Recently I was describing a few stationery makers I’m rather fond of to a non-industry person. I found myself prefacing introducing each with the disclaimer that they were perhaps a bit eccentric … and then I caught myself. Because if they’re eccentric, I am too, and not just a little bit either! I’ve since decided that that’s not only fine, it’s actually preferable. After all, the only normal people are those you don’t know very well.
So anytime a new eccentric, err, paper peep enters my orbit, it’s always cause for celebration. And that was definitely the case with Jackson Mahr of Nolki.
“Hi Sarah! My name’s Jackson and I discovered your website the other day while doing some research. It’s really great, I love your writing style! The reason for my research was for outlets for my London-based stationery brand Nolki. It’s ramping up to distribution in Germany, Austria, Greece and Ireland and it’s finding a small foothold in the US — the Minnesota Institute of Art (MIA) is the latest unexpected stockist.
“Anyhow, I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself and the brand, let you know we’re out there and compliment you on your work. Hopefully one day we can do something together. Have a great week! Jackson
“P.S. let me know if you’d like a small box of goodies sent your way … if nothing else it’ll clear some stock out of my office.”
Do I want a small box of goodies from a brand with tagline of “desk party inside”? Yeah I do!!
On its site, the London-based design brand describes itself as one that makes a bold design statement — and frankly, only the blind are going to miss this one. “Founded in 2017, we avoid the plain, the ordinary and the everyday, we make great products for those lovers of design who don’t want prints of flowers or unicorns or red phone boxes. This is new, it’s not for everybody. Bold prints, eye-catching colors are what you and I love.”
I’m definitely feeling the mod vibe! Nolki starts where Mondrian left off. This is a fresh bright range with international flair, one designed to motivate you as it stimulates your senses — especially your sense of humor. Jackson sent me a big google drive full of images and as you can see below, I’m having my usual difficulties paring them down, so get comfortable for some serious scrolling.
I am grateful I got to check product out in person. The range is as sturdy as it is eye-catching; the lined notebooks I received have a charming texture to the cover, plus numbered pages. How fun is that? The simple lined notepad has a pleasant bulk to it; I love how the sides replicate its colorful border.
Jackson also enclosed a weekly planner which I thought was especially compact and smart. I didn’t have too long to check it out however … my husband spotted it on my desk and asked if he could give it to one of co-workers; he thought she would like it. Now I can’t remember him ever noticing (to say nothing of requesting) a stationery item without prompting from me during our 16-year marriage — so of course I said yes. Now I hear it’s got a prominent spot on her desk!
As you can see, this brand is just arriving stateside, so shop it depending on your needs. Jackson tells me that getting placed in MIA was a fun surprise — “and Joan Cusack’s store in Chicago just made an order (I’ve had a teen crush on her since I was actually an 80s teen, so this is by far the most significant order so far :)”
For now, shop the range here or at its stockists. If you are shopping wholesale, you can find Nolki on Faire or make an inquiry via its site. At any rate, I’ve got a hunch that America will be swimming in Nolki by Spring!
