Bill is the Owner and General Manager of Paper Skyscraper. He is a Charlotte native and grew up enjoying Paper Skyscraper like so many born and raised Charlotteans. In 2019, Bill purchased Paper Skyscraper from the shop's founders. The store continues to serve as a destination and gathering place. Operating a Charlotte institution is no small task and in his time away from the store, he is spending it with his daughters or crafting a game plan for their next soccer match.

Meet Colette, our versatile team member at Paper Skyscraper! Originally from Charlotte, Colette has contributed her diverse talents to our store for seven years. Whether she's selecting new products for the store, spending quality time with her beloved pup Rocky at local parks, showcasing the newest fashion trends, or igniting spontaneous dance parties, Colette brings infectious energy to everything she does.

Outside of work, she indulges in her passions for reading, attending concerts, and sampling delicious new snacks available in our store.

Claiborne is a North Carolina native and grew up in Raleigh. After completing his studies in Film Production at UNC Charlotte, he worked as a touring musician and then producer in the sound design industry in and around Charlotte.

He joined the team 5 years ago as Freight Director, learning the store from the shipment that arrived day to day. Currently, Claiborne serves as the Marketing & Media Manager.

Follow the page (@paperskyscrapergifts) and send him a joke, or a cute dog video.

Away from the store, an instrument of some sort is always around. Claiborne works as a private music instructor to a handful of students. Outside of all the music, you can find him playing hockey, supporting the Carolina Hurricanes, or watching Star Wars.

Our Freight Manager, Rebecca, is a North Carolina native.  She is originally from Raleigh, but spent a couple of years living in the mountains of Western North Carolina before moving to Charlotte in 2020.  Outside of work she loves bopping around town with family and friends and experimenting in the kitchen with her husband.

Meet Hope, our Charlotte native.

With a laugh that lights up the room and a perpetual coffee cup in hand, Hope brings a unique blend of craftiness and enthusiasm to the team. She joined Paper Skyscraper in 2023 after a brief stint as an assassin for a private company. Finding solace in retail, you can count on Hope for recommendations for a gift or place to explore in Charlotte.

Beyond the store, Hope's diverse hobbies include reading, spending time with her family, roller skating, and staying on the cutting edge of web design trends.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, John made the move to Charlotte in 2014. After graduating high school, he pursued his passion for language and creativity, majoring in English with a focus on creative writing at Queens University of Charlotte.

Joining the team in late 2023 as a Freight Professional, John combines his sharp organizational skills with a love for detail to ensure the efficient management of logistics.

Outside of work, you'll find him immersed in Sci-Fi and Fantasy literature, conquering video game challenges, and exploring the vibrant city of Charlotte.

Meet Katie! One of the critical positions at the store is choosing what we buy and how many. Katie is part of the team that helps curate our products.

A Charlotte native, Katie grew up visiting Paper Skyscraper from a young age, making the iconic bookstore a cherished part of her childhood. A proud Appalachian State University alumna, she has a deep-rooted love for the outdoors that spans from camping and hiking to savoring a spicy margarita on a sun-drenched patio or unwinding by a fire pit under the stars.

Away from the store, her passion for reading and experimenting with new recipes fuels her adventurous spirit. Whenever possible, Katie sneaks away to the mountains to recharge, all while juggling a whirlwind of new hobbies with boundless enthusiasm.

Originally from Westchester, NY, Lexi relocated to Charlotte from Nashville two years ago driven by her love for North Carolina and its welcoming vibe. A proud Elon University graduate with a degree in music, Lexi has been sharing her passion for music through voice and piano lessons for over six years.

In her free time, Lexi can often be found enjoying her favorite local spot, Paper Skyscraper, or indulging in her love for singing showtunes. At home, she delights in the company of her Bernedoodle, Lucy, who is truly her pride and joy. Lexi also loves experimenting with gluten- and dairy-free recipes, blending her culinary creativity with her vibrant lifestyle.

Lexi’s enthusiasm for music, her loyal companion Lucy, and her adventurous spirit make her a cherished member of the Charlotte community.

Dustin has lived a life full of adventures, including once playing a brown blob in a movie—a role that remains his greatest claim to fame. His love for the peculiar is matched only by his ability to break into song at a moment’s notice and sprinkle obscure book and movie quotes into conversation 70% of the time. Dustin, a self-proclaimed “silly goose,” embraces his role as the whimsical spirit of the store, always adding a dash of fun to the day. When he's not bringing charm to the team, you can find him thrifting for odd, grandma-style treasures or sipping tea. Whether he's cracking jokes, breaking bridges (literally, at age 10), or offering you a cup of tea, Dustin is all about bringing joy and a touch of the unexpected wherever he goes.

Reagan is our Mississippi native that has recently called Charlotte home. With a background that spans from tattooing to banking, she brings a unique blend of creativity and practicality to our team. Since joining us, she’s infused her love for art and storytelling into everything she does.

When she’s not at work, you’ll often find her sketching or curled up with a book, especially if it’s by her favorite author, Koren Zailckas. Music is another passion of hers, with The Field Mice providing the perfect soundtrack for her life. Feel free to follow her journey and share your own book or music recommendations—she’s always on the lookout for something new!

Bella, a proud Charlotte native, holds a degree in English from UNC Charlotte and brings her sharp communication skills to our freight team.

With a passion for both literature and the outdoors, she spends her free time immersed in a good book or enjoying the serene waters of Lake Norman, where she loves to sail. Her diverse interests and local expertise make her a well-rounded and valued member of our team.

Charlotte born and raised, Julia has always had a love for stories—whether in books or the ones she’s writing herself. Before joining Paper Skyscraper, she worked at Four Dogs, a local pet supply shop, where she developed a soft spot for all things furry and four-legged. An aspiring author and a big Olivia Rodrigo fan, Julia is passionate about storytelling in all its forms.

Originally from the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, Robert brings both Southern charm and a wealth of experience to his role. After graduating college, he began his professional journey in Northern Virginia before relocating to Charlotte in 2011.

Robert’s extensive background in retail makes him a perfect match for our core value of “delighting our guests.” He is passionate about creating engaging shopping experiences and has a natural ability to build meaningful connections with customers and team members alike.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter. He’s also an avid explorer of Charlotte’s dynamic music and food scenes, often seeking out new spots to enjoy with friends.

With a creative spirit and a wide range of interests, Rachel brings a unique perspective to the team. Currently studying baking and pastry arts, she is passionate about crafting both beautiful and delicious creations.

Outside of her studies, Rachel enjoys collecting vinyl records—owning a growing collection of around 300—and spends her downtime drawing or tending to a thriving indoor garden of hydroponic vegetables and herbs. Whether it's music, art, or food, Rachel finds joy in the details and is always exploring new ways to express her creativity.

A proud UNC Charlotte graduate with a dual focus in English and African-American Studies, Danielle has called the Charlotte area home for over 30 years—most recently enjoying the peaceful charm of lake life for the past five.

With a deep appreciation for storytelling in all its forms, Danielle is drawn to the power of pen and paper, a well-crafted book, and the energy of live music. She’s also an avid traveler and a passionate Formula 1 fan, always ready for her next adventure—on the road or on the page.

At home, Danielle is both a loving mom and a dedicated pet parent to Murphy the cat and Benny the dog, who keep her days filled with joy

Originally from Morganton, NC, Hayden brings a strong work ethic and thoughtful approach to everything he does. Known for his smarts, steady determination, and team-first mindset, he’s a valued part of our crew.

Outside of work, Hayden is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd and an avid hiker who’s always up for exploring a new trail. He’s also no stranger to adrenaline—having raced motocross competitively since the age of 14. Whether he’s deep in a story or tearing up the track, Hayden brings passion and focus to every pursuit.

Originally from West Virginia, Paula has called the Charlotte area home for nearly seven years. After her adult children attended UNC Charlotte and decided to settle in North Carolina, Paula followed—drawn by both family and the joy of becoming a grandmother.

Having taken early retirement from a long and successful career, Paula is grateful for the chance to begin a new chapter as part of the Paper Skyscraper family.

A true homebody at heart, Paula enjoys tending to her raised bed gardens, birdwatching, and soaking up the peaceful charm of her Cornelius home. She also never misses a daily walk with her beloved dog, Willa—rain or shine.