I started a Planner and Stationery Business with no money | How, What, Where and Why
In the last few months of 2022, a few things happened leading up to me deciding to start a stationery business. I've always been a planner and I've been using Canva for a long time to create designs, business cards, planner inserts, etc. Now I can finally turn that into a planner and stationery business with the bookbinding skills I've learned!
The business is still at it's beginning stages and it will take time building up an audience without the use of paid advertisement. But I'm up for the challenge and I'm so excited!
There are a few ways you can support me and my small business:
- Subscribe to my KZhead channel!
- Check out my short course about designing with Canva on Creative Fabrica: www.creativefabrica.com/produ...
- Buy something from my Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/jmthingsplanning
- Follow me on IG: / jm_things
- Visit my website: www.jmthings.co.za
- Use my affiliate links:
App I use to plan my social media content:
Milanote - www.milanote.com/refer/rcDftl...
Video Editing Software I use:
Wondershare Filmora - bit.ly/JMThings-Filmora
Supplies I used in the video (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases):
Canon Craft Printer: amzn.to/43ONRBY
Guillotine Paper Cutter: amzn.to/3rTKbSf
Mini Cinch Binder: amzn.to/47aNEvN
Blue Cutting Mat: amzn.to/3KjrDRC
Binding Wires: amzn.to/3Kp1oct
Book Board: amzn.to/3OCi2rv
Curved Needle: amzn.to/3Qi75wz
Bone Folder: amzn.to/3QjIS98
Awl: amzn.to/3OfW9gy
Bookbinding thread: amzn.to/458goDx
Bookbinding Glue: amzn.to/44LLy3O
Glue Brush: amzn.to/3Kres11
Steel Ruler: amzn.to/3DDT1Gi
Please let me know in the comments what kind of videos you would like to see on this channel in the future! I'm always open to new ideas. :)
If you enjoyed this video, please leave a like. It would be sooo much appreciated!
We are now at 1407 subscribers! A special thank you to each and every one of my subscribers for being part of my KZhead journey!
Thanks for watching!
As a fellow South African, I am so very proud of you. Your books look amazing!
you inspire me I'm planning to start my own planner business and im a little bit scared but may allah help me
INSHALLAH
InshaAllah hey do u have started 😅 ?
Any results?
Me tooo, ameen
Ameen may Allah makes everything easier
I wish you all good things and all the success your hard work and dedication demands! You’re a rock star!
Apple. So proud of you! Loved to hear see more videos from you as it inspires us who also dreamt of having small business like this.
I am from the Caribbean and thinking of doing my own type of stationery... I am a stationery lover...so why not embrace it ❤ you enspired me to go for it. Thank you ❤
Your work looks amazing!
Apple, and I applaud your hard work and dedication. Truly amazing! Hope you have a lot of success!!
Apple. Your story is so inspiring. I love that you are making your dream a reality.
Apple! Beautiful work your planners. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Best of luck!
This is amazing. 2 weeks ago I came across a video on how to create your own notebooks and i fell in love with the idea that this could be a great business venture since I love creating greeting cards ect. Thank u so much for this video. It has truly inspired me to venture into this notebook Journaling business. I am also a South African, durban and can relate to the challenges you face. I am so exited to start designing and creating my very first notebook. I wish you all the best for your business. Stay blessed.
Thank you for this information. I've been wanting to make a planner for a certain person. Much like your teachers. I'm praying God blesses your sales. 💜
Greetings from Texas in the USA! I am proud of your success and determination! I wish you the best of luck in your new venture!
You are very inspiring, I've been stuck with a business plan half done due to insecurity of whether or not I will be able to get funding. I guess it's a matter of mind over matter and just getting started with every additional rands I have each month 🍏 wishing you all the success you deserve. ❤
Apple. New Subscriber from Canada. Great video! Your custom made planners are great, esp the personal touch you add to each one made. Very inspiring! 👍
Apple. Thank you for sharing your story! I've had a long-term closet dream of making planners as well, but I've never felt like it was something I could actually DO. Hearing your story helped ground my mind and make me realize it's not only possible, but ideal to start small and work my way up!
You’re an inspiration for me to get started producing small daily planners. Thank you. 🙂
Well done keep on going! Your work is awesome. Love it
How fantastic to be able to follow a fellow South African! All the best with your business!
APPLE!🍏 Hey I'm a new subscriber, I'm from South Africa too. Thank you for your inspiration! I would love to start my own small business too, you made me more excited to go for it🤭 I'm proud of you for how far you've made it with your business and may it grow more and become even more successful!🥰❤
Apple 😊 congrats on your small business growing leaps and bounds 😊🙌 very inspiring and I absolutely love your designs. I’m wanting to do designs and artworks for journals but I have no idea where to start 🙈 keep inspiring others around you! ❤
Apple! I have not thought about ever making my own planners myself but your video popped up and i loved watching it. Well done and all the best withyour business ☺️
So wonderful watching a proudly South African video!!💓💞 my prayer is that your business grows into a thriving internationally acclaimed business! God bless you!💕💞
I just saw this for the first time! Blessings to you in your business! I did watch all the way. Love your story.
Beautiful books, especially the teacher's planner. I especially love that you included scripture quotes to inspire the teachers.
Apple! I’m planning to start my own planner business and this video is the first I watched. Thank you for sharing and love it
I saw your video, and I love the scriptures you included in the teacher planners! I can see God providing at each step and I will be praying that He will bless your business and it will grow...allowing you to make more money than you ever thought and bringing glory to Him at the same time! Oh, and "apple"!
I really appreciate your comment and prayers ❤️ thank you!
So proud of you - this is all so inspiring as well -/ I love love stationary and have always wanted to make a planner of my own to sell
Apple 🍎. Thank you so much for sharing. I shall check out your course. I really like paper and paper products and enjoy crafting with paper and threads, yarn and just about anything that can be upcycled. All the very best with your business. I pray it will grow leaps and bounds! Blessings
Always fun clicking on something on KZhead and hearing that SA accent! May your business grow bigger and bigger each day! Sending love, from a Saffa in the US❤️
Apple 4:44 same, I'm from Argentina but same! I'm avoiding to post my work on social media to promote myself fearing someone from another country might ask and shipping costs would end up being higher than the product itself. On a side note, your work seen on this video looks so so professional 😍 I wish you the best look on your business
Wow, the planners look amazing. Beautiful! And you did it all by yourself! Congrats! I know this feeling of being „restricted” in a way - most of these type of videos are from the US and I sometimes feel jealous of their bigger client base and planner/scrapbooking industry being so big and popular. It’s more difficult for people like you or me but nonetheless , here you are, you’ve made it! Sending love from Poland!
This is so relatable. I'm from Ukraine and it's impossible even to register on Etsy 🥲
I’m from the US. It’s actually quite intimidating to start any kind of business here because there is so much competition.
Apple! Thanks for sharing, you have inspired me a lot! Wish you the best in your project. Blessing!
apple so happy you are here to share you journey
Apple 🍏 Also, your story is inspiring. I'd love to see more of your bookbinding process, especially cutting and sewing the pages!
I miss the scented stationery when I was a child. You inspire me to make my own. Apple🍎
Beautiful work! Thank you for the inspiration.
Apple! Wishing you b the best of luck in your business! Thank you for sharing ❤
APPLE. I am very proud of you. I can't wait to see you grow. I love that you sew the planner together. Never saw it done before. 🎉 keep going ❤
Apple 🍏. I teared up when I saw the scriptures, may God bless you beyond your wildest dreams and knock your socks off in the process. I'm currently in the beginning stages of setting up my art business (I'm an acrylic painter in Canada) and stumbled across your video searching for business strategies and learning from other creative individuals like yourself. Your video sure inspired me and gives me hope that my business will be launched and take off.
This is so inspiring. Wishing you growth and prosperity!
Yes, I'd love a video of how and where you found your supplies.
I too have a handmade spiral bound book business. Your books are absolutely beautiful! I took a look at your Etsy shop and would like to suggest that you create more books like the $40. one but leave off the suggestion that it is only for South African teachers. You will get way more sales if it is for all teachers. I am also a homeschool teacher. Teachers are always using planners so you are definitely on the right track.
Apple!! This was a very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and craft with the rest of the world! You are very inspiring, and your products are beautiful! I am just getting started in the budgeting world, and am looking at many different videos, when I stumbled across yours! I’m glad I found it! I am a new subscriber! Have a blessed day! 🌸😃🌸
Apple. Best luck and success for your business!!! Your books look soo beautiful, they truly make us want one to bound with. 🍀🍀🍀
Apple. Great to watch your video. It’s always nice to see a fellow South African thriving. Your story is inspiring. All the best.
I am watching your videos they are very inspiring and beautiful. By far you’re the one person who has shown the whole process of making planners from scratch in each of your videos. I am stay at home mom, your work has inspired me to motivate myself to regenerate my long lost creativity. In the holy month of Ramadan, I am closely watching your videos and learning from you a lot. May god bless you😇 and fulfill all your dreams 💭
Thank you so much! ❤️
Awww I love this! Great job:) I was just thinking it’d be great if I could hire you to make specific planners for my business & then you said you can’t ship to US. Lol. Love that you put scriptures in it!!! God Bless your business!!!
Thank you so much! Hopefully in the near future I'll be able to ship to the US 🌻
Apple very inspiring. I have been hesitating for years and am full of reasons why not to get started. I just got started just a few months ago. Enjoyed your video and I feel encouraged, thank you💕
Apple 😊Thank you for being my inspiration. l absolutely love your designs.Wishing you a fulfilling business journey.
Apple ❤ Thank you for sharing your passion. Truly inspiring and wonderful video. Looking forward to making my first book.
Apple. Thank you for sharing your journey! Your books look beautiful
I love the energy over here ❤
Apple... What a great video! Your designs are beautiful, and you seem very well organized. I'm sure your business will continue to grow and become successful!
Apple! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!!! Very inspiring!
Wow! That would also be my dream business. Your planner is so beautiful!
Echo. I love what you are doing. Thank you for sharing. You are very inspiring. Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦.
Thank you dear for such an incredible vibe! You have a gift for inspiration! Best wishes for your business to prosper and continue to inspire people around the world as you have reached Africa already! I have watched this video through its entirety....apple! Happy Planning 🤗🫶
Apple love this video and your inspiration. Your work looks amazing !
Apple 😊 You have inspired me! I am definitely going to follow you on this journey. ❤
Apple, new to your channel love the smooth voice you have can learn a lot from you
Apple. Beautiful work!!! Thank you for sharing with us, as a creative in South Africa myself I feel really inspired.
This video was just suggested under another video I was watching and I was intrigued only to see you're a local! Yay! New subscriber here 😃🤍
Apple! This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
Love this. Thank you. Great idea.
I have to say your hard bound books look amazing.
I'm proud of your progress! You inspired another soul here to Push through this kind of business. I just started to create 2024 calendars a week ago and I'm losing hope if I can do it or not since I don't actually have money. I'm looking forward for your success! ✨ APPLE! 🍎🍏
I love your video, and it inspired me to make my dream come true... thanks a million times ❤
This was such an inspiration to me. I have been wanting to start a business like this. 🍏
Apple, thank you for the inspiration!
Apple! 😊you are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your video!
I am inspired! Congratulations!
Apple!! Love this!! Congratulations and wish you all the best!!
Apple. What a lovely peaceful and honest video. We’ll done. Keep up the hard work. 😉👍🏾
Beautiful work. Awesome, you followed your heart. I would love to learn. I've always had a creative mind, but I do get in my own way. Thank you for sharing.
Apple, blessings on your Journey!!!! Amazing cant talk right now
I believe that everything was so meant for you to do this. I don't know who you are , or why your video was recommended to me, but this was sooo inspiring.
Loved this video, I wish you all the best Apple x
Apple!!! I can not wait to see what else life has in store for you.❤
apple...thank you! And much success
Your business journey is truly inspiring 🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎 glad that KZhead recommend this video 😄
Beautiful story I wish you continued success.
Apple. I also subscribed because I'm very interested in venturing into the world of stationary products. You're my inspiration so I'll be watching and listening to your channel. Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on your independence 🎉
Apple, I am so happy to see that you have been able to make a business with not a whole lot of money to start, thanks for the inspiration.
Apple! Just stumbled across your video and it's really inspiring me to take a deeper dive into creating my own notebooks. Before, I never knew it was even a possibility to make it myself (I thought it was super hard to do) but this really showed me it's possible. I just have to put in the effort to learn and practice. ^_^
🍎Thank you! I have been going through a large amount of videos on the subject and this is my first time commenting. Very informative and motivational!
Well done-I am so inspired!
Apple!! I love how clear you are with your presentation. Your books are just beautiful! I would love to be able to do this, but I'm not on a platform to sell anything and am not sure I want to do that. I love making things for friends and just doing random acts of kindness. Good luck with your small business. :)
Good luck with your business. Your stationery looks beautiful.
It's inspiring and your designs are beautiful ❤ all the success 💗
Absolutely awesome thank you so much sharing and your products are beautiful.
Apple. Wow, you go girl! So proud of you! I'm also from South Africa on the West Coast... I just love love your planners and books and everything...😊
I loved this and found it wonderfully helpful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story, and some of your techniques for getting started. Apple. ^.^ I was with you the whole way!
You inspire me. Thank you. ❤️
apple, I loved your video, you are so close and its obvious that you have passion and excitement to grow your business, I wish you luck and success!
I love everything you do. ❤🏅🏅🏅
Apple! Always so inspiring to see craft as beautiful as book binding help you become a successful entrepreneur. Love it all!
Thanx for the video. I want to start now!! Very Inspiring too. Keep up the good work
apple! thank you for encouraging me to create in house!
You are very hardworking God give you lots of success.
your books are stunning.
apple! Thank you. Journal making/bookbinding is a fascinating art and one that I am so intrigued by as things become more digital. Your first book -- a total success!! Looking forward to more videos from this channel. :):)