Meet the Paper Plant Co. Team

 Meet the Paper Plant Co Team!

Friedia
Shop Owner

Hello! This is Friedia, the owner of Paper Plant Co. As a Japanese Brazilian, my heart carries the essence of two unique cultures. My teenage years were spent in the bustling city of Tokyo, that is where my passion for creativity bloomed. I couldn't resist collecting all sorts of cute stationery items to adorn my desk.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I quickly noticed I could not find those similar stores that satisfied my stationery cravings. The dream of owning my own stationery shop had always lingered in the back of my mind, but it wasn't until after I became a mom that I finally took the plunge.

I started small, creating greeting cards and showcasing them at local shops, craft fairs, and markets. In early 2020, I finally made the bold move to open my own shop. Little did I know that the pandemic would hit us hard, but we've persevered and are still here, determined as ever.

In 2022, our shop underwent a delightful transformation and emerged as Paper Plant Co, nestled cozily alongside Thank You Coffee in the vibrant Chinatown of Los Angeles.

Our goal is simple: to bring you the special stationery tools that once inspired me during my time in Tokyo. We want to offer you pens and paper that make you want to write more, notebooks that beckon you to open them and draw, and all the items that keep the flames of creativity burning bright.

I'm incredibly grateful to all the amazing people who have supported us on this journey. Your continuous support means everything to me, and I'm humbled that you keep coming back. I'm genuinely excited to see what you'll create with the wonderful goodies from Paper Plant Co.

Claire
Shop Manager

Hello, I’m Claire! I am a queer Mexican-American comic artist and illustrator. My journey at Paper Plant Co began shortly after the pandemic. As a recent university graduate affected by the state of the world in 2020, I began to tap into what truly made me happy. I grabbed the closest notebook and pen I had and wrote down a few things: drawing, stickers, pens… the list went on. I noticed a trend that they were all things I loved as a child! Suddenly, I remembered how I would buy scented putty erasers and cute pencils at the Sanrio store, feeling giddy when I would pick up a notebook or sketchbook for the new school year, and saving up my loose change to purchase stickers! I remembered that these creative tools and goods made me incredibly happy. That passion was dormant while I focused on school. 

So, when the world had to pause a few years ago it also gave me time to think:

What can I do to make every day meaningful?
How do I learn to love this precious, little life of mine?
Where can I seek creative inspiration?

I discovered Friedia’s shop on Instagram in early 2021 after noticing a post saying they were seeking interns. Since I was living really close by, I stopped by the shop. I think it’s no exaggeration to say it was love at first sight! I noticed this small stationery shop in the heart of Chinatown carried a variety of cute and functional tools that sparked my creativity and brought out my inner child. Now, a few years later, I’m pleased to say it’s been such a wonderful journey. I’ve learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and have constantly seen the beauty in the stationery community. Every day I get the opportunity to appreciate the little things, heal my inner child, and pursue the small details that make this precious life a meaningful one. My wish is that Paper Plant Co can also be that space for you. 

Michelle
Shop Assistant

Hello all! Michelle (she/her/they/them) here - I am a queer Latina from Los Angeles, CA and I’m a scholar & stationery nerd. My academic passions revolve around archives & libraries, Latin American studies, and art history. I am part of the organization team for L.A. Zine Fest which has deepened my appreciation for both community and zines.

In my free time, I love writing in my journals and weeks, watching tv, movies & anime, reading webtoons, comics & zines, building legos, collecting vinyls, thrifting, and playing video games. My love for stationery started as a kid at the Sanrio store in Culver City and it only progressed from there! I am drawn to all things cute, coffee, prints, pens & stickers, so when I visited Paper Plant Co. for the first time, I fell in love! I am so happy and grateful to build community with you all!

Julia
Shop Assistant

Working with stationery brings a nostalgic bliss to my days, as I’ve always had a deep appreciation for beautifully crafted paper goods. I rely on pen and paper every day, so being part of the Paper Plant team feels like a dream come true! When I'm not working, I love watching movies—especially scary ones! Going camping, playing basketball, swimming, taking pictures, drinking coffee, riding my bike, and cooking with my lovely girlfriend are what I rate as top-notch activities! Let's chat when you come by the store : )

Caitie
Shop Assistant

Hey everyone! I’m Caitie—a half-Japanese production designer, graphic designer, and illustrator originally from Northern Virginia. It has been a dream to join Paper Plant Co. I always admired the store from afar, as it was one of the first places I visited when I moved to LA in 2024. Since then, my world has blossomed with the friends I’ve made here, the adventures we’ve had (so far), and the stationery setup I have found that works for me.

When I’m not at PPC, you can probably find me researching recipes, adding another Riso art print to my collection, and seeing Hozier in concert. Make sure to come say hi when you stop by! I’d love to meet you :)

Yukimi
Shop Assistant

Hello everyone, my name is Yukimi. I am a second-generation Japanese-American from the Bay Area but moved down to LA to pursue my Bachelors in Film and Television at UCLA and have stayed here since ! 

Stationery was introduced to me organically at a young age. My mom always had stationery tools she used in her everyday life and would share with me the organizational methods that worked for her. I loved the idea of having small essential items that can make a significant difference in someone’s day to day life and began collecting my own such tools. My grandma would fuel my obsession through her care packages she sent from Japan. Along with her homemade umeboshi, I always looked forward to what new sticker sheet or pen she would send- usually Cinnamoroll themed ! Some of these items I still have today, including stickers that now date over 20 years (!) and my mom and I still share a love of stationery. Whenever we’re in Japan we always make it a mission to pop into a little boutique together and never leave empty-handed.

I found Paper Plant shortly after I graduated from college and right away felt like I found a gem of a store in LA. It’s been a joy working here and being a part of the team. When I’m off the clock I like to sleep in with my cat, pass the time at a cafe, watch a film, and spend time with friends ! I look forward to meeting all you stationery lovers !

Jenny
Shop Assistant

Hello there! My name is Jenny. I am originally from sunny San Diego but have called OC and LA my home for the past 7 years. Formerly a video game marketing corporate girlie, I am now exploring new opportunities that fill my cup creatively and emotionally; and Paper Plant Co has been such a wonderful space to do so.

I first discovered Paper Plant through their hosted stationery event, BUNGU LA. It was thanks to this event that my lifelong love for stationery was reignited! These days, you can find me carrying around my heavily decorated Hobonichi Weeks and trying not to slide down the slippery slope of fountain pens.

In my free time, I enjoy diving into one of many hobbies such as playing taiko (Japanese drums), watching tv & movies, playing video games, making a perfect cup of matcha, keeping my tamagotchi alive, or planning my next travel trip!

Excited to meet more stationery enthusiasts out there! :)

Jessie
Shop Assistant

Hey everyone, I'm Jessie! I moved out to LA from the East Coast back in 2008 to pursue animation and took with me a passion for storytelling and all things whimsical. I've had a love of stationery practically since birth - my mom was a teacher, and I would go with her regularly to restock her classroom with the most colorful supplies that were both functional and playful. My nerdy little self always looked forward to shopping for my own school supplies as well.  Never underestimate the power of a Lisa Frank trapper keeper, a collection of vibrantly colored pens, and lots and lots of stickers!
When I received a diary (complete with tiny lock and key) as a birthday gift one formative year, I started journaling and never looked back. To this day I've always got a notebook and pen with me wherever I go - be it snuggling my dog at home, reading at a cafe, or working on one of the dozen or so stories floating around in my head any place I can find a horizontal surface.
For the longest time I had no idea that there was a whole culture and community around journaling and stationery, and I am over the moon to now be a part of it here at Paper Plant! I hope that you find this place to be as welcoming and inspiring as I do. 

Natasha
Shop Assistant

Hey y’all! I’m Natasha, a Cantonese-American illustrator originally from the Bay Area. I’ve been living in LA since getting my degree in 3D Animation at SCAD and starting to work in the industry for a bit.

My passion for stationery and traditional media was cultivated by a lifetime of using sketchbooks to express myself. It was further expanded by a dear friend who taught me the wonders of ink, fountain pens, and the importance of quality paper. I started as a customer of the store for many years, feeding my (concerningly) large sticker and pen collection, and now I can share that knowledge with all y’all that come by!

You can find me outside of work drawing while trying out a new coffeeshop, rewatching my favorite movies/TV/YouTubers, vending at local art markets, swing dancing late into the night, and going to improv shows with my lovely girlfriend!

If you see me at the store, please say hi! I’d love to yap about stationery with you :3

Krystie
Shop Assistant

Hi, I’m Krystie (she/her/hers): a Highland Park local and forever Pochacco fan. I made my way back to sunny Los Angeles a few years ago after spending nearly a decade in Brooklyn.

I’m the founder of Slant’d, an independent AAPI publishing house, where I spent years making beautiful printed works with emerging artists and writers, tabling at zine fests, and doing every job a small press needs. I’m also a creativity coach who helps burnt-out dreamers and doers reconnect with their creative selves, often through analog workshops and community events.

When I’m not at the shop, you can find me tending to my veggie garden, at an artist market, or lounging in the sun with my 65-pound dog, my journal, and my trusty Muji 0.38 gel pen.

Working at Paper Plant has deepened my love for Asian stationery, but more importantly, it’s helped me fully embrace my inner child. Stationery is my favorite way to bring a little more whimsy, joy, and wonder into the everyday and I feel so lucky that I get to help people bring a little of that magic into their lives.

Come say hi at the Highland Park location—and don’t forget to bring your pup. We have treats!