Interview – Nicole Barlettano – Bujo Blossoms

As part of my assignment for my Diploma in creativity, I set out to interview a number of people flourishing on Instagram. The assignment focused on the impact Instagram had had on society. If you want to see more interviews check here!

Nicole was so incredibly helpful and kind when I asked her to participate in the interviews! Nicole has an incredibly structured yet creative page! This could very well come from her background in graphic design!

So lets get straight to it!

WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY START?

I started bullet journaling October 2016, but didn’t start my Instagram account (Bujo_Blossoms) until late February 2017.

How did you get into this niche?

I’ve always been into sketchbooks, notebooks, journals, and planners, but was never able to fully finish one. Sketchbooks didn’t have enough structure for me, and planners had too much! I stumbled upon bullet journaling on Pinterest, gave it a try, and haven’t looked back since. (I’m not sure if you mean when bullet journaling went viral, or when my account went viral – but I’ll answer both) Bullet Journaling – I never heard of it before I stumbled upon it, but now I feel that I hear about it all the time… that might just be the whole “power of attraction” phenomenon, though. My Account – I don’t know if I’d consider it ever going “viral” but it was definitely a gradual thing. I remember when I received my first follower – I was over the moon

DO YOU HAVE A DAY JOB?

Yes! I am a graphic & product designer for a children’s craft company. I work full time at home, and I’m a mother to a beautiful 3 year old daughter. It’s similar in the sense that both keep me creative, and that my art school background and experience lend it’s hand in my journal every day.

WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT? AND WHATS NEXT FOR YOU?

My defining moment was the minute I created my account. It was a huge step for me to share something so personal with the public. As for what’s next, I’m going to open a printables shop on Etsy, and I’m very excited about what the future holds!

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT NETWORK

My immediate family and friends know about this hobby and account, but I don’t openly talk about it. A surprising amount of people in my life have no idea that I do this, actually! I’m usually very private about sharing my work, so this account was a huge step for me. I’m ready to make it more public, though! Everyone who knows has been so supportive and understanding – especially my husband. He celebrates every milestone and understands how important this is to me. I’m lucky to have that level of support.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT OR TIP?

I have many favorite products, and I talk about them frequently on my page, but I think more than anything, you need to be open to the idea of journaling and as long as you are creative and respect the process, you can use whatever materials you have in front of you

My biggest advice would be to give yourself a break. While it’s fun to find other accounts, and try new things, don’t be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to others. We are our own toughest critics. One of my favorite quotes is – “Comparison is the thief of joy” Create for yourself above all else. You can’t please everyone.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

Hmmm… I’ll keep it light! I’ve been skydiving, I love the day Friday the 13th – I irrationally believe that it will be good luck for me since everyone else thinks it’s bad luck for them… I have 17 nieces and nephews… I’m terrified of spiders and bees, and I don’t like meatloaf 🙂