Meet Jamie Alling: Writer – SHOUTOUT ATLANTA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Alling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My passion for the creative world of arts has led me in many different directions over the years. In 2018, I had a epiphany, vision to start designing and creating notebooks, journals and planners. This was sparked through my own personal battle with anxiety and depression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a writer, and designer with the intentions of having specific notebooks manufactured in the near future, along with journals and planners. I’d eventually like to work towards getting other stationery items made as well. Coffee mugs, paper, utensils, cards, etc. Notebooks will have a storyline assuming to be relatable and helping those who struggle with anxiety and depression. Assume in the context of: Begin to take on a powerful affect, either with a encouraging quote or small story about overcoming, and becoming. The planners and journals will both be straightforward. Contemporary, mixed with a little modern. But very quaint, and simple. Although new planners and journals are coming out on the market all the time, I’ve noticed a trend of others making them more complicated as they try to differentiate. This one will definitely stand out from the rest. Ultimately, we must grow to get to where we need to be. I believe I needed all those years, learning from my mistakes to better understand. Believing in myself and not feeling adequate enough to live out the work I truly desire to do has been a struggle. It’s important to be a voice for those who are still left silently sitting in the dark. I’m putting something that’s been so negative, and shamed throughout my life, and turning it into something bigger than myself. My goal one day is to reach millions of people all across the globe, especially through these incredible little Notebooks. Andy Warhol said it best. “The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jordan’s Itinerary for A-town

Friday— Flight lands into Hartsfield-Jackson @ 11:45am Afternoon: Piedmont Park, walk the Beltline. Rooftop drinks: Glenn Hotel @ 7pm Dinner: Marcel @ 8pm Evening: Edgewood Avenue— Soundtable, Mother, Joystick, The Music Room

Saturday— Lunch: Cabbagetown, Carroll Street Cafe @ 12:30pm Grant Park: Zoo Atlanta @ 2:30pm Dinner: Portofino @ 7:45pm Evening: Buckhead

Sunday Funday— Brunch: Inman Park, Barcelona Wine Bar @ 11:30am Mercedes Benz Stadium: Buffalo vs. Atlanta @ 1pm Dinner: Krog Street Market, Superica @ 6:45pm

Monday— Morning: Revolution Doughnuts Inman Park, then our road trip to Savannah, GA, for the next 3 days.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hannah Brencher, a local Atlanta Author, TED speaker, and who is originally from Connecticut. I purchased her book Come Matter Here, two years ago. After going through a tough time mentally I knew that I would love this book. I felt as if she wrote to me directly, by sharing her personal story and it was encouraging to read. It was as if we were sitting in a coffee shop just engaged in a very long conversation, talking about the challenges of building a life of your own. I truly couldn’t put this book down. I read it in 3 days. She really inspired me through her journey, and how we are meant to look back on the hard things we’ve gone through. Find small glints of good in them— how they prepared us, changed us and helped us grow.