conscience, she has become a defining voice in the responsible luxury space.
The Journey
Emmanuelle’s career spans three founding ventures that reflect her commitment to systemic change:
| Venture | Year Founded | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Ethical Luxury Group | 2008 | Advancing transparency and sustainability in premium markets |
| Vegan Fashion Week® | 2018 | Platform showcasing cruelty-free textiles and elevated design |
| ERA Ecosystem | 2026 | Private network for conscious creative leaders |
Expertise & Vision
Her work is built on a foundation of diverse competencies:
- Marketing Strategy & Brand Positioning
- Visual Identity & Creative Direction
- Project Management & Sponsorship
- Press Relations & Communications
- Fashion Industry Knowledge & E-commerce