In this discussion, April Wu, a passionate planner enthusiast, shares her journey through various planners as she gears up for 2025. She delves into the stationery boom, contrasting events in the US and Japan. Listeners are treated to humorous tales of personal stationery hoarding and the joy of discovering unique products. The conversation also highlights her love for glass pens and how they enhance creativity. Plus, get ready for exciting upcoming pop-up events where fans can craft their own notebooks!
April Wu's transition from eight notebooks to five reveals her adaptability in journaling as she seeks practical solutions for her schedule.
The Relay community's fundraising for St. Jude highlights the urgent need for awareness and resources in childhood cancer treatment.
April emphasizes the growing appreciation for the artistry of glass pens, reflecting a shift towards valuing craftsmanship in stationery.
Deep dives
Relay's Impact on Childhood Cancer Awareness
The Relay community has significantly contributed to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by raising $3 million for St. Jude since 2019. This funding supports the hospital's mission to advance childhood cancer research and treatment globally. A staggering statistic highlights that of the 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, nearly half go undiagnosed, underlining the need for awareness and resources. The collaboration with St. Jude aims to improve survival rates for common pediatric cancers worldwide, with initiatives such as providing free chemotherapy medications to an estimated 120,000 children.
April Wu's Evolving Role and Projects
April Wu has seen her responsibilities expand significantly since her last appearance on the show, now serving as the marketing manager for Designfield, which includes overseeing operations for Plotter USA. The growth has been reflected in the uptick of events, with 11 planned for the remaining year compared to just two in 2022. Despite her busy schedule, April continues to engage with the stationery community through her podcast, 'Stationery Cafe', though the frequency of episodes has slowed due to her increased commitments. Her hands-on approach and passion for the stationery industry have seemingly driven the growth and popularity of the brands she represents.
Change in April's Stationery Preferences
April's journaling setup has evolved from using eight notebooks to a more streamlined system with five current active books, emphasizing her growth and adaptability in stationery use. However, she announced that 2024 will be her last year using the Hobonichi planner, a decision driven by a series of recent changes in the brand and its product offerings. April expressed her emotional connection to these notebooks, describing them as significant to her identity and chronicling her life experiences over the past decade. This transformation underscores the personal nature of stationery choices and the meaning behind the tools we use.
Exploring New Journaling Alternatives
In light of her decision to stop using Hobonichi, April is exploring alternatives, specifically the Take a Note planner, designed by a Taiwanese creator that combines elements from traditional Japanese planners. The new system features a two-day-per-page layout that aligns better with her current busy lifestyle, minimizing the pressure for daily journaling. This transition highlights her journey towards finding stationery that meets her practical needs while still allowing for personal expression. April's proactive approach illustrates the idea that personal growth often leads to changes in habits and preferences regarding stationery use.
The Rise of Glass Pens in the Stationery Community
Glass pens have gained popularity in the stationery community, driven by their uniqueness and the artistry involved in their creation. April highlighted the enhanced writing experience offered by Japanese craftsmen compared to standard glass pens, emphasizing the smoothness and versatility they provide. Such pens can be used for a variety of purposes, from writing and journaling to creative arts, allowing users to explore their creativity in new ways. The community's growing interest signifies a shift towards appreciating the craftsmanship that merges functionality with artistic design.
Have you ever wondered what planner is perfect for you? April Wu has tried more than most, and is looking at new options for 2025 herself. We discuss that, working pen shows with PLOTTER and Traveler’s Company, and how many glass pens is too many.
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Enigma Stationery: Shop online with code PENADDICT24 for a free gift and discounted shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Ooni Pizza Ovens: Bring restaurant quality pizza to your home. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
