At Not Just Notes (NJN), we believe that the simplest of actions—like writing down your thoughts on paper—can spark meaningful connections, both with ourselves and the world around us. For the Not Just Notes founder, Wanauma Graham, note-taking has always been a vital part of learning and reflection. But it wasn’t until a period of personal reflection that the idea for the company truly took root.
"I’ve been an avid and sometimes chaotic note taker all my life. I learn best when I take notes and more than that, I get a deeper sense of connection when I write my thoughts, ideas, and goals down on paper," Wanauma says. She often found herself jotting down notes on dozens of 3x3 sticky notes, the backs of receipts, and any other scrap of paper she could find.
While shopping for one, she couldn’t find a notebook that filled her practical needs and looked aesthetically pleasing. "I didn’t want an ordinary lined notebook that you get when you’re in school. You know, the ones with the cardboard cover and silver coil binding that you use in school," she remembers. So, she set out to design the notebook she had longed for. One notebook design turned into a dozen, and with that, Not Just Notes was born.
Not Just Notes: A Purpose Beyond Paper
From the very start, NJN wasn’t just about creating beautiful, functional hardcover notebooks—it was about building a brand with a purpose. Sustainability was always part of the vision. From day one, we knew we wanted to give back, not only through the products we create but by making a positive impact on the environment. We decided to make sustainability a core value, and we’re committed to supporting it through every notebook sold and every tree planted.
For every notebook purchased, we plant an heirloom fruit tree seed or sapling. In 2025, our goal is to plant 1,000 heirloom fruit tree seeds and saplings in containers, and by 2030, we aim to reach 5,000. The trees we plant are more than just seeds and saplings in containers—they represent our commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and a greener, healthier planet. Once the saplings are ready, we will transfer them from their containers to the land, giving them the opportunity to thrive in their native environments, where they can continue to contribute to the ecosystem for generations to come.
Why Heirloom Fruit Trees?
At NJN, we focus on planting heirloom fruit trees—those native to their lands with deep, indigenous roots. These trees belong to the earth and have evolved in harmony with their environments. Unlike commercial fruit crops, heirloom trees thrive with fewer pesticides and fertilizers, making them a more sustainable option for our food system. They require less maintenance and are often more resilient, making them essential to preserving biodiversity. By planting these heirloom trees, we’re not just adding greenery; we’re honoring the land and fostering ecosystems that naturally support the balance of life.
Sustainability That Feeds More Than Just the Soil
Beyond simply planting trees, our initiative is about giving back to the earth in a way that nurtures our communities. By supporting heirloom orchards, we’re promoting healthier soil, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable food system. These trees also help local farmers who rely on these hardy, productive fruit varieties to ensure a healthy crop for years to come.
When you choose Not Just Notes, you're not just buying a premium notebook—you’re making a conscious decision to support a brand that aligns with your values. Every page you fill is a small step toward personal growth, and every tree we plant is a step toward restoring balance to our planet.
Join Us in Growing a Greener Future
We invite you to be a part of this mission. By purchasing a notebook from NJN, you're helping us plant trees that will grow, bear fruit, and continue to give long after your pages are filled. It's a simple action that carries profound impact—both for your personal journey and for the future of the planet.
If you’re ready to make a difference with the products you use, head over to our shop and purchase a notebook today to contribute to our tree-planting initiative and help us reach our goal of planting 1,000 heirloom fruit trees in 2025.
Small Actions, Big Impact
At Not Just Notes, we believe that making a difference begins with individuals. As a small, one-woman operation, we understand that creating a more sustainable world starts right where we are—at home, in our backyards, and within our communities. Every action, no matter how small, can contribute to positive change. By choosing our notebooks, you’re supporting not only your own personal growth but also helping to lay the foundation for a greener future. When we each take small steps in our own lives, together we can create something much greater.
Any products mentioned on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our cause.
Wanauma Graham is the founder and creative behind Boss Free Media and the brand Not Just Notes. In 2024, she launched the Solopreneur Success System™ to help women entrepreneurs clarify their business vision, streamline their growth, and create actionable strategies for reaching six-figure revenue. She’s the author of Totally Unstoppable: Get Unstuck, Stop Putting Your Dreams on Hold, and Boldly Become the Woman You Were Made to Be. Wanauma resides in Dallas, where she writes and designs planning products full-time, and enjoys discovering everything the city has to offer, from vibrant food spots and hidden gems to real estate and cultural landmarks. Follow @WanaumaGraham.
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