LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR PLANNERS & CRAFTERS
JOURNAL CAFE
Happy Holidays!
ISSUE 1
•
VOL 5
•
DECEMBER 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF What a Year! It's such a blessing to have been able to create something that allows the folks in our community that wouldn't generally get the spotlight to be the focus of our appreciation and awe. The Journal Cafe Magazine is just one way to share with you the many talented and creative individuals out there. I've met so many amazing people through this new adventure. There are tons of talented and creative people in the world. I truly appreciate your willingness to share yourselves with us. Please be sure to join the Journal Cafe Magazine group on Facebook and like the Journal Cafe page. Follow us on Instagram @journalcafemagazine as well. Share this with your planning, journaling and crafting friends so that we continue to grow. Thanks again for subscribing!
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any other means without the written permission of the publisher. This magazine is a collection of articles and information developed for entertainment and educational purposes. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the contributors and publisher shall not have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the content contained in this publication. Published in the United States of America Sunshine Solutions Publishing 9912 Business Park Dr., Ste. 170 Sacramento, CA 95827
Copyright © 2019 Phillis Clements All Rights Reserved.
LOOK
December 2019 Issue 1 Volume 5
planning / journaling / crafting/ events / lifestyle
what's inside this issue
04
people to know
11
xquisite Soul
05
denea venoy
14
07
plannercon party Honolulu
m. m. dezigns
09
holiday craftiness
18
self-care challenge
18
what's next
Journal Cafe | 3
We want to connect you to more fabulous planners, crafters and folks who journal. There's no way for us to know everything or everyone. That's where you come in. We would love to hear about who you like to follow on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
ELPOEP
HAVE YOU HEARD?...
WONK OT
We'll start it off with these two suggestions.
Journal Cafe | 4
Spotlight Denea Venoy says Felicia Jarrell, the owner of Goldmine & Coco, is such a motivational person. She admires her transparency, customer service, and the superb products she produces for the entire community. @goldmineandcoco She also recommends Anika Chestnut of Anika's Kreative Plans. Anika has a gentle spirit and is very inspiring. You can find her on YouTube and Instagram. @anikaskreativeplans Send your recommendations to journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
Denea Venoy
The Functional Planner Meet Denea Venoy the creative planner from the Facebook Group Sistahs that Plan. You can find her cute spreads in the group and follow her on Instagram @functionallybluetiful_plans. How long have you been planning? I have been planning for 6 years, but most recently on a consistent bases. I stepped out of my comfort zone in July of this year and started my Instagram page. In the past, I did not post very often because I was not sure I was good enough or that my work measured up to other great planners I followed.
bases and helps to keep me organized and on track. I am a mom, wife, Sorority member, Business professional and Small Business owner. I have to keep up with my Sons Football schedule, Business meetings, Community Service projects, family schedule etc. So planning keeps me grounded and on track! What are 2-3 of your favorite planning tools? The Cricut is one of my favorites. It allows me to create tabs, stickers and so much more.The Canon Ivy printer is another one that is a must have. The pictures are vibrant and you can print on the go!
What's your favorite thing about planning? My favorite thing about planning is being able to express myself while doing so. I think of my self as a “Being Mary Jane� planner. I use lots of sticky notes prior to putting things in my planner, but I also love to have things look pretty.I feel that being functional and appealing to the eye keeps me wanting to create more and more. It keeps me on track to actually want to look at my planner on a consistent Journal Cafe | 5
Journal Cafe | 6
PlannerCon Parties Honolulu, HI November 15-16, 2019
Being in Hawaii for the fifth PlannerCon Party at Honolulu was awesome! This was definitely the best way to spend my birthday week. And yes, I said week, but really I celebrate all month. How about you? Although this was the last of the PlannerCon party circuit, it did not disappoint. The weather was fantastic and the views were amazing.
We not only had some of the most elite in the industry on the speaker roster - Teresa Collins Webber, Amy Tangerine, Irene Kwong (Simply Gilded) and Michelle Hill (Polkadot Whimsy), but a fabulous group of attendees who wrapped us in ohana love.
@teresacollinsstudio
This is what PlannerCon is all about, the people who make up the community. If you haven't been to a PC event yet, be sure to put it in your plans for next year. PlannerCon 2020 is going to be unbelievable. It's three full days! Ticket prices go up in January, so get your tickets this month. There are a few VIP tickets left, but grab yours today. They're nearly gone. Be sure to find me there! Journal Cafe | 7
@quiaplans808
@amytangerine
Planner conferences are only as good as the people who work together to make them a success.
One of my favorite people to see at a PlannerCon event is Amy Tangerine and and our fabulous friends Jean Quia and Grace Zelda. They really made our Honolulu party one of the best ever.
There's no doubt that we have a great team of folks working to ensure that everyone has a great time. Piper. Michelle, Sonia and Kim make it happen every time.
Journal Cafe | 8
@gzblessings @simplygilded
@kreative.k3lli
It's always great to see old friends and meet new folks too.
HOLIDAY CRAFTINESS! Crafting can be defined in so many ways. We have chosen to define craftiness as being any form of creativity, from artistic and handmade creations to building, decorating, food, beverages, writers and more. We will feature and spotlight various crafters and artists in the magazine as we continue to grow. This month's segment spotlights the creativity we have seen during this holiday season.
Jessica Leonard IG: @BourgeoisGurlMU
If you would like to see specific examples of crafts or know of any crafters who would be a good fit for us, please send us a message at journalcafemagazine@gmail.com. We would love to reach out to them to see if they would be interested in having a spotlight in our magazine,
Let's continue to be the supportive group we are and follow the folks who shared their Instagram accounts. Permission to share the pictures and contact information displayed was obtained prior to the distribution of this publication. Enjoy!!
Destiny McAfee IG: @nursemcafee
Journal Cafe | 9
ton ing t t i e Wh elys rice t _ l a e K ant @ch
Jer niek aP @m ers on rsjp ers on
D on na @ S m st an ea c do hez g
ore Laj a y Tan
Journal Cafe | 10
z he nc a aS og nn tead o D s @m
Nana Monney
XQuisite Soul
I'm excited to introduce you to one of my favorite shop owners, Nana Monney, CEO of XQuisite Soul. She's a full time working mom and wife, based in Toronto, Canada. When did you get into planning? I was introduced to planners several months ago when I was looking for a way to stay organized and accomplish my goals. Needless to say, I fell head over heels in love, especially with the Erin Condren life planner. I really appreciated the way that it was customized, and it was through this that I learned about the wonderful world of stickers. Stickers were a way for me to de-stress, have fun, and personalize my planner, while at the same time focusing on my big goals and my to-do list. How did you begin creating stickers? I became completely obsessed, ordering lots of stickers from various Etsy shops and I noticed that there weren’t a lot of stickers that reflected my interests or that looked like me and my family. So, I decided to fill this niche, and thus XQuisite Soul was born! My designs are inspired by my life and the people that I know. I create stickers with darker skins to reflect a segment of the population that is often overlooked by other designers. It’s important to me that
Ieveryone feel represented and included, so that is the mission of my shop. I am an angel card reader, and I’m very spiritual. So, those interests are reflected in my designs as well. In fact, I named my store XQuisite Soul to reflect my spirituality and because I believe that we are all unique souls. How do you spend your free time, when you get any? In my free time, you’ll usually find me enjoying time with my friends and family. I stay pretty busy, but I make time to enjoy what matters most to me. I really cherish my family’s love and support through everything I do.
Journal Cafe | 11
One of my favorite things is to have custom stickers made. I love cartoon characters and getting XQuibified was so much fun. I absolutely love how my XQuibi turned out! You have to be sure to get your very own XQuibi once the shop re-opens after the new year. You won't be disappointed. Visit www.xquisitesoul.com to sign up for the newsletter and to be notified when the shop re-opens.
How do you see XQuisite Soul changing in the new year? My store is always growing, as I’m constantly being inspired to create new and interesting stickers for my customers. Have you attended any planner conferences? If so, which one(s)? Yes, I have. I have attended the Black Women Who Plan and Create Conference, as well as a local event in Toronto. We hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about Nana Monney. As a selfproclaimed sticker junkie, I can never have too many stickers in my stash.
Journal Cafe | 12
Also join the Facebook group and follow her on Instagram @xquisitsoul. If you're a Pinterest enthusiast, you can find XQuisite Soul there as well.
Journal Cafe | 13
NormĂŠa Banner M. M. DeZigns
I'm excited to introduce you to another sorority sister of mine, NormĂŠa Banner. She is the owner of M. M. DeZigns. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the PlannerCon Party Atlanta. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @mmdezigns. How did you get into making cards, invitations and other fun items? I actually started scrapbooking when I found out I was pregnant 17 years ago. I started making two albums, but once my daughter was born, I realized I might not ever finish them. I soon discovered that card making allowed me to use my same creativity and tools but it had a deadline lol! I originally made cards for friends and family to commemorate special occasions and soon people were requesting my talents for their own events. It soon went from greeting cards to wedding invitations to personalized gifts & whatever else people could think of even wedding coordinating! Journal Cafe | 14
What's the biggest lesson you've learned about having your business? I've learned that the possibilities are endless. My slogan is "Inspired by You. DeZigned by Me." I don't limit myself in what I can create... however, I also know with that mindset, I am also always actively learning and trying new things. What is your favorite thing about planning? I've always been a planner girl, but this new form of planning allows creativity to flow. I love having a weekly time when I can sit down & craft. Planning allows me to be creative at least once a week FOR ME. Who are two people in the planner community you admire? I admire Stephanie Fleming of The Happy Planner and Lameka Alston of Capitol Chic Designs. Both ladies started their businesses because of a need in their life and a need they saw in the crafting community. Though their stories are different, they both have created products that have made my planning adventures that much more awesome.
NormĂŠa Banner
M. M. DeZigns, Continued What are 1-2 planning or crafting tips you would give? The first tip I would give is to be yourself and let the true you come through in your planning. It's okay to be inspired by others and their styles, but you will love your planner that much more if you let it be reflective of you. Another tip I would offer is to take your time getting into the planner game... try different things & don't be discouraged if they don't work. There is definitely a planner out there for everyone - and if you can't find it, create one!,
NormĂŠa has some of the cutest spreads. Be sure to check her out on Facebook too. You can find M. M. DeZigns online at http://mmdezigns.com You can also reach out to her by email at creations@mmdezigns.com
Journal Cafe | 15
1. Do a random act of kindness 2. Eat plant based only for 1 day 3. Sit outside and count clouds 4. Write a postcard to
SELF-CARE CHALLENGE #selfcarechallenge This time of the year for me represents the transition to a time in my life for reflection, decluttering, gratitude, relaxation and rejuvenation.
someone 5. Go to bed early 6. Take a bath 7. Have a cup of hot chocolate 8. Visit a library 9. Give yourself a facial 10. Have a game night 11. Meditate 12. Dance naked 13. Smile 14. Spend the day in your PJs 15. Enjoy a cup of tea 16. Turn your phone off for 2 hours 17. Forgive yourself for anything
Journal Cafe | 16
Of course I have to have some fun with this returning season and I thought I'd bring you all on the journey with me. So, with that in mind I thought a selfcare challenge would be just the thing for us to do together. Challenges are a great way to achieve short term goals and celebrate the smallest successes. Often times we are too hard on ourselves and this is the season for us to give ourselves a pat on the back. You don't need to do everything on the challenge list, but I would like you to commit to at least 4 things. Be sure to share your results of the challenge in our Facebook group - Journal Cafe Magazine and use the hashtag #fallselfcarechallenge. If you have a fun idea for a challenge, send it to us at journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
Want to be a contributer? Would you like to be a part of the team and contribute content for the magazine? Know of some amazing folks who plan, journal, craft or shop owners you'd like people to know about? Got a quick make and take project or spread idea? If you answered yes to any of these, send a message to journalcafemagazine@gmail.com.
Best wishes for the season to you and yours!
Journal Cafe | 17
What's Coming Next
DIY Projects Upcoming Events Guest contributors Spreads Shop spotlights Ad Opportunities
The Journal Cafe is a publication for the planning, journaling and crafting community. We strive to share information that is meaningful, educational and entertaining. The magazine will continue to evolve over time with input from readers and the team. Journal Cafe | 18