In the world of stationery aficionados, Ben is a name that resonates with those seeking both style and substance in their writing essentials. As the founder of Scribble & Dot, Ben has transformed the landscape of conscious stationery, infusing it with a unique blend of elegance, functionality, and sustainability.
Hailing from the scenic countryside of Devon, UK, Ben’s journey with Scribble & Dot began from a place of frustration—a quest for the perfect journal that was met with disappointment in the face of subpar quality and exorbitant prices. Determined to fill this void, Ben embarked on a mission to create a brand that not only addressed these shortcomings but also embodied his passion for beautiful design and eco-conscious practices.
Drawing inspiration from a vibrant community of over 2,000 stationery enthusiasts, Ben honed in on the core principles of paper quality, usability, and affordability. Armed with this invaluable feedback, he set out to redefine the stationery experience, one sleek notebook at a time.
At Scribble & Dot, Ben’s vision goes beyond mere functionality; it’s about elevating everyday moments through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. Each product is a testament to his commitment to affordable luxury—a belief that premium stationery should be accessible to all.
Now, as his journey unfolds, Ben’s innovative approach to stationery design continues to captivate audiences far and wide. Ben invites readers into his world of creativity, sustainability, and uncompromising quality—a world where every scribble tells a story, and every dot marks the beginning of a new adventure.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring tale of Ben, the creative force behind Scribble & Dot, and discover the magic that lies within the pages of his meticulously crafted notebooks…
Can you share the background story of how your journey as an entrepreneur began and led you to the creation of Scribble & Dot?
My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 18 when I decided to leave school and launch a restaurant concession. However, the demanding schedule of long days and nights prompted me to explore other business opportunities.
During this period, I started selling accessories online through various marketplaces, diligently managing orders by dropping off parcels every morning and relying on multiple notebooks to keep track of business activities. Yet, I found that these notebooks never lasted the year. It was then that I envisioned creating a premium notebook that was both durable and pleasant to the touch, yet affordable compared to designer brands. Thus, Scribble & Dot was born.
What specific challenges with existing journals fueled your determination to start a conscious stationery brand?
I aimed to establish a conscientious stationery brand, a niche often overlooked by major players in the industry. My goal was to create a notebook with minimal waste, accompanied by eco-friendly box packaging. Additionally, in 2020, I made the decision to give back to the environment by supporting One Tree Planted. Each year, they plant trees based on our donations. I believe it’s crucial to give back, especially considering that paper is the primary material used in our books.
Engaging with a community of 2,000 stationery enthusiasts is impressive. How did this collaborative process shape the identity and values of Scribble & Dot?
Like many stationery enthusiasts, I was on the quest for the perfect notebook. However, I encountered numerous brands with faults like ink bleeding through pages, loose covers, and weak bindings, among others. It was a struggle to find a journal that met all my criteria: pockets, pen holders, no ink ghosting, and premium covers and designs. As someone who uses notebooks daily, I yearned for the joy of opening and using one, which fueled my determination to create Scribble & Dot.
In the early stages, what were some key insights or surprising moments that guided the direction of your brand?
The surprising moments were the customer feedback. We get messages every day from customers giving us great feedback and it pushes us to create more unique items.
Balancing paper quality, usability, and affordability is crucial. How do you ensure that each element aligns with your brand’s core values and mission?
These three aspects are crucial to our success. We test all our products and make sure we maintain an affordable price point whilst maintaining paper thickness and quality.
As the founder, what personal values and principles do you bring to the table in steering Scribble & Dot towards success?
We always listen to our customers’ feedback and adapt and make changes to our products every year. This has helped us grow and become the Scribble & Dot you see today.
Can you share a memorable experience or milestone that stands out in Scribble & Dot’s journey so far?
I feel a big memorable experience was the COVID lockdown. There was a huge rise in people starting journaling through these times and we received an influx of new scribblers sharing their designs and unboxing videos. It was a truly memorable time.
Your brand is described as offering “affordable luxury.” How do you define and maintain this delicate balance in your business model?
Providing affordable luxury comes at a price to us, but it’s our ethos and what we do. Regardless of the impact on margins, we want customers to have a truly amazing experience from the moment they open their Scribble and Dot box and unwrap the tissue paper to when the pen hits the paper. I want customers to be smiling through the whole unboxing experience.
What role does customer satisfaction play in your approach to designing and testing stationery products?
A huge role. Each year we collate all feedback and sit down and go through how we can improve our products and new designs. Customer feedback is very important, and I believe if we didn’t do this Scribble & Dot wouldn’t be here today.
Collaborations with artists seem to be a significant aspect of your brand. How do you select and work with artists to ensure their creations align with Scribble & Dot’s vision?
Connecting with artists and creatives from around the world to diversify our designs and champion individual talent by supporting small. A lot of artists bring something new to S&D, and we always encourage artists to reach out.
How do you incorporate sustainability into the production process of your stationery items, given the emphasis on natural resources?
Challenging traditional materials and finishing to ensure our stationery feels and looks fabulous for longer. We are conscious about climate change and are continually evolving our collections to ensure we reduce waste and find more sustainable solutions. Always being transparent with our customers and offering a mindful purchase choice.
Can you share a particular product or collection that holds a special place in your heart, and why?
The baby memory book we released this year is a special book. It took 1 year to design, and the artist Nicky Pasterfield created a beautiful keepsake for new mums.
As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to aspiring individuals looking to start their own conscious and sustainable brands?
Begin building your brand as an environmentally responsible entity. Highlight your commitment to sustainability on your website, social media, and marketing materials. Authenticity is key, so make sure your actions align with your messaging.
In terms of design, how do you approach creating stationery that is both stylish and functional?
We follow our brand guidelines and test functionality to make sure it fits the needs of our customers.
What role do customer needs and desires play in the constant evolution of Scribble & Dot’s product offerings?
It’s vital we get customer feedback so we can make more great products.
Looking ahead, are there any exciting developments or new projects on the horizon for Scribble & Dot that you can give us a sneak peek into?
We are working on a DIY Recipe Journal that we are very excited to release very soon. An absolute kitchen essential.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Asia – I am passionate about wellness, and I have heard great things about Asia.
When lacking motivation, what’s your go-to quote?
“If you can believe you can achieve.”
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
I wish we launched in the USA sooner; the feedback has been amazing, and we are looking forward to continued growth in the US.
Lastly, how do you envision the future of Scribble & Dot in terms of its impact on the stationery industry and the broader community it serves?
I envision Scribble and Dot to move more into the high street and to see our products stocked in more retail outlets would be a great goal of ours.
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