Women in Leadership: How Tempaper’s Founders Transformed Wallpaper

Jennifer Matthews & Julia Au: Redefining Home Design with Innovation

In honor of Tempaper turning 17 this year, we’re celebrating the incredible journey of Tempaper’s co-founders, twin sisters Jennifer Matthews and Julia Au. When they launched Tempaper in 2008, they not only introduced a groundbreaking product peel and stick wallpaper, but also broke barriers in an industry that had long been dominated by tradition.

As the first removable wallpaper company, Tempaper offered a mess-free, commitment-free alternative to conventional wallpaper, forever changing how people think about home design.

The idea for Tempaper emerged while Jennifer and Julia were working together on a New York City production set with their Aunt Kate. Frustrated with the labor-intensive, time-consuming process of installing traditional wallpaper, they saw an opportunity to create something better. Their vision: a self-adhesive, removable wallpaper that would simplify the process and allow for more versatility in design. Even though the timing couldn’t have been more challenging, 2008 was the height of the recession, and wallpaper was seen as outdated, the sisters believed wholeheartedly in their product.

Today, as Chief Creative Officer and CEO, Jennifer and Julia lead Tempaper’s charge in revolutionizing the home decor market, with their innovative products now covering millions of walls worldwide. Tempaper is a go-to choice among renters, homeowners, and design enthusiasts looking for stylish and flexible solutions.

Throughout their leadership journey, Jennifer and Julia have learned invaluable lessons. One key lesson is the importance of confidence. When they first started, the market was skeptical, but their belief in their product opened doors. Clear communication has also been vital, they know that guiding their team with clarity keeps everything on track and focused. Trusting their instincts has been another key to their success, allowing them to make bold decisions even without formal training.

One thing that has kept them moving forward is their refusal to become complacent. Even as their company continues to thrive, they’re always looking for ways to evolve and grow.

Jennifer and Julia’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of women in leadership roles. Their mantra, "Ideas are hallucinations until execution," has driven their success from day one. Through their dedication and passion, they’ve proven that bold ideas, resilience, and a commitment to execution can transform entire industries.

With their innovation and trailblazing spirit, Jennifer Matthews and Julia Au are more than just transforming walls, they’re continuing to redefine the future of design, one peel-and-stick wallpaper at a time.