If you regularly find yourself in the stationery aisle at the store, admiring all of the pretty journals and planners, and thinking, “I could make this,” you are not alone. But between the logistics of manufacturing and the fear that there are already “too many” out there, it is easy to let that dream stay a dream.

After ten years in the stationery industry—from selling planners, journals, stickers, running a subscription box, and more, I am sharing the “no gatekeeping” truth about what it takes to actually start and succeed. Here are five major lessons I’ve learned, and what I would do differently if I were starting today.

1. The Truth About “Saturation”

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is the market saturated? Yes. It is competitive, and there are likely many businesses selling the exact product you are dreaming of.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you.

The businesses that succeed are the ones willing to be diligent and consistent. While there is a “sea of pretty products” out there, your unique advantage is your story. Behind every product is a person with experiences that make that brand unique. Lean into your story and who you are to stand out.

2. “E” vs. “A”

Before you print your business cards or launch your Instagram, you must master this very important thing:

• Stationary (with an A) means you are not moving.
• Stationery (with an E) refers to the paper products, planners, and cards we love.

Make sure you are using the “E” because we want to be moving and growing, not standing still!

3. Manufacturing: From Budget to Luxe

One of the biggest hurdles to figure out is how to get your stationery product made. Your path depends entirely on your needs and budget:

• Entry Level: If you have very little money to start, look into Amazon KDP or Lulu. These allow you to create journals and books with no upfront inventory costs.
• Mid-Range (Domestic): For better quality (like coils and hardcovers) without leaving the US, Stationery HQ is a great option. They offer quality products with faster shipping times (4-6 weeks or sooner, depending on the time of year). This can cost more per unit because it’s created in the United States, but the minimum order quantity is lower. Stationery HQ is also great because they offer more than just planners and journals; they have a wide variety of notepads, cards, calendars, and more.
• Full Customization (Overseas): If you want “bells and whistles” like custom foil, luxe boxes, and larger quantities for less, look at manufacturers on Alibaba. Just remember, overseas manufacturing requires a lot of pre-planning at least 6 to 8 months in advance.

4. Don’t Put Your Eggs in One Basket

To be profitable, you cannot rely on a single online shop. You need multiple streams of income. This includes things like:

• Selling on Amazon
• Having your own Shopify site
• Creating a subscription for recurring revenue
• Participating in local craft shows or markets
• Offering a service that fits your business and audience needs
• Wholesale

5. What I Would Do Differently

In my time of running my business, I focused heavily on e-commerce. I regret not doing more in-person events. Local markets allow you to put your products directly into customers’ hands so they can feel the quality. It is also an amazing way to network with other business owners. Don’t get so consumed by online sales that you forget the power of your local community.

---

Ready to Turn Your Idea Into Reality?

Starting a business involves many moving parts, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You might be wondering how to price your items so you don’t lose money, or how to organize a launch that actually converts.

If you want to save time, money, and energy, I have put together a resource to help you get from “idea in your head” to “product in your hand.”

The Stationery Business Starter Toolkit includes:

• A 90-Day Roadmap to guide you through every milestone.
• A Stationery Business Workbook to ensure you aren’t making pennies on the dollar.
• An Idea to Launch Checklist so you don’t miss a single step.
• An In-Depth Video Guide where I walk you through the process as if I’m sitting right next to you.

Stop guessing, get the clarity you need, and start.

[Click here to grab the Stationery Business Toolkit for just $27!]