Office Vlog + Q&A | Stationery Small Business

Helloooo from Orlando! A pre-filmed video while I am away. Thank you for submitting all of your questions!!!
Intro 00:00
Q1 01:02
Q2 02:37
Q3 04:20
Q4 06:23
Q5 11:36
Q6 14:20
Q7 18:17
Q8 18:56
Q9 22:41
Q10 23:01
Q11 23:34
Q12 24:40
Q13 25:24
Q14 26:22
Q15 26:47
Q16 27:15
Q17 27:45
Q18 28:16
Q19 28:54
Q20 29:55
Q21 30:11
Q22 30:58
Q23 31:48
Q24 32:05
Q25 33:17
♥ Shop My Products ♥
Website: thecoffeemonsterzco.com/
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/thecoffeemo...
KZbin10 for 10% off 10USD+ (can be used on the website or Etsy)
♥ Connect With Me ♥
Facebook Group: / thecoffeemonsterzco
Instagram: / thecoffeemonsterzco
Personal Instagram: / helenhappyface
Goodreads: / helen-wang
Spotify Playlist: spoti.fi/2AmfN59
♥ Planners I Use ♥
Hobonichi cousin
Hobonichi weeks
Leuchtturm pocket soft cover bullet journal
♥ Pens I Use ♥
Energel Clena 0.5mm (for bullet journals and most planners)
Energel Clena 0.4mm (for Hobonichi planners)
Muji Gel Pen 0.5mm
Mildliners
Tombow dual brush pens
Tombow fudenosuke brush pens (usually the soft brush tip)
♥ Frequently Asked Questions ♥
Q: Do you plan before, during, or after the week?
A: It varies from video to video, but typically I plan 2-3 times during the week and stitch the clips together. I rarely plan the entire week in advance or the entire week retroactively.
Q: Do you use all of these planners?
A: Yes and no. Every week, there is something in my life that takes priority over the others whether it be school, work, or something personal. Depending on the week, I select a few planners that will help me achieve my tasks! So not every planner is used every week.
Q: How do you get so much done in a day?
A: If you watch any of my journaling vlogs, you’ll realize that I have very poor sleeping habits and so naturally I’m able to fit more things into the day. It’s something I’m trying to fix but admittedly this is the only reason.

[@butterflyutau]

The stationery cafe idea sounds so cute and cozy! Just imagining everyone quietly journaling while sipping on coffee is so relaxing ☺

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

RIGHT? Communal fountain pen inks, washi, stickers, ahhh

[@suzawilo]

Would hot chocolate and sticky cinnamon buns be on the menu😊

[@andylanegra-thoughtsfromth7451]

Yes to this and everyone's ideas! That would be such a lovely space!

[@ctrinidad5581]

Hi Helen, I am so proud how influential you are in journal community. As an immigrant here in Canada, I am so incredibly happy to see children of first gen immigrant thriving like yourself. I still can’t believe that someone like you living in this city still unaware how successful you are. Keep doing what you are doing since you’re an inspiration!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Cherry, you are always so supportive

[@meaniemaelily]

You put into words exactly how I’ve felt about Helen for years 🥹🥹❤️❤️

[@clbock1227]

I just want to let you know that you are not alone in your wish to not have children. I came to that same conclusion around 10 or 12 and I'm 49 and still feel the same way. I love my nieces and love spoiling them. But I also love sending them home and not having the full-time responsibility for them. People will try to make you feel bad for that, but if more people listened to their hearts, then there would probably be fewer people with bad home lives.

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much

[@slie011]

I love children and teaching them and seeing them grow made me so proud, but I also prefer the idea that I can give them back to their parents at the end of the day.🤣 Another side of the coin is that I have seen so many irresponsible parents as well as parents who are way too involved (read:controlling) of their children’s lives, and I do not wish to become one of those parent myself.😮‍💨

[@loiscassels8966]

I was born not wanting children. I’m 70 now and have never regretted this decision.

[@darkmoore05]

I never saw the point in trying to convince people to want children. That's a SUPER bad idea. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? *facepalm* I think it's impossibly stupid to just assume people who don't want children will regret not having them, later. Parenthood is not for everyone and that's perfectly fine in my POV. Especially in an area where such a decision heavily influences another person's (aka child's) life, shouldn't we trust people know what they want and don't want? I'm a parent. I knew I wanted to be a parent since I was about sixteen, why should my feelings on the matter be more valid than the feelings of someone who DOESN'T want them? It makes no sense. I knew it wouldn't be easy, and I had already met several people who had had children "because that's what was done" and I saw the consequences of that. I wish people would stop advertising that picture of a perfect mother who would do anything for her children. The reality often is vastly different. I know people who would have been better off not having children, instead of letting themselves talked into it, making EVERYONE miserable with it.

[@juliechang2337]

Never feel alone not wanting children. I am 39 in 6 months and still don’t have the desire to become a mother. I like to spoil children but just don’t see myself as a mother

[@colleen523]

Regarding your second question, I notice that the phase I’m at in my menstrual cycle directly correlates with how I’m feeling about planning and journaling. There’s one week specifically out of the month, where I feel my most creative, and that is part of the menstrual cycle. There is another specific week where I feel exhausted, and I don’t feel like doing any creativity, and that is more of a downtime type of week for the menstrual cycle. I like to think of it as seasons, spring, summer, fall, winter. The summer is when you most likely feel your most creative, in the winter is when you just want to rest all the time. So I encourage you, Helen, and the person sending the question and anyone reading this, to look into your menstrual phases throughout the month!

[@cassthompson3386]

Ya know, I had never actually thought about that....thank you for sharing.

[@VayaP]

Thank you for sharing so generously and in a way that is comfortable for you. You are such a calm and gentle presence on the internet, while still displaying your fierce creativity and unique flair. Take care of yourself and enjoy that bundle of nephew joy!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Omg what a lovely compliment, thank you Vaya!

[@walkingexercise5375]

Helen this was such a thoughtful, inspiring, and insightful Q&A! The idea of a stationery cafe sounds lovely, reminds of the idea of cat cafes. Love your advice of enjoying simple things, for example, simple things like doodles in your journal can be like the lyric diamonds in the sky from Rihanna song. Keep shining bright, Helen! Also thanks for discussing mental health. Some self-care idea from other channel I have seen are: Mariane Cresp channel she has a video how to use a self-care/break list where is discussing 3 types of breaks , Midlife Adulting has a video called self-care kit, Diane in Denmark has a video hygge baskets where she mentions creating self-care baskets, and Jashii Corrin has video about mental health journaling and self-care bingo. Question 22 is sweet!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much!!! Ooooo these are amazing suggestions: I will check them out! I love the idea of hygge baskets ^_^

[@BrittanyBWrites]

The stationery cafe sounds so cozy-I would go there in a heartbeat just to relax and have some nice, quality journaling time :) And thanks for sharing this because I was nodding along a couple times with your answers

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

SAMEEE!! One day it will happen

[@amandamendez2875]

Stationary Cafe would be AMAZING!! And if that’s the case then…i will move to Canada just for that utopia 😍🖋️📝

[@asexualatheist3504]

Absolutely. That is a good reason to emigrate. Agreed.

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Stimulating the Canadian economy, one stationery cafe at a time ^_^

[@asexualatheist3504]

Yes, when it comes to homeless people, we see people in distress. Judging homeless people robs us of the political will to reduce homelessness to zero.

[@karacowart3855]

I applaud you in not giving a “tour” of your office. Sometimes, some information can be too much. Protect your anonymity as best you can. Congratulations on your office space!

[@MsSclera]

I love your advices, not to compare yourself with others and not to compare yourself to yourself, which is very hard to do most of the time. Love you Helen ❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you lovely Rosalin!!!! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

[@designchik]

Fairly new subscriber here just returning to journalling after several years away from it. I also have struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time. I just wanted to hop on here to say it costs nothing to be kind to people suffering from homelessness. I sometimes get flack from family and friends about giving money to people because it doesn’t “change anything.” Well, the person bought something for lunch that day, so it changed their day. 😊 P.S. Your nephew is adorable; I never wanted kids either, but I adore my niece and nephew.

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Welcome back to journaling! You are DEFINITELY not alone

[@designchik]

@@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo☺️

[@sweethaven5]

3:24 Thank you for being honest about your journaling. At least I can validate that I am the same way. Hope you are doing well and having fun on your trip!! Still waving,😅😂😂 from Ohio🇺🇸

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you!!!!! I will wave back so you can put your poor arm down!!!!!

[@SrirachaSandvvitch]

You are definitely a hustler and I'm so happy for your success. I've showed my eldest niece your videos and I've told her that she can start a business at any age. You remind me a bit of her. She's very sweet, extremely intelligent, and creative. Thank you for this video.

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much omg this made my day!!!!

[@angelicacontreras7073]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. My parents and I were immigrants. Thanks to an awesome lawyer who took our case and fought for us, we became US citizens. My mom was the sole provider since my dad has been paraplegic since I was 3 months old, so money has always been tight. We also became homeless when I was in elementary school but thanks to people who are angels on earth, we were able to have an apartment. My sister was a newborn when that happened and she is now 32 years old and my parents still live there. I am definitely very grateful for all the help my whole family has gotten throughout the years. My goal is to get my parents a house. That has been their American dream. So thank you for advocating for the homeless and for your community involvement.

[@jingty-varilla888]

I love how you discuss here how you manage your busy schedule, about your passion, and still able to enjoy ❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Aww thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this!

[@andylanegra-thoughtsfromth7451]

Two things: I love that you plan daily, I'm one for the functional use of a planner. Also, congrats on reinforcing your boundaries!! That's huge, and unfortunately takes folks decades to learn this skill! Also, houselessness looks different. Not everyone who experiences housing insecurity lives on the street.

[@cheryldailey5310]

I celebrate the small things on days when I'm in a lot of pain. Some days, even putting on pants is hard. I try not to be too hard on myself. This didn't happen overnight. I used to beat myself up for not being able to do things. It took a lot of work to get to the place I am now. I accept that my life will not resemble other people's lives. My planners will contain celebrations for everyday events like showers or wearing a bra. That's fine. It's me. ❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

I love this take! Yes, things don't happen overnight!

[@deniseholmes7958]

Thanks for the peek into the office and for your honest answers to the questions. You are so amazing... do give yourself credit! Safe travels home. I hope the planner gatherings weren't too exhausting for you. You certainly made many peoples' days as evidenced by their posts.🎉

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much lovely Denise! I hope you have a relaxing Sunday!

[@cassthompson3386]

I am so shocked and honored that you actually answered my question!! That made my day/night!! Thank you so much! Absolutely love this channel and your business! I'm so glad I randomly came across your channel earlier this year!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Awww my pleasure and thank you for asking!!!! Glad you are here as well

[@stephaniekane4562]

Not comparing yourself to yourself -- I needed that today. Thank you ☺

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

[@Amrowe23]

a STATIONARY CAFE IS THE MOST GENIUS IDEA I HAVE EVER HEARD!!!! We need them around the world. HOW FUN WOULD THAT BE??? Uniting people together again, one pen and page at a time! I really hope you can make that future possibility because I would absolutely support it. I think everyone would!

[@amyburleson9302]

Helen you’re such a kind and beautiful person. I enjoy your videos so much and I really love the stationary and cafe idea that would be so awesome!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Omg thank you Amy!!! It'll happen one day!

[@madeloniris]

You are such a kind and wise young woman ❤ love your insights on mental health

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you Madelon

[@amyprofitspecialist]

Thank you for taking the time to share more about your work and personal life. It's refreshing to see the honesty about the challenges you face and the steps you take to overcome them. Looking forward to your upcoming collaborations and wishing you continued success!

[@charnaywiener]

I love these q&a videos! They feel like a catch-up session, but for things not about day-to-day plans☺️ Hope you're having a fun time on your trip and hopefully your giant emoti doesn't take up too many seats on the plane when you go back home❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Hehe thank you Charnay!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jennydelrose]

Always cheering you on and wishing for the best for you, Helen! ♥️

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you so much lovely Jenny!!

[@thatgirlnextfloor]

I agree on the digital planning thing. I think it's because i got into fountain pens as well but writing down stuff has a different kind of satisfaction haha. I can't explain it, i just like the traditional paper journaling as well.

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

The feeling, the sound, the process of inking it up--love it all!

[@thatgirlnextfloor]

@@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo yes! My bank account hates me coz of the new fountain pen hobby 😅 but it’s all worth it. There’s something about the process of getting the materials ready. And physically having to create your words. The words feels and look like actual memories when you use traditional media.

[@adriawilliams7379]

Thank you for sharing this! I feel the same thing as for setting boundaries. It’s for my mental health! ❤

[@AmyRaePlans]

Helen, you give such great advice in a lot of your answers to these questions. Thank you. I love you so much. Your nephew is adorable. I don't have any children of my own, but most of my career experiences were working with children (I worked in a afterschool program, as a substitute teacher and then as a daycare teacher). Sadly, I had to stop working in my early 30's as I have chronic health issues. I miss teaching so much. I am an extremely proud aunt to 10 amazing nephews and nieces. I have a niece and nephew in college, a niece and nephew in 12th grade, a nephew in 10th grade, a niece in 9th grade, a nephew in 8th grade, a nephew in sixth grade, a nephew in 3rd grade and a nephew in 1st grade. From one proud aunt to another, wishing you lots of amazing memories and moments with your nephew.

[@dancenica054]

You can keep doing the art while everyone else does the supply logistics, printing, and packaging. ❤

[@joistevens4454]

I know when I was a massage therapist going to conferences and continuing education, etc. really seem to jumpstart my enthusiasm again. I think it’s necessary for us to stay in the community of our passion, hobby, or profession! Staying an Island unto ourselves is not really sustainable for our growth. I love hearing you talk about your business!

[@gwenmp29]

I just love listening to you talk. So nice to hear all your answers.

[@dioradri]

you "being able to draw and craft things" is a huge understatement

[@mycollectiblelife]

my little bean is sooooo precious!!! I think all of us internet aunties and uncles squealed when we saw his picture :)

[@CreatingWonderland]

Thank you for sharing and answering so many fun questions. I love getting glimpses into Helen’s world. Thank you for sharing your amazing honesty with us ❤

[@dptuffy.creates]

It’s always such a pleasure to watch your videos Helen. Thank you for sharing. I love your artwork and also m that you are such a kind and empathetic person and as such I’m happy to support you and your business. Love your pop up and stationary cafe ideas. I’d totally road trip it to Canada for this 😍

[@pandabugdiaries2384]

A stationary cafe has also been one of my biggest dreams for years! I love stationary and fountain pens and I am maybe a touch unheathily obsessed with tea and it just sounds like a paradise haha

[@malianekoba]

Thank you for answering my question. Your answer made a lot of sense. I was surprised to see my comment on the screen. Love all your products (especially washi tapes).❤❤❤

[@NancyLiliGonzalez]

Aw, you answered all of my questions!! Thank you, Helen!

[@kittybaroque9591]

Love this post answering all the Q's, I agree, so important to be a kind & empathic human first & foremost. DEF come to Australia, would be happy to help tee up/attend some cool events while you are here👏👏👏

[@karenc.8622]

Thank you so much for this video. LOVE YOU HELENNNN!!!! 🤗💞💞💞

[@sharimissmanmiller1185]

Love this video (as always with your content!!) You are so funny and sweet!! Thank you for taking the time to film and share!!❤❤❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you lovely Shari!!!

[@charissasplans]

This was a great video and I love the answer/question. I learned so much more about you and how amazing you really are.

[@ChristinaPlans]

Love the channels you chose! Thanks for answering my question! You're the best.

[@ChristinaPlans]

Lol get your ass whooped by sister tater! And such hard questions!!!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you for asking!!!!

[@ChantelleArts]

I always find your voice so soothing ❤❤

[@AvivaHadas]

I am still figuring out the stickers in planners beyond the very basics and would like to let you know that I appreciate that you incorporate many different faiths in your product line.

[@elizajournals]

Love seeing your video notifications pop up! I be waiting all week lol! Love you Helen. ❤❤

[@margietoves6038]

I really enjoyed this type of video. I hope you can do more in the future. 💕 I enjoy your channel.

[@themomlifeco]

I have a huge haul coming from you love! I’m so so excited

[@amyalphabet722]

you pointing at your own channel on the bean card and saying you have heard it is a little weird, bahahaha... LOVE IT. These videos are so wonderful, Helen, thank you for sharing pieces of you with us, xx

[@julesm9081]

i love allllllllllll your videos!!!!!!! 💜

[@anya425]

"I don't know why you would ask such a cruel question..." had me laugh out loud! Thanks! I have a few comments, firstly I love the quality of your work. Your Washi tapes are amazing. They never disappoint. Your latest master artist creations are wonderful and almost too good to use. I am using and loving them though. Also, as an Australian, I'm happy to know that we are on your list of places to visit. You would be very welcome. Also I was fascinated to hear that your sister is also an artist. Where did you both get your talent from? Your parents? Or other relatives? Thanks for a great video. I love your videos and your art. You are one of my late night guilty pleasures...watching your videos at the end of a busy day, when I should be sleeping.

[@catherinesjournal]

Thank you for answering my question 🥰! I have also switched to the Avec this year (was using the cousin full year before) ! 😊 I have switched for the exact same reasons as you 😅 too bulky by the end of the year and its hard to write on the left pages… thanks Helen ☺️

[@annelyle5474]

I hope you get to take your dream trip to Italy one day. Before the pandemic I went on a week's tour of northern Italy with urban sketching guru Liz Steel, which was exhausting but amazing! We visited villas, learned about Palladian architecture, and of course ate lots of amazing food 😀 I still have to tick Japan off my travel bucket list, but it's a long way to go and we have two very affectionate cats who would miss me a lot, so I don't know when/if that will happen.

[@theoryof.lauren]

you are so amazing helen! i love you!!!!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Love you more Lauren!!!

[@kimikobuford]

Happy Sunday Helen ❤

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Happy Sundayyy Kimiko!

[@margaritathurman5007]

Helen your videos make me soooo happy! 1st- OMG- when you said And get my ass whooped - I laughed soooo HARD ! And I totally feel you on the Taylor Swift concert! I ONLY went because I didn’t trust anyone else to take my daughter ! The crowd was gracious but it was ENOURMOUS ! So- go see the movie and enjoy it anxiety free ! As always I love you beyond words 🥰🥰🥰

[@julesm9081]

omg I'm so sorry to hear that happened about the phone call Helen, i hope you're ok, keep safe xxx 💖 i care about you 💜

[@raindrop_plans]

Most of my adult life I’ve been adamant that I didn’t want to have children until I met my current partner. I still haven’t made a decision either way , but my partner is supportive for whatever conclusion I come to.

[@thebalancedbehaviorist]

Helen, Such a wonderful heart ♥️ warming office vlog-thank you for sharing !! ♥️♥️♥️Jenean

[@julesm9081]

i have GAD too sending love to everyone in this situation too.

[@asexualatheist3504]

My first order from your company is en route. Thanks!

[@andreasilver24601]

I was actually going to ask you about your language planner. Lol I’m starting a language learning planner for a couple languages and one dedicated immersive planner for one of those languages. Have you thought about hiring someone instead for design, but for most of the administrative tasks that way it takes some things off your shoulders and you can focus more on design which is your passion? I still love the idea of the stationary cafe. I can seriously see you starting one in Vancouver near the water in a brick building with a brick inside and a fireplace. I’ve always dreamed of starting an Irish/Nordic pub/tavern. Love love love these Q&A videos!!!

[@maricrafty]

How could i didn't notice you have a shop until today? 🎉😂❤

[@sarahsim9269]

Great Job Helen !!!!!

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Thank you Sarah!!

[@sarahsim9269]

@@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo 😇😍😊

[@clarafran847]

Hi Helen! A question about Q4 - boundaries - I figure you probably get a lot of DMs on socials ...how do you manage/reply to everyone's DMs? How do you set boundaries between people getting either a) too personal or b) talking too much about business?

[@Ladi_Lux]

LOL it says "Karen" on your Starbucks cup. Totally random comment :) Anyway, thank you for all your hardwork and beautiful creations, as always

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

OH haha yeah my sister and I share a starbucks account so my orders are always under her name XD I get to cosplay a Karen for a bit ;) Thank you Ladi!

[@ascendingLOTUS]

I would actually LOVE a digital planner from TCMC, superrrrrr cute 🥰🥰🙌🏾 please consider ❤️😘

[@Fheuwisbxbziap00]

Hearing that you decided not to be a parent in 12, as an asian female still living in asian community, I relate to it so much!

[@julesm9081]

🧡

[@SmileyFace90]

Can you release the pencil/pen pouches again please?

[@samanthalayton2978]

Oooohhhh, I have a question. I see on your website many items that are no longer available, such as planner pouches, rulers, etc. Will any of these items be available at a later date?

[@therasilvi]

Thank you for answering my question. As a PhD student, I relate to your diametric days a lot. I need to start my mornings with the work that requires my freshest brain, but maybe I'll start each "sprint" block with a small task so I start with a win. :)

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

Yesss we work the same!!!

[@RedLilin]

Hey! I have a question related to your self-study! I am getting back into studying for an MBA and reteaching myself a lot from my undergrad courses. Is there a ring binder that you use that has withstood the test of time? I anticipate taking a lot of notes and using it daily for hours for multiple subjects. Thank you so much for your help! I would welcome suggestions from others as well.

[@marlinacostamariposa2818]

hello! In the translator you can also put it in Spanish. thank you!

[@lopez082]

Hello, sorry to bother but can I ask for the paper you use to print your stickers ? The quality seems really good and I would like to print some personal designs Thank you so much in advance Have a nice day

[@tatianavelasco1335]

what kind of starbucks coffee flavor?

[@TheCoffeeMonsterzCo]

I got a black iced americano!

[@alexo7953]

@helen, just wanted to let you know we can see a customer’s name and address on minute 2:29

[@emilyelizabeth2048]

I totally agree with not comparing especially with people online. A lot of times I have seen these very successful people who look happy but two years later they make a video saying they burned themselves out.

[@julesm9081]

i have a fear of crowds ever since covid began ....

[@jacquelineoconnell2833]

If you love what you do, you’ll not work a day in your life

[@ramblinganna]

Oooh a collab!!! I have been loving the Planner Monkey Co/Paperbits Co collab washi recently, so very excited to find out who you might be collating with 🥰