We all had that one special journal growing up—the sacred keeper of our biggest dreams, daily drama, and secrets we swore no one would ever read. And let’s be honest… a few of us still have those tucked away somewhere, packed with memories like little paper time machines.

Fast forward to now, and journals still carry that same magic. Whether it’s meeting notes, scribbled grocery lists, or the latest brainwave during a 3pm slump, they’re part planner, part confidante. Some people (not naming any names) have a stash of gorgeous journals that feel way too pretty to actually use. (Totally normal, by the way.)

When I sat down with Chip and Jamie from JournalBooks—a.k.a. the dream team behind Sales & Operations and Creative Services—I sheepishly admitted to my hoarding habits. They both laughed and nodded like, “Yep, we’ve heard that one before.”

“That’s the thing about journals,” Jamie said. “They’re keepsakes. People hang onto them—even if they don’t fill them up right away. You never know when inspiration’s gonna hit or when you’ll feel like hand-writing your grocery list.”

Chip shared a story about his grandmother’s old diaries, still preserved and treasured to this day. That’s the power of a journal—it’s not just paper and wire. It’s personal history.

Born From Craft. Built for Custom.

JournalBooks started as a division of Timeplanner Calendars, Inc., founded in 1971 by Jerry O’Boyle. The journal journey officially began when a customer asked a simple question: “Can you make a journal?” Armed with curiosity, paper, and a coil of wire, they said, “Yes.” The rest is history.

Today, JournalBooks creates custom journals in every shape, size, and shade imaginable, all out of their Charlotte, North Carolina facility. Yep, made in the USA and bursting with thoughtful detail.

But don’t get it twisted—these aren’t just notebooks. These are design-forward, wow-worthy journals where the cover becomes your brand’s blank canvas. Think die-cuts, foil stamping, embossing, full-color art…, if you can dream it, they can make it look amazing.

Each one is designed and assembled in-house, and team members are trained to pause production if something feels off. That kind of care shows in every journal they send out.

Designers First, Salespeople Second, Partners Always

When you work with JournalBooks, you’re not left to your own devices. You’re paired with an actual graphic designer—someone who will collaborate with you to bring your idea to life. Sleek and minimalist? Bold and quirky? Your dream journal is unlocked.

And the team? Fully dedicated. Chip shared a time when a salesperson drove a custom order by hand from North Carolina to Virginia just to hit a tight deadline. Like, who does that? (They do.)

Giving Back, Every Step of the Way

And it’s not just the journals that make a difference. JournalBooks also donates leftover materials to local schools and nonprofits, where they become art supplies, learning tools, and creative resources. They’ve supported Classroom Central, Second Harvest Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child, Circle Camps, and more—proving that their impact reaches way beyond the pages.

Bottom line? This crew cares. About quality. About people. And about creating something truly meaningful—one journal at a time.

Looking to learn more about JournalBooks? Check out their website here. If you’d like to check out other Supplier Spotlights, click here.

Special Offer Just for SAGE Blog Readers

Send an email to samples@journalbooks.com with promo code SAGEBLOGOFFER, and you’ll receive a free stock journal sample to see the craftsmanship for yourself.