Stationary/Planner / Companies Shops to Support
As many of you probably know, Erin Condren has been rightfully called out for her racist graduation march last week, as well as many past indiscretions. I didn’t know about some of her really racist posts, but I have noticed the lack of diversity in her product/advertising of course. I’ve not been too much of an EC fan as it is and have done a lot of shopping, so I figured I would drop some names here!
POC OWNED
Cloth and Paper has two subscriptions-as well as a whole store. One subscription is focused solely on pens and one on stationary more broadly. I subscribed to them for a while a few years back. I only stopped because I like to try out every subscription possible so I change it up A LOT. It was a great subscription box. But I still use so much of what I got from them—some gold finished rulers, some very fancy pens, lots of cute sticky notes and note cards, etc. I loved that the bigger stationary box wasn’t only paper goods- but included a lot of other desk items. They have a beautiful aesthetic-lots of clean lines, black and white and gold product. I think this would be perfect for a more businessy workplace especially. And check out this unboxing!! SO CUTE.
I haven’t personally used a Goosby Twins planner (yet) but I have heard such good things about quality. If you like the coil bound style of EC planners but want to spend your money at a black owned business, their planners are great. Also, they are so much better designed? Let’s just say it. Only one of their planners is still in stock because of the support they’ve been getting, but definitely keep it in mind!
Ivory Paper Co is so aesthetic. They are black owned and sell planners, planner stickers, as well as GORGEOUS stationery. Personalized options and lots of pretty floral designs.
Notiq does tons of planners and inserts, as well as super cute notepads, scarves, and even candles. Everything is really aesthetically cohesive, with a lot of pale pink. I could definitely see their planners being used in more professional office spaces too!
Paper and Craft Pantry is my local paper love. It’s an adorable shop/studio that has really amped up its web presence since Covid-19 forced them to close up temporarily. They work with tons of local makers and have been selling amazing workshop kits (super excited about the one I’ve ordered!). Everything is such good quality and they have their own adorable line of cards, notepads, etc. They are launching a new and improved site soon and I am anxiously awaiting!!!
Greer Chicago is amazing and I hope to one day visit in person. They stock it all-cards, paper, desk supplies, candles, art, whatever. It’s all SO GOOD. And they are black women owned.
OTHERS THAT DO NOT SUCK
I love everything about Calliope Paperie. They stock such fun!!! stuff. Their own little line is delightful (sheet cake notepads! Stickers about pens) and they carry stuff from makers all over. They were also super quick to send back all of their product from ban.do when everything came out about the company and I do feel good supporting their little store.
Simplified has shocked me with how much they have done/learned recently. This is a very white company, but they have taken a lot of steps to step up/edit their planners/listen to their customers. A good alternative to EC, though I hope they take serious steps to diversify both their employees and their product.