At Drama MaMa Bookshop In Maryland, Customized Notebooks Fuel Creativity And Self-Discovery
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 17, 2021
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Kim Magaraci
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Here at Only In Your State, we love to shine the spotlight on small businesses that connect with their community in meaningful ways. Sometimes, the best small businesses pop up seemingly out of nowhere and quickly take over the scene. One such shop, Drama MaMa Bookshop, has become the talk of the town in Baltimore! Take a peek at what makes this book-binding custom stationery shop so special, and place your order for a one-of-a-kind notebook that calls to your heart.
Drama MaMa Bookshop started off as a humble bookbinding business and quickly exploded onto the Baltimore arts and stationary scene. Today, it's one of the coolest grassroots businesses in Maryland.
Alisa Brock, the owner of Drama MaMa Bookshop in Baltimore, started her notebook company out of a tiny spare bedroom she was renting, along with her pet turtle, Myrtle. Within two years, the business had grown exponentially, and now Alisa is one of the most talked-about artists and business owners in Charm City.
Drama MaMa stocks colorful and creative notebooks, journals, bullet journals, and sketchbooks.
Each one is handmade and unique, and the attention to detail in these products is obvious from the second you get your hands on one.
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Brock has created dozens of notebook designs, and there's nearly always something new in the works. Keep an eye on the shop's website or Facebook page to see the latest creations.
Some of the most popular collections feature Baltimore and its landmarks.
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Each design has special meaning - whether it be something to inspire you, to comfort you, or a thought to meditate on while you write, doodle, or journal.
The meaning of the above notebook design, as explained in a recent Facebook post, is the concept of sankofa. This is a concept of the Akan people of West Africa, and translates to mean "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot." To read Brock's interpretation of this concept, take a look at the Facebook post where it is explained, here.
Shoppers can enjoy more than just paper goods here. Right now, Drama MaMa is offering workshops and journal clubs to bring together those who love to write, sketch, doodle, and create.
If you're the type to fill up every notebook that comes across your desk, you may be interested in joining the Drama MaMa Journal Club. With plans starting at just $12 a month, you can receive a brand new, unique notebook every four weeks. You won't have to remember to go shopping - your perfect notebook will just show up at your door! Plus, each member of the journal club is eligible for discounts on other products stocked by the bookshop.
For those who love to create, the Wine and Bind virtual workshops are a perfect way to spend some time! Order a book box, sign up for a session, and get ready to have a great time. You'll learn how to stitch using traditional methods and chat about bookbinding - there's no better way to spend an evening! If you can't commit to a virtual workshop, there are video tutorials that will walk you through creating something truly special from the book boxes available.
In addition to carrying notebooks, planners, and all sorts of stationery and paper goods, Drama MaMa stocks other handcrafted goods, too.
Jewelry, desk supplies, utensils, and even home decor are part of the collection of goods that Brock has curated for her inventory.
As a freelance writer and avid reader, Brock brings much more than just bookbinding to the community. She's an inspiration that everyone can stand to learn from regarding introspection, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and so much more.
Prior to the pandemic, Brock and Drama MaMa Bookshop were regular attendees at local craft fairs and markets, but since 2020, there's been a shift in business, and a storefront is on the way.
Right now, Drama MaMa Bookshop is offering orders via pick-up or delivery only, but the grand opening of a brick-and-mortar shop is coming soon!
Mentorship and transparency is one way that Drama MaMa gives back to the community, and to a larger community of Black business owners, as well. For some words of advice, updates, and inspiring stories, read Brock’s blog, here. To shop online, sign up for a Wine and Bind workshop, or enroll in the Journal Club, visit the Drama MaMa online storefront here. For updates on the shop’s newest products or happenings, follow their Facebook page, right here.
Drama MaMa is one of the many Maryland small businesses that’s doing wonderful things in the state. If there’s another local business you’d like to see featured on the website, please nominate them here! And be sure to follow Only In Maryland on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the great places, businesses, and people in our state!
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