Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Leng.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have journaled since I was seven years ago. It was your traditional “Dear Diary” journal and it had transformed into different mediums of journaling over the years. I began junk journaling a few years ago to commemorate important moments that I could look back and smile. Junk journaling is mixture of art, collage, journaling, and scrapbooking all in one. There are no rules to it so it is an easy hobby to get into.
I started Nashville Junk Journal Club (NJJC) in January 2026 as a way to cope with grief. I lost my mother, Khamvilay Phongsa, in November 2025. One of my favorite memories was journaling with her. She always bought me my stationery items to me dragging her around stores to buy notebooks, pens, and stickers. I built NJJC in honor of my mom. I want to recreate that safety net for Nashville, and NJJC has helped me cope with the grief by building a community of like-minded individuals.
I made a Tiktok talking about hosting a free event at the library, and it received a overwhelming response. I ended up having to host another event shortly after to ensure everyone was a part of it. A lot of small businesses reached out following that video, and I have this amazing opportunity to host different events throughout Nashville almost on a weekly basis.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has its ups and downs! I was maxing out the seating at first (30 people), and I was worried about the spacing. I have learned now to book less to make sure people can move around and have their space to journal. I used to worry about making “scrap packs” which is full of paper items to add in their journal because I would have to make 30 but now that I have. less people, it’s easier. I just started this in January, so I’m still relatively navigating the ropes as I go.
We’ve been impressed with Nashville Junk Journal Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nashville Junk Journal Club hosts events where people can junk journal or scrapbook. I host different themes throughout the month with one being a free event hosted at a different Nashville Public Library location. I want to ensure I have junk journal events available at different “cost” ranges. I want NJJC to be accessible as possible.
I also use one event as a fundraiser to support a non-profit organization. I try to find non-profit organizations that align with my beliefs and want to bring awareness to people in the surrounding areas of Nashville.
My events will always come with a scrap pack that fits the theme. The scrap packs include at least 10 pieces or more of scrapbook paper design, die cuts, stickers, tickets, and others. I have a plethora of scrapbook paper designs of my own I’ve collected over the years that I need to put into use, so why not share them?
I am currently trying to use local artists to design scrapbook paper designs, bookmarks, stickers, and other items I think would best fit for the scrap packs. I want to bring NJJC back to the Nashville community by supporting small artists and small businesses.
If you have never junk journaled, you are always welcome to join. Almost every newcomer who comes has been welcomed with open arms. I try to walk people through junk journaling, but there is always someone who will take the lead to help. I love that about NJJC because everyone here is so helpful.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a refugee home. I am a first generation Asian-American eldest daughter to Lao refugee parents, so I had expectations that needed to be met. I was taught not to cry and hold my feelings in, I had to learn to be role model for my younger brother and younger cousins, and I had to make sure I was well-behaved whether that was in school or at home.
My parents were surviving as they left everything back in Laos to come to America for a better life. I always empathized with them so I tried to live my life for them. However looking back, I didn’t have the easiest childhood. That was one of the reasons why I turned to journaling. It helped me release my emotions and gave me a safe space to let things out. I wasn’t able to speak about my emotions because my parents wanted to raise me as a strong resilient girl.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brand.page/nashvillejunkjournalclub
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Nashville_junkjournalclub
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nashvillejunkjournalclub
