How Journaling Led Me to Start My Business

From as far back as I can remember, creativity has been at the center of my life. Whether I was drawing Ariel from The Little Mermaid, performing on stage, or acting in front of a camera, I’ve always found joy in creating things that make others smile. This passion for creativity eventually led me to start Love To Scribble, my stationery business—but it all began with a journal and a dream.

From Russia to the United States: Finding Comfort in Art

My journey started in 1994, when I was adopted from an orphanage in Russia at the age of 10 and brought to the United States during the holiday season. The holidays have held a special place in my heart ever since. They remind me of the better life I was given—a loving home and a family who has always been there for me.

As a child who didn’t speak any English during my first year in the U.S., I gravitated toward visual storytelling. Drawing and watching movies became my way of connecting with the world. These early creative outlets paved the way for my lifelong passion for the arts.

Discovering the Power of Journaling in NYC

In my teens and 20s, I pursued a career in the performing arts, acting in indie films and performing on stage. Eventually, I moved to New York City to further study Film and Acting. It was during this time that journaling became an indispensable part of my life. While I had always used planners and notebooks, it wasn’t until NYC that I realized just how transformative journaling could be.

Journaling wasn’t just a way to record my thoughts; it became a tool to organize my chaotic schedule, set goals, and stay motivated. I used bullet journaling techniques to stay on top of classes, jobs, and rehearsals. My journal became my go-to for:

Memorizing scripts and stage notes.
Organizing daily to-do lists and tracking goals.
Writing down my dreams and inspirations.

I carried my journal everywhere—in my backpack or purse—so I could capture thoughts wherever I was, whether at a cozy café or sitting in Bryant Park (my favorite spot in the city). In the midst of 40-hour class weeks, 30-hour restaurant shifts, and nightly Off-Broadway performances, journaling gave me a sense of control and purpose.

From Helping a Friend to Building My Own Business

In 2018, I returned to the DC area to help my childhood best friend grow her food business, Healthy Fresh Meals. I had no prior experience in building a business, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and spend time with my best friend. Over the next five years, the business flourished, and I gained invaluable skills in entrepreneurship.

Although I was deeply involved in the food business, my journaling habit never wavered. Journaling continued to be my personal sanctuary, helping me process ideas and focus on long-term goals. By 2024, I felt it was time to combine my creative passion with my newfound business expertise. That’s when the idea for Love To Scribble was born.

Love To Scribble: A Dream Turned Reality

Starting Love To Scribble was deeply personal. I used my journal to map out every detail of the brand—what I wanted it to represent, who I wanted to help, and how I wanted to inspire creativity in others. My vision was to create a space where others could discover the joy and clarity that journaling has brought me.

Eight months after launching my business, I’m amazed at how much Love To Scribble has grown. Thanks to my incredible customers, I’ve been able to share my love for journaling and creativity with so many people. Seeing others embrace journaling as a tool for self-expression and organization has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

As I journal today, reflecting on how far I’ve come, I’m already thinking about the next chapter for Love To Scribble. For 2025, I’ve set two major goals:

Ship Worldwide: I want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to creative tools that inspire them.
Give Back: My goal is to donate 10% of every purchase to a charity of the customer’s choice, creating a meaningful impact beyond stationery.

The Heart of Love To Scribble

Journaling has been my guide through life’s challenges, my companion in achieving dreams, and now, the foundation of a thriving business. I hope that the products from Love To Scribble inspire you to pick up a pen, write down your ideas, and take steps toward your goals. Whether you’re jotting down daily thoughts, organizing your life, or dreaming big, journaling can be the start of something amazing.

Thank you for supporting Love To Scribble and for allowing me to share my passion for creativity with you. I hope journaling helps you as much as it has helped me. Together, let’s scribble our way to a more inspired, organized, and creative life