tech
December 21, 2025
How this 30-year-old turned her junk journaling hobby into a business after being laid off from her dream job
Nandi Owolo started junk journaling in June 2024. A year and a half later, she's turning the crafting hobby into her full-time business.
TL;DR
- Nandi Owolo started junk journaling after breaking her foot in June 2024, leading to a two-month recovery period.
- Junk journaling is described as a blend of scrapbooking, creative journaling, and collage art, appealing to those seeking a hands-on, screen-free hobby.
- Owolo launched Junk Journal Club, hosting in-person events that quickly gained popularity, selling out with 35 attendees initially and now regularly hosting 20-30 guests.
- The club also includes a global Discord community of nearly 2,000 members and offers a pen pal program.
- Following a layoff from her 'dream job' in entertainment, Owolo transitioned to focusing on growing Junk Journal Club as an entrepreneur, securing brand collaborations with companies like Nuuly and Paramount Pictures.
- All revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into event costs such as supplies, venue rental, and attendee goodie boxes, with Owolo's goal to eventually pay herself.
- Owolo plans to continue growing Junk Journal Club through more brand partnerships and experiential marketing collaborations.
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