A Writer's Dream

I met Asia in 2019 on a commercial shoot. We got lost trying to find our way back to the city. We took a 2-hour bus ride where we sat right next to each other. I had the flu (pre-Covid) and later Asia shared in her instagram story, "How rude! How do you meet someone for the first time and get them sick!?" You'll be happy to know that we got through it and are still friends today. She has also quarantined way better than just about anyone I know. Let me explain...

"Hobby-ing" Much?

Many of us have picked up new skills during the quarantine as we've attempted to maybe re-design our lives in ways we've never imagined since let's face it, we've had all the time in the world. I'm an introverted-extrovert so it's been a roller coaster ride for me personally. I never want to feel like I'm wasting time but when time is all you have, you start to pay attention to how you use that time. I often wondered what my other friends were up to, when instagram algorithms started sending me subliminal messages through Asia's posts of her doing meditation, yoga poses, reading outdoors and just sitting in nature. I was immediately drawn to the solitude and serenity of her posts. Then she took a much needed break from social media (that I one day hope to take) and when she came back, started cooking weird concoctions which left me slightly worried. She's also vegan so I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Veganism is a very sustainable lifestyle which I too indulge in when I'm taking a break from my pescatarian diet, so, no judgement here... Sort of... But what was she juicing!?! You're gonna wanna keep reading on for this. It's worth it, trust me.

Asia was making PAPER. In her studio apartment. I've never even thought about how paper is made. Paper is one of my life's obsessions second to pens! The meeting of them is a writer's dream! How the pen glides over the paper and forms the letters so comfortably. Some types of paper just seem to embed the ink in the sexiest of ways. Okay, you get the point, this is real paper porn. As I mentioned previously, Asia was blending what I thought was juice but upon further inquiry, learned that she was making paper pulp. She uses recluse paper which is upcycled from her old mail and cotton fibers from old shirts. That's what she was juicing in the blender. (I knew I saw a newspaper in there!) She also uses natural dyes made from vegetables for the color, like tumeric, in the above photo. Paper pulp? Floral paper? I mean honestly, I would probably eat it. It looks that good. I should ask her to make an edible line of paper.

I've kept a journal since the age of 14. I buy one every year but during the quarantine, I stacked up and currently have 4. I'll be adding hand-made paper, journals and bookmarks from Conundrum Crafts as soon as she stops selling out of them. I've probably written encyclopedia amount of pages in my lifetime and have never once thought of how paper is made until now, thanks to Asia. Had I known how to make paper all my life, I would've been a millionaire decades ago, not to mention all the money I would be saving on journals, planners and calendars each year. (Internal dialogue complete) The holidays rolled around and Asia went to a shopping event... As a local vendor! How many levels of leveling up is that? Three? I was like, who is this girl I used to know!?

In addition to handmade paper, you can also find artisan journals from Asia's collage art. If you're not a writer, I'm sorry, but don't loose hope! Asia can help you with her new writer prompts! Her vintage-style photography is also beautiful. You almost forget that she's a millennial from Atlanta, Georgia because her work transmutes you to the 1950's in another place and time. I took this quote from her Voyage LA interview, "I am most proud that my company has been able to provide many journals for free over these past few months and also use the proceeds from sales to donate local non-profit organizations and individual fundraisers. Aside from other businesses that may be profit-centered, my only mission with Conundrum Crafts is to inspire those in my community and beyond to begin a journey of self-discovery and healing." What level is this? Artisan-Healer-Humanitarian? I'm just gonna say, my friend Asia Dunn, leveled up 5 levels during the quarantine and I couldn't be more proud and excited for her new journey. The 1-year anniversary of Conundrum Crafts is coming up this May. For more paper porn, check out her instagram @conundrum.crafts and to purchase your own, one-of-a-kind, hand-made stationary pieces, click the link below. Women-owned? Check. Small business owner? Check. Black business owner? Check. Need I say more?