We were lucky to catch up with Angela recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angela , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My business began with something I’ve loved since childhood — creating. When I was young, I used to make little notebooks out of cereal boxes, and even then I loved turning everyday materials into something useful and special.
Years later, I was inspired to finally start my own business by my son, who has been a passionate young photographer since he was 10. Watching him pursue his creativity encouraged me to pursue mine. I first started creating notebooks from food packaging, but when my parents were getting rid of their VHS tapes, the idea truly came to life. I saw more than old covers — I saw nostalgia, personality, and the opportunity to create something one-of-a-kind.
As someone who loves journaling and making lists, I wanted to create notebooks that felt fun, meaningful, and different from the typical plain notebook. Today, I handcraft upcycled notebooks, sketchbooks, bookmarks, magnets, stickers, and junk journal scrap packs using carefully sourced materials like VHS covers, DVD covers, record albums, postcards, and food packaging.
What excites me most is giving forgotten materials a second life while creating something both beautiful and functional. My business combines creativity, sustainability, and nostalgia in a way that feels truly unique and personal.

Angela , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Angela, and I’m the creator behind my small business, where I handcraft one-of-a-kind upcycled goods inspired by nostalgia, creativity, and sustainability. I create unique notebooks, sketchbooks, bookmarks, magnets, stickers, and junk journal scrap packs using carefully sourced materials like VHS covers, DVD covers, record albums, food packaging, postcards, and artwork.
My love for creating started when I was a child. I used to make little notebooks out of cereal boxes, and even then, I loved turning everyday materials into something useful and special. Years later, I was inspired to seriously pursue my own creativity by my son, who has been a passionate young photographer since he was 10 years old. Watching him follow his artistic path encouraged me to take a chance on my own.
I first began creating notebooks from food packaging, but the real spark came when my parents were getting rid of their VHS tapes. The moment I saw them, I knew they could become something more. I saw nostalgia, personality, and memories in those covers, and I wanted to turn them into something functional and meaningful instead of letting them go to waste.
As someone who loves journaling and making lists, I wanted to create notebooks that felt fun, personal, and different from the usual plain designs. That idea has now grown into a business centered around handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces that bring together creativity and purpose.
What sets my work apart is that every item is handmade and truly unique. No two pieces are exactly the same, and I love that each one has its own story and personality. My products are for people who love vintage-inspired finds, journaling, creativity, and meaningful handmade goods.
One thing I’m especially proud of is being able to give forgotten materials a second life. Sustainability is an important part of what I do, but so is creating something that sparks joy, memories, and conversation. More than anything, I want people to know that my brand is about making everyday creativity feel more special through pieces that are nostalgic, artistic, and made with heart.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot in life and business was two years ago, when everything changed in an instant. My son and I were heading home when we became victims of a random act of violence. Two men we did not know shot at our car, and my son was shot in the head.
In that terrifying moment, I had to stay strong and do everything I could to save his life, with the help of an incredible 911 dispatcher guiding me through it. My son spent 50 days in the hospital and had to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat again. He was only 15 years old at the time.
Because of that, I put my business completely on hold so I could be there for him full time. My focus shifted from creating and building my business to simply surviving, healing, and helping my son recover day by day.
It has been one of the hardest journeys of my life, but also one that showed me just how strong faith, love, and resilience can be. Today, my son is alive, and for that I thank God every single day. That experience changed me forever. It taught me that sometimes life forces you to pivot, and when it does, you do what you have to do for the people you love most.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been connecting with artists and people who truly appreciate art. They recognize the value in something handmade, they understand the time and care that goes into each piece, and they genuinely connect with my work. These clients don’t just see a product—they see the creativity, the effort, and the story behind it. They value originality and craftsmanship, and that appreciation often turns into lasting relationships and repeat support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sweetandsavoryjournals
• Facebook: @sweetandsavoryjournals
• Other: TikTok: angelafernandez1045