Take a look into our dynamic Entrepreneurship Summer Internship (ESI) program, where outstanding students are granted a transformative summer job opportunity. During this season, they will have the chance to grow their entrepreneurial spirit, refine their business idea, and gain access to top mentors, educational workshops, and a generous stipend. Meet our 2025 ESI cohort and discover what inspires them on their journey.
Meet Yasmine Suojhayer, the founder of Wilderland Paper!
Wilderland Paper creates thoughtfully designed merchandise and stationery inspired by our favourite fantasy books. From bookmarks and greeting cards to apparel and gifts, our products celebrate the stories that readers love. Alongside our product lines, we run a community book club and plan several immersive literary events to unite the book community across Southwestern Ontario.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship has always appealed to me as a way to combine creativity with independence. My older brother is an entrepreneur, and watching him build a business on his own terms while maintaining a healthy balance in life and pursuing his goals has been a major inspiration. Seeing what is possible when you take ownership of your ideas and create something from the ground up motivated me to do the same with Wilderland Paper.
Elaborate on your business venture. What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
Wilderland Paper addresses a gap in the market for high-quality, thoughtfully designed merchandise and stationary specifically tailored to fans of fantasy literature. While book-related products exist, they often lack originality, consistency in quality, or a deep connection to the stories readers love. Our approach combines artistic design, premium materials, and a deep understanding of the fantasy genre to create personal and collectible products. In addition to our product line, we’re building a vibrant literary community through a book club and a series of in-person events in Southwestern Ontario, giving readers a space to connect, celebrate, and engage with the stories that inspire them.
How did you encounter this problem, and why did it appeal to you?
I encountered this problem as a reader and fan of fantasy books who constantly searched for merchandise that reflected the books I loved and kept coming up short. Most options felt generic or mass-produced, lacking the kind of care and artistry I was looking for. As an artist, it felt natural to start creating the types of products I wanted to see on bookstore shelves myself. It was a way to merge my creativity with my love for literature and offer something more meaningful to other readers who felt the same gap.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at ESI?
At ESI, I hope to focus on refining and strengthening the foundation of Wilderland Paper. My goals include developing a clear long-term strategy, improving our operational structure, and exploring new revenue streams through upcoming events and collaborations. I also want to gain insights from mentors and peers, strengthen our brand positioning, and expand our reach online and locally so that WIlderland Paper can grow sustainably and intentionally.
When you need a dose of inspiration, do you have a favourite song to play?
One of my go-to songs for inspiration is "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons. It reminds me of the power of believing in yourself, even when others don't understand your vision.