What is your name?
Heather McConley
What is your title?
Leader / Educational Services Rep
What is your business name?
WonderFunBooks / PaperPie
What is your website URL?
www.WonderFunBooks.com
What is your Instagram handle?
@wonderfunbooks
What is your LinkedIn URL?
linkedin.com/in/heathermcconley
How long have you been a Boston Business Women member?
Since February 13, 2023
Where are you based? How did you end up there?
I am based in Andover, MA, and work all over New England. My husband graduated with his PhD in 1996, and over time we moved north of Cambridge toward the suburbs where we felt comfortable.
Tell us more about your company! What do you do and what pushed you to start?
PaperPie is a direct sales company representing exceptional children’s books and educational products. I first hosted a party with them as a young mother, and in 2006, when my consultant quit, I decided to host my own. Nearly 17 years later, I’m even more passionate about the products and love helping families and schools earn resources for free. PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More) represents Usborne Publishing, Kane Miller Publishing, Learning Wrap-Ups, and SmartLab Toys. I love giving people educational options and the flexibility of being my own boss.
What is your definition of success? How do you know when you’ve reached it?
I measure success not by income but by impact. My best days are when parents tell me how much their kids have benefited from the products I provided. Knowing I’ve influenced a child’s learning and love for reading—that is lifelong impact.
What was one of your biggest challenges in business?
I have managed an autoimmune condition for over 10 years, which includes periods of depression. This sometimes saps my motivation and makes running my own business challenging, but I work hard to persevere.
How do you handle the harder days?
I remind myself of the people I’ve helped and the kids enjoying reading and learning because of my efforts. That keeps me motivated.
Who is the woman behind your business? What does she like? How does she spend her free time? What does she value?
Education is one of my biggest values. I am a Christian and spend time with fellow believers, striving to act with love in all things. I enjoy gardening (mostly flowers) and reading voraciously. I have two young adult children and have been married for over 28 years.
Where can we keep up with you? What social media platforms do you use the most?
Mostly on Facebook, and I am starting a blog this year as well.