How this 30-year-old turned her junk journaling hobby into a business after being laid off from her dream job
From a Broken Foot to a Thriving Community: How Nandi Owolo Turned Junk Journaling into a Business
In the fast-paced digital world, sometimes the best escapes are the simplest—and most tactile. Junk journaling, a delightful mash-up of scrapbooking, collage, and creative journaling, has exploded in popularity as a screen-free hobby that embraces imperfection and nostalgia. And one woman in Los Angeles is leading the charge by turning her accidental discovery into a full-fledged community and business.
Meet Nandi Owolo, a 30-year-old entertainment professional who stumbled into junk journaling in June 2024 after breaking her foot on her birthday while walking her dog. Homebound for two months, she turned to TikTok for entertainment and discovered this chaotic, colorful craft.
"I personally think that I have no artistic skill," Owolo admits. "I can’t draw; I can’t knit; I can’t paint." But gluing down souvenirs, photos, stickers, restaurant napkins, and coffee sleeves into vibrant spreads? That clicked. "It’s an artistic medium in which you can do whatever you want with the page," she says, highlighting the hobby's "one man’s trash is another man’s treasure" appeal.
Building a Community in a Lonely City
Just two months after starting, Owolo launched Junk Journal Club in August 2024. Her first meetup, hosted through a local social club, capped at 35 people—and sold out instantly. The second, in a park, drew 60 attendees. Today, she hosts ticketed in-person events in L.A. one to three times a month, with 20-30 guests paying $35-50 each. These cozy gatherings often sell out in under an hour (sometimes in minutes!), complete with supplies, snacks, and goodie bags full of stickers and stationery.
Owolo believes hers is the first U.S. club dedicated to real-life junk journaling events. She also built an online hub: a Discord server with nearly 2,000 members worldwide, from the U.S. to Canada, Germany, and Australia. Members share pages, inspiration, and even send care packages through a pen pal program.
Post-pandemic, many young people crave in-person connections, and junk journaling delivers. "There’s so much overwhelming noise in the world right now," Owolo says. "Junk journaling is a great way to quiet that noise." It's no wonder the hobby—often called Gen Z's scrapbooking—has surged, keeping people off phones while tapping into physical, nostalgic creativity.
From Layoff to Entrepreneurship
In May 2025, Owolo faced a setback: she lost her dream job adapting books and comics into TV and movies. Heartbreaking as it was, it sparked opportunity. "No one can lay me off from Junk Journal Club. It is mine," she realized.
She pivoted, focusing on branded collaborations. By year's end, she exceeded her goal, partnering with brands like Nuuly (clothing rental), artist Ramisha Sattar, "junk journaling queen" Martina Calvi, and even Paramount Pictures for a movie promo. These events sometimes made entry free for guests, and Owolo earned money as a content creator.
Though she initially hesitated to call herself an entrepreneur—"It almost felt fraudulent"—she now owns it. Currently on a contract gig (ending soon), Owolo reinvests all ticket revenue into events for the best experience possible. She hasn't taken a salary yet, prioritizing quality over quick profits, but aims to pay herself soon.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Owolo plans slow, intentional growth in 2026, capping events for intimacy while seeking more partnerships. In L.A.'s world of experiential marketing, ideas abound: song-inspired collages for touring musicians or journaling sessions at influencer dinners.
As junk journaling continues its rise—fueled by mindfulness, sustainability, and community—Owolo's story is inspiring. What started as recovery downtime has become a thriving venture proving that creativity, connection, and a little "junk" can build something beautiful.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by screens or craving a low-pressure creative outlet, why not give junk journaling a try? Grab some old tickets, stickers, and glue—imperfection encouraged!