Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Cook.
Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved stationery. As a kid, I was obsessed with all the neat paper, Trapper Keepers, pencil boxes, and those little coordinating accessories that made everything feel so organized and special. That love never really went away, so when I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my time, turning that passion into something creative felt completely natural—it never once felt like work, just pure fun.
With both of my daughters now in college, I suddenly had this beautiful stretch of free time. I decided to dive in and create the kinds of journals and stationery pieces I’d always wanted for myself. I started by selling on TikTok, where I’d go live to show the whole process: how I use sublimation to bring the designs to life, reveal brand-new patterns right there on camera, and chat with everyone watching. Those live shows quickly became my favorite part—getting real-time reactions and connecting with people who got just as excited about a fresh design as I did.
Since then, I’ve expanded to Facebook and Instagram too. The collection has grown beyond journals to include padfolios, binders with custom designs, pens, markers, pencil bags, totes, and more. It’s been so rewarding to keep experimenting and watching the line evolve.
The funniest, most unexpected part of all this is my French bulldog, Finn. Without meaning to, Finn the Frenchy has become the absolute MVP of my business. During live shows he’s usually just curled up napping in the background, completely unaware of the camera or the hundreds of people watching. But viewers started tuning in specifically to see him— they’d comment asking “Where’s Finn?” or “Tell Finn hi for me!” Now people show up just to catch a glimpse of him snoozing or to say hello. It’s the sweetest thing, and it makes every live feel a little warmer and more personal.
Looking back, what started as me playing around with something I genuinely love has turned into this wonderful little community. I get to create every day, share the process, and have Finn along for the ride—honestly, I can’t imagine it any other way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been a few obstacles along the way, but I’ve learned to take them in stride. There will never be a perfect plan, and honestly, that’s okay—I’ve come to embrace the messiness of it all.
I’m really not the best with technology, that’s partly why I’m selling paper in the first place! I’ve been known to dramatically threaten to throw the printer or the computer straight out the window when things go sideways (and trust me, they’ve gone sideways more than once). Those moments of pure frustration are real, but thankfully I have a tech-savvy family who swoops in to save the day every time. Without them, I don’t know how I’d keep the sublimation printer behaving or get the designs uploaded properly. Their help has been a lifesaver. Despite the tech hurdles, pushing through has been worth it. Seeing a new journal design come to life after all the trial and error feels incredibly rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of KC Stationer. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I make reusable and refillable journals, binders, and padfolios using a process called sublimation. It still blows me away every single time. I start with a blank canvas— a special coated surface designed for heat transfer—then I print my design onto sublimation and it’s instantly transformed into this vibrant, beautiful piece of art that won’t peel or fade. The magic of watching a plain item become something so personal and colorful never gets old for me.
Of course, journals and binders are just the start. I also sell coordinating pieces like pens, highlighters, notepads, pencil bags, totes, and all sorts of fun trinkets that let people build out their whole stationery setup with matching designs. It’s all about creating little collections that spark joy every time someone opens their bag or sits down to work.
I don’t have a traditional storefront—everything happens online through my website, where people can browse and order directly. The real connection, though, comes from the live demonstrations I do on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Those sessions are where I show the sublimation process step by step, reveal new designs, answer questions, and just chat with everyone watching. It’s interactive, it’s real-time, and it’s how so many people discover the products and fall in love with them.
It’s a simple setup, but it’s mine and I love it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I do have a full-time career on top of building this side business, so the days can get long between the two. I’m incredibly fortunate to have my husband of 25 years by my side—he’s the real rock that keeps everything from falling apart. When I’m buried in work, he picks up every bit of slack around the house without hesitation. He handles all the shopping and cooking (which is a huge relief because I absolutely hate cooking), and our college daughters are so thankful for his home-cooked meals when they come home. He also steps in for any errands I need help with, especially on the days when he’s not working himself.
Balancing a full time job, this creative passion project, family, and a furry co-star wouldn’t be possible without that kind of unwavering support. My husband doesn’t just help—he makes it all feel doable, even on the longest days. After 25 years together, we’re still very much a team, and I’m grateful every single day for that partnership. It lets me keep creating, keep showing up for the lives, and keep building something I truly love without everything else crumbling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kcstationer.com
- Instagram: KCStationer
- Facebook: KCStationer
