For a long time, Lisa Mattison Roberts and her family had wanted to own their own store, even to the point that as they lived in various places around the country, they took notes on the shops they came across.
The dream finally came true when Roberts and her mother, Ann Mattison, opened Rock Paper Scissors at 102 W. Chicago Blvd. in downtown Tecumseh.
Rock Paper Scissors carries gifts for any occasion, from “hostess gifts to baby gifts to everything in between,” Roberts said.
Customers can also find jewelry, out-of-the-ordinary greeting and note cards, and personalized stationery and invitations for events including weddings and graduations at prices to suit any budget.
“We’re so much more than an invitation and paper store. We have a lot of fun gifts,” Roberts said. Items can even be found that would complement other presents. For example, said Roberts, a customer needing a hostess gift could go across the street to the Boulevard Market to purchase some wine or cheese and come to Rock Paper Scissors for a special gift bag for the wine or accessories to go with the cheese, making the gift more complete.
One of the shop’s popular items is the “Happy Everything” plate, which comes as either a large circular plate or a small square one. The plate has Velcro on which a variety of separately available attachments can be affixed depending on the occasion, such as a Christmas tree figure or wine bottle decoration.
“They’re a really fun gift and really unique,” Roberts said.
Where did the store’s name come from? Given the family penchant for the game of that name, it seemed appropriate.
“My family and my husband’s family are very competitive,” said Roberts. “At our wedding, we even did Rock Paper Scissors for who would get to say their vows first.”
To that end, she added, the shop runs promotions inviting customers to come in and play Rock Paper Scissors with her to earn a discount on their purchase if they win.
Roberts is no stranger to the business world. She has an MBA degree and has worked in business for years, for companies ranging from Starbucks to Target to Sysco, the food service firm, and in banking as well.
She and her mother first got into business together selling wedding invitations and personalized stationery from her home. Now, she and Ann, whom she called “the world’s greatest hostess,” work together at their shop.