A Note from Jane
It is with so much excitement that I introduce you to my friend, Marcie Pantzer, Founder of
Dear Annabelle. When I think about brands that blend style, wit, and a true sense of chic, Dear Annabelle is top of mind. Jane Win and Dear Annabelle share so much—both female-founded, both rooted in making everyday moments feel a little more beautiful, and both grounded in thoughtful design. I have such admiration for what Marcie has built and am thrilled to share more about her story and the inspiration behind her line of modern stationery and paper goods.
xx Janie
Marcie! For those who don’t know you, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you get your start?
Originally from a suburb of St. Louis, I moved to New York City after college and never looked back. I started my career at Ralph Lauren in the investor relations department, where I quickly realized that while I was good with numbers, I craved a more creative career. That led me to pivot to editorial work, covering accessories and jewelry for a lifestyle magazine — a perfect fit considering my love of style and storytelling. After taking a very long (and joyful) hiatus to raise my four kids, I launched Dear Annabelle in 2019, a stationery and lifestyle brand inspired by my passion for entertaining, thoughtful communication, and beautiful design.
You were an editor at before launching Dear Annabelle. What inspired you to make the leap into entrepreneurship and start your own business?
I absolutely loved my time as an editor at Town & Country. It was an incredible experience that helped me hone my sense of style and connect with so many inspiring designers, publicists, and fellow editors. That said, the pace and demands of magazine life weren’t ideal for a mom of four young kids — I knew I needed a career that offered more flexibility without sacrificing creativity. I’ve always been obsessed with stationery and saw a real opportunity to build something of my own in that space. That’s how Dear Annabelle came to life: a modern, elevated take on stationery and entertaining essentials that bring beauty, joy, and connection to everyday moments.
If you had to describe the brand in three words, what would they be?
Elegant, irreverent, fresh.
We love how your designs have such charisma and charm. Can you talk to us about the design process? Where do you get your inspiration?
Thank you so much! We really do work hard to make sure every design feels just right. A lot of our inspiration comes directly from our customers: what they’re looking for, what they feel is missing in the market, and how they want to express themselves. I’m constantly inspired by travel, contemporary art, and fashion, and am always marveling at the beauty in the details of everyday life.
As for the process, it always begins in my journal. I’ll sketch ideas, sit with them, and reflect (sometimes for weeks or even months) before we move forward with a design concept. When it finally feels ready, I collaborate closely with one of our graphic designers or product development team members to bring it to life. I’m a total perfectionist, so our process tends to be more drawn out than most—but that’s part of what makes it special. For example, we’ve literally been working on our upcoming candle collection since 2022!
You wear the Jane Win Hope Coin. What drew you to this piece?
One of my favorite quotes is from Lady Bird Johnson is: “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” The Hope Coin captures that sentiment so perfectly, with the word “hope” on one side and a beautiful floral design on the other. I’ve always had a deep love for flowers (I honestly think I may have been a florist or gardener in a past life), so this piece speaks to me on many levels. When the world feels chaotic, I find myself turning to hope and this coin is a comforting, everyday reminder of that.
Any exciting projects or collections launching soon? (Feel free to promote a current collection or tease something new)
Yes! We’re launching two fun new notecard sets this spring. Pray for Jokers has a playful Mahjong theme and Love All features a fun tennis racquet design. We’re also really excited about our new pen sets, which make the perfect pairing with our Colette Notebooks and all of our notecard and notepad sets. And looking ahead, we’re working on a beautiful candle collection that we can’t wait to share soon. Stay tuned!
Quickfire questions
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird (I workout at 6 AM most mornings)
Your go-to gift?
Anything Dear Annabelle or a beautiful floral arrangement with a handwritten note on a Dear Annabelle notecard.
Dream dinner party guest?
Anna Wintour
One thing you always have in your bag?
A good pen.
Other female-founded businesses we should be following?
There are so many female-founded businesses I love and admire. My dear friend Beth Cayre runs a chic company called Collected (
@collectedbybeth), where she curates new and vintage home goods from around the world, with a special focus on Memphis Design. I’m also endlessly inspired by florists, especially the creative activations that Kelsie Hayes is doing at POPUPFLORIST (
@popupflorist). And I have a soft spot for bakers. I truly believe cakes are a form of art, and I absolutely adore the playful designs by Katie McEvoy at Miss Macs Bakery (
@missmacsbakery).
