Parchment Paper: A Culinary-Themed Gift Shop in Eagle Rock

Parchment Paper is a culinary-themed gift shop and stationery store in Eagle Rock; brought to you by the talented Milkfarm team. It’s a shop where you can find all the unique goodies that will make your foodie friend smile.

Meet Leah Park Fierro - owner of Parchment and Paper

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leah's love for food and the culinary industry began during her high school years when she worked at various food establishments. Her culinary pursuits took her to the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, and she went on to work in renowned pastry departments across the United States and even abroad. After a transformative experience in the cheese industry, Leah opened Milkfarm in 2014, a cheese shop that reflects her culinary expertise, world travels, and love for her hometown.

The Inspiration Behind Parchment Paper

The idea for Parchment Paper had been brewing for almost 8 years, starting with a small cheese-centric greeting card shelf at Milkfarm. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged concept featuring unique culinary-inspired products. In 2021, Leah delegated day-to-day Milkfarm operations to her team, and starting to bring her vision for Parchment Paper to life.

A Unique Shopping Experience

Parchment Paper is a place to buy all of the food-centric little trinkets, greeting cards and culinary-inspired sundries. How fun it is to send an interactive tinned fish greeting card to your best friends or surprise your foodie sisters with sausage link earrings.

"Where did she find all of these unique items?" I asked.

I lost count of the number of times I walked around the shop, and each time, I discovered something new and exciting. It's truly remarkable to see how someone has transformed their love for food into these adorable little things that bring joy to our daily lives. I'm grateful that Leah, has gone the extra mile to connect with these talented artists and bring their creations to our fingertips. Running a shop like this must be an absolute delight, but I can only imagine the amount of dedication and hard work it requires.

Leah's commitment to supporting other small businesses and artists is evident in every corner of the store. The shelves are adorned with seafood placemats by Steak Diane, showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship. Nancy Pappas' Asian-inspired food prints add a touch of elegance to the walls. Each item in Parchment Paper tells a story and contributes to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the shop.

Embracing the Spirit of Los Angeles

Parchment Paper celebrates the diversity of Los Angeles. The shop showcases products inspired by various cuisines and cultures, reflecting the multicultural tapestry of LA. Leah's ability to create a space that welcomes people from different backgrounds aligns with the city's spirit of inclusivity and creativity. Parchment Paper embodies the essence of being an Angeleno, where unique passions and flavors intertwine to create something truly special.

Overcoming Challenges

Opening and running a small business is never an easy task, especially in a bustling city like Los Angeles. Leah is grateful for the support of Milkfarm's customers and the success it has achieved. The lessons she has learned along the way have prepared her for the new venture with Parchment Paper.

Transtioning from running a food service shop to a gift shop has a set of unique challenges - a gift shop could be slow. Most of Parchment Paper’s current customers come from Milkfarm, and are mostly Eagle Rock neighbors. As the shop becomes more established and gains momentum, Leah and her team are poised to attract a broader audience and become a go to destination for food-centric stationary gifts.

Parchment Paper is a celebration of creativity and a platform for artists and small businesses to shine. Leah's dedication to showcasing their work is commendable and goes beyond simply running a shop. It's a testament to her belief in the power of supporting and uplifting others in the community.