Behind The Shop is an ongoing series that features our talented and devoted shop owner community. Each time, we talk one-on-one with a shop owner/s to hear first hand what shop life is all about. Whether it’s a new shop that just came onto the scene or a popular community favorite – we want to share more about their journeys and stories with you. 

As a life-long planner, Amanda Baldwin has always loved paper, highlighters, stationery and planning. In fact her mother was an employee at Franklin Covey when she was a child and would bring home planner products for the family.  Early on in her planner journey, Amanda relied on color coding with highlighters to keep track of school and military service life. But after becoming a  mom for the second time, she discovered planner stickers which were a total game changer to her color coding game.

Amanda started her entrepreneurial journey by making cash envelopes but over time began to feel the itch to do something more creative. She invested in her first Silhouette machine and got to work learning and designing in a small corner of her bedroom.  Being a busy mom of four with homeschooling as well, she started with functional stickers that appealed to other busy moms juggling kids schedules and activities. Almost seven years later, Amanda has built an online shop/brand, called Avalon & Ninth, which has expanded into a thriving family business. Her husband Steve, now retired from the military, works hands-on in the business with her everyday.  

We chatted with Amanda all about being a full time show owner, staying consistent and juggling a busy work and home life.  Take a listen here:

Today, Avalon & Ninth offers a variety of colorful stickers, planners, subscription boxes and accessories which are functional and budget friendly to help you reach your planning goals. 

SUBSCRIPTION BOXES 

Functional Monthly - In 2018, staying true to her roots, Amanda expanded from offering sheets and kits to a full monthly subscription that was based on functional planning but also affordable. Each month the same essential planning stickers are refreshed with a fun new color palette in six different options depending on your style and budget. 

Mystery Kit - In addition to the functional, there is also monthly mystery kit subscription (for those kit lovers) which offers the same six options depending on planning style and budget but features exclusive art (not found in other A&N kits) with enough stickers to last over two weeks of planning or beyond. 

The six options offered in the subscriptions boxes include the following and can be seen “in action” on Amanda’s YouTube channel PWM videos. 

• Full kit (10 pages) 

• Mini Kit 

• Weeks/B6 (PPWeeks, Penny Pages Weeks, Avalon & Ninth Weeks, B6 planners) 

• Academic Kit (sidebar stickers) 

• Hobonichi Cousin

• Journaling Kit 

 52 WEEK PROJECT - A YEAR OF HORROR 

The fun doesn’t stop there! For the past four years, Avalon & Ninth has been offering a unique box of goodies (which is not a subscription) inspired by a year-long theme. For 2023, the theme is A Year Of Horror which features Halloween inspired artwork for each month of the year with a special A&N twist specific to the month or season. These boxes are released 4-6 weeks prior to the holiday/month and can be purchased until supplies last. Each box is different with unique artwork and a variety of products. Stay tuned for the 2024 theme! 

PLANNERS

In 2020, Avalon & Ninth introduced their own planners. Starting with the Weeks planner, which offered a coil version that was taller than a Hobo Weeks and also worked functionally and aesthetically with all standard sticker options. Now, the planner selection has expanded to three sizes including the Weeks, 7 x 9 and B6. The 7 x 9 has a two page spread and the covers work with EC covers. Lastly the B6 was introduced as the sweet in between size with a week on three page layout so each day has a full column with sidebar and dot grid page after every week.  

All of the planners are undated, with completely neutral interior layouts (made for stickers with 1.5 inch columns), high quality paper, interchangeable covers with foil and personalization that are all handmade in house. They can be made in 6 or 12 month versions.

Over the years, Avalon & Ninth has collaborated with other brands including a sticker book with Paper House. But, the most rewarding thing has been growing a business from the ground up. Despite the challenges that come along the journey, Amanda strives to maintain her life as a mom and remain authentic to her own unique style. 

For more inspiration and products, follow Avalon & Ninth on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube and check out the latest releases on their website.