We recently connected with Evelyn Carrington and have shared our conversation below.
Evelyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I have worked on is the creation of ‘Appreciation Journals,’ initially designed with teachers in mind. It is crucial to me that individuals cherish themselves and feel acknowledged for their hard work. These curated journals feature handwritten prompts, self-care spreads, and affirmations to assist those with demanding jobs in decompressing and finding happiness within. Each page is intentional and personalized for the specific field they work in.
For instance, the journal I crafted for my cousin, a nurse, includes a start-of-week check-in. Meanwhile, the one tailored for my aunt, a teacher, incorporates mini ‘open when’ envelopes. These envelopes are meant to be filled and opened when feeling frustrated, run down, misunderstood, or unheard—a way to realign their vision and the purpose behind waking up every day, especially when they might feel unappreciated.
A distinctive trademark of these journals lies on the back cover. A bag, reminiscent of a reused brown paper bag, is attached. Inside, it contains carefully selected written quotes, words of inspiration, and positive sayings. These contents serve to revitalize and recenter perspectives when needed. What I appreciate about these bags is their slim design—they are not bulky but add a soft touch to the back of the notebooks. They are easily opened and closed, ensuring the contents inside stay secure. This project is meaningful to me because the essence of my business is rooted in the intention to help others heal on their journeys and feel the love within that they radiate into the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Evelyn Carrington, and I am the founder of KingJournals. In 2020, I embarked on a journey of customizing self-discovery journals as gifts for friends and family. Inspired by my middle name, King, this venture soon evolved into a business aimed at expanding my reach to help more people.
After a year of college in 2019, I realized that the traditional path wasn’t my calling. Returning home to live with my parents and twin sister, I found myself at a crossroads. I had previously worked at Dunkin’ Donuts, but when it no longer aligned with my soul’s purpose, I decided to explore my passion for journaling and art.
For the past four years, I have been following my inner calling, choosing to go against societal norms and follow my heart. In a world that often prioritizes money and work over rest and relaxation, I’ve learned to listen within, hone my craft, and stay in the flow of the universe. When feeling off course, I remind myself with sayings like, ‘I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Everything is happening for me. I am the person who I needed when I was younger.’ Taking moments of deep breaths and stillness helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed.
One of the core philosophies of my business is captured in the quote, ‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.’ Central to KingJournals is Boots, my monkey stuffed animal, a gift from surviving a rare liver cancer at the age of 4. Boots has been my constant companion, reminding me to let my inner child guide the way. Inner child healing is a significant focus in my journals, as it played a pivotal role in my own healing journey. Before becoming aware of my childhood traumas, I was unhappy and often blamed others, not realizing I was coming from a place of hurt. As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t heal, you will bleed on those who didn’t cut you.’
This personal journey is woven into the fabric of my work. Most of my custom journals are geared towards self-love, inner child healing, shadow work, and self-discovery. I create personalized journals, art prints, moon phase planners, and more, guiding others to tune into their own vibration and frequency, reconnecting with the inner child within them that craves love and attention. By infusing my artworks with love, intention, and passion, I aim to set myself apart, offering heartfelt gifts that contribute to uplifting the world’s frequency.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
In 2019, I took the plunge and created my business social media accounts, primarily focusing on Instagram and TikTok. From the outset, I opted to share content that held personal significance for me. I kicked off by following creators whom I felt a genuine connection with—individuals I was called to in some way. Embracing vulnerability, I shared from my heart, intuitively sensing the authenticity of fellow creators who were aligned with my path.
My approach involved supporting those who supported me and seeking out like-minded individuals who shared a similar ‘why’ or intention for their creations. What I’ve discovered is that my accounts experience the most growth when I stay true to myself, posting content that resonates with my inner calling, rather than attempting to outsmart algorithms. While I did engage in some minimal research, the most valuable advice often came from the genuine connections I made within my community.
I’ve learned that energy is everything in the realm of social media. By embodying the energy I aim to attract, I naturally draw in supporters who align with my journey. A crucial lesson I’ve unearthed is that being grounded in the ‘why’ behind my business and embracing my authentic self are keys to success. When I stay true to my purpose, the people who can benefit the most from my services find me, seemingly in divine timing and intervention. So, my guiding advice is simple: keep following your heart, let your inner knowing guide you, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
In my eyes, the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist is the profound gift I impart to those who own my art. Witnessing the genuine excitement of people, whether in person at markets or through online interactions, as they engage with my journals, paintings, or projects, brings unparalleled joy. The ability to inspire others to explore new realms of creativity and self-expression is a source of deep satisfaction. Reflecting on my personal growth and achievements adds an incredible layer of meaning to my artistic journey. Above all, the most rewarding sensation is the pride I feel, especially when considering my younger self, now experiencing possibilities she could have never imagined before.
Contact Info:
- Website: kingjournals.square.site
- Instagram: @kingjournals_
- Youtube: @kingjournals
- Other: tiktok – @kingjournals_
Image Credits
professional photos (2: me in tree and the shadow work journal mirror pic) are by Mike Noone @mikenoonevisuals on instagram