Stationery Chronicles: A Journey of Creativity & Connection

Meet Anni, a passionate stationery enthusiast whose journey began with a childhood fascination for colorful erasers and pencils.

Over the years, this love has evolved into a creative outlet that not only fuels her personal joy but also inspires a growing online community through her Instagram, @my_travelers_notebook.

From her first journals to high-end stationery brands, Anni's story is a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and connection. Discover how she balances her creative pursuits with everyday life and how you can do the same! 

What inspired you to get into journaling and stationery?

I started journaling when I was like 12 years old. I just started writing about my day, thinking in the future it will be fun to look back on these times. I still have these journals.

I always loved stationery, back when I was a kid, like 6 years old. There were only a few things, like colorful erasers, pencils and pencil pouches available. I loved them all and treated them really good (still have a lot of them today, in great condition). I always liked stationery as far as I can think back. I would stand in the shop looking at all the stationery things, thinking I would love to own the shop, haha :-D

How has your journey with journaling and stationery evolved over time?

At some point I stopped journaling. I don't know exactly why. But then I found out about the Traveler's Notebook. Can't remember how, but I think I saw a video about it. I was so excited, this system felt so thought through. I set up my first notebook and since then I kept journaling again. Mostly about my daily life to not forget these moments. It also helped a lot with grief journaling after losing my grandma. I felt like I can let go of thoughts and painful memories, they are there, if I want to read about them again.

How has your collection changed over the years?

I would say it definitely became more special, with high end products, like Lochby, Traveler's Notebook, Toyo boxes and other stationery. From standard stationary products to really nice products that target quality, efficiency and style.

What is your favorite journaling accessory and why? 

I love my 4 colors Bic pen even though I use mostly the blue color. I really like to journal with this pen and do daily plans and notes. It writes so smooth.

I love fountain pens for journaling/calligraphy practice.

I love my Lochby things, my Traveler's Notebooks and the Toyo boxes. They all keep everything organized and so much fun.

Sometimes, the power of the right tools can help inspire creativity and emotional well-being. Though she took a break from journaling for a while, discovering the Traveler's Notebook reignited Anni's passion and encouraged her to document her daily life again.

Apart from that though, it also helped her process significant emotions like grief. Journaling became more than a creative outlet—it turned into a tool for healing and preserving meaningful moments. 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life through social media?

I started posting more on Insta and took more time to create pictures and videos. People really liked it and I found new online friends. So I just kept going with it, I found my style and have so much fun. That's the most important thing: have fun with it.

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

Definitely connecting with people and brands. It's such an amazing community, almost just kind people. I made friends, sent out and received happy mail, discussed about stationery. So cool!

My daily life friends all don't care for stationery much... so it's nice to have found this community. My grandpa had nice pencils, fountain pens and dip pens. Also my dad loves these things. But other than them, I don't know anyone in my life outside of Instagram that loves stationery so much.

It is also so nice to be able to work with the brands I love the most. I stand 100% behind everything you see in my pictures. I love to connect, create videos and pictures. It's just so much fun and another way to live out my many creative ideas by creating content. I once wanted to be a product photographer. I went into a completely different direction job-wise, so doing this for fun now is so nice.

Social media was able to transform Anni's private hobby into a shared experience, allowing her to connect with a supportive community and deepen her creative expression! It's always amazing how much we can do and the inspiration we can get when surrounded by like-minded people. 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

I am very creative and can do a lot. Sewing, drawing, engraving glass, woodwork, I did build a couple lamps a few years ago (electricity, with switch and all) etc. I love new creative challenges. I love to work with different materials and try things. I can't crochet though or draw human faces... 

What are your future plans or goals related to this passion?

I do have an idea for something big to do/ creative to try - related to stationery. But I need to try first, if it works... we will see, if it works, you will find it on my Insta this year ;-)

How did you discover LOCHBY?

I saw the beautiful products on Instagram. I could see that they are great durable quality. I love things that are made to last very long. That age with me, are practical, but still great design. Lochby has all of that.

What is your favorite LOCHBY product and why?

Mhm, I love them all. But the Quattro is a very unexpected favorite of mine. It's the squishyness of it when it's all filled up! The first time I filled it up and held it, I was thinking: wow this is perfect! I love the Mini Field Journal a lot, too. Perfect size and super practical.

How does LOCHBY help you with your creative or productive pursuits?

Lochby has the perfect things for daily carry. I love to have the Quattro und the Mini Field Journal in my backpack, ready to draw or write ideas any time they come to mind. I love that they are so durable, I don't need to worry that they break being tossed in my backpack.

Do you have any tips for making the most out of LOCHBY products?

Just use them daily! They are the perfect add on to wherever you go: travel, work, outside adventures or desk journal time. Just use them and you will see, you can't live without them anymore!

We're always happy to know our gear is loved by and is part of all of Anni's beautiful Instagram posts!  

What role does creativity play in your life, and how do you nurture it?

I am super highly creative and can't live that out in my daily Job. So I have 1000 hobbies on the side and never enough time for any of them :-D

I try to journal, paint, draw or do projects whenever I can. I am building a miniature house since a few years for example (1:24), when I have some time here and there. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting to get into journaling and collecting stationery supplies?

No pressure. You might see all these perfect journals out there. It takes a while to find your style, your preferred paper insert size etc. You might need time to figure out what fits you and your life best. But that's ok! No stress, just start and explore and have fun!

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Don't compare yourself to others.

(You are you. You will find your style.)

Love this advice! Creativity is all about each your individual journey without pressure, discovering your own style at your own pace, free from comparisons. The key is to start, explore, and enjoy the process—whether that's one hobby or a thousand just like Anni. 

How do you balance your passion with other aspects of your life?

That's hard. My people always come first. That is a conscious decision. Between taking pictures, videos/journaling/stationery shopping and spending time with my loved ones, they always come first. You never know how much time you have with someone... but it's hard, because sometimes I really want to take pictures, create. They are all very understanding though and happy for me to have found "my thing". But yeah, I love to spend time with my favorite people. That comes first.

How do you stay motivated to continue your passion?

It comes alone. I just moved and all my things were packed away in boxes.  Slowly unpacking, once I have time here and there, I get so so so happy to see all my stationery again! Truly excited! Nice stationery motivates me by just being there, haha!

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

Try! If it does not work, you at least tried.

Anni's story is a vibrant example of how creativity and passion can shape a fulfilling life. From her early fascination with stationery to her current projects and online community, she continues to find joy in exploration, connection, and self-expression.

If you want her enthusiasm to inspire you into embracing your own creative pursuits, don't forget to follow her Instagram right here!