Kathy Dow Discovers

We all have a story to tell and this one is based on an interview with Anthony Salvatore, designer, creator and owner of his own small business featuring specially designed journals called Everything’s a Book. A lot of people keep journals detailing everything from the most significant details of their lives to some of the more mundane events (even Oprah, who has sworn Gail to immediate action and secrecy in the event of her untimely demise). Anthony creates the books to hold these stories.

Anthony Salvatore’s current story is that he recently found himself unemployed (laid off due to no fault of his own or at least that’s his story and he’s sticking to it). According to the Jersey City resident, that “ignited the stick of dynamite under my butt” that would be needed to move forward with his craft.

His creations are the place to keep detailed stories of your life’s journey or your prized sketches of inspiration. These journals or photo albums make amazing gifts to give the photographer or journalist/artist in your life. That is after all, who I am, remember? The Gift Matchmaker at your service.

Inspired by objects, Anthony collects things he finds; discarded items, recycled metals, leather and wood that he admits “lay around until the inspiration hits him” and then he goes into production mode. (So maybe my husband saying he’s a creative genius and that’s why he’s so messy, never throws anything away, and collects stuff has some truth to it. Hmmmm?) Every piece Anthony finds brings its own story (if only it could talk) and so he feels everything is a book, waiting to be discovered, treasured and recorded.

Having stumbled upon a college class called book designs back in Laramie, Wyoming where he went to the University of Wyoming; Anthony was indeed actually stumbling upon his future call to the business world of making and marketing his journals. For years he created and gave them away but because of today’s economy and his unemployment, well, let’s just say it kinda makes more sense for him to sell them now.

My own story about how I found him on Washington Avenue in Hoboken at the Hoboken Street Fair began when his gorgeous leather bound journals caught my eye. Of course because I’m a writer I’m always attracted to books or anything that has to do with or looks like a book. But for those who aren’t journalistically inclined, just think about the special person in your life who does love to keep a journal, who loves to write, who loves to draw and imagine giving them the perfect gift that they can carry with them at all times.

Anthony’s vision is to create an accessory that people want to carry around and have the option to record inspiration at the moment it occurs. To that end his next production of journals and sketchpads will include a pen, pencil and eraser. There won’t be any excuses not to capture the moment or the thought.

Contact him and take a look at his line of products.You’ll spend $30 for something small but nice or splurge and spend $100 on something really nice. He’s also available for private projects in case you want to create a guestbook with your business logo, or one for your vacation home or other special needs. Anthony refills the paper on some books, but that’s something you have to work out with him. He’s very amenable to your specifications. Some products are lined some are not. He said and it surprised me, that unlined sells best. I guess the creative sort doesn’t want to be confined by lines!

I had fun talking to Anthony (who was at a dog park with his dog while we talked for this interview. Now that I think of it, maybe he needs to reach out to the folks selling the Pet Bandana and get something for his new little puppy). Learning about his story which really resonates with the small entrepreneur that I like to discover leads me to include him under the category of “homepreneur” because he’s working out of the back of his apartment! As always people just work wherever they can to get it done. That’s American Ingenuity at its best!

Now, what’s your story? Where are you writing it down and in what? Buy something from Everything’s A Book. Think of it as a splurge for recording your own story or gifting someone who already journals or sketches. Join Kathy’s List to get more information on contacting Anthony