Tabiyo Shop - The Skybambi

Who doesn't attracted by her superb hand-written typography? We all do!

Name: Tercia Goh (a.k.a Skybambi)

Age: Is this necessary? Lol. 32 :p

Email Address: tercia.goh@gmail.com

Occupation: Creative Planner at Tribal Worldwide

Blog/Website: skybambi.wordpress.com

1.    Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?

I travel for a living, I write for passion, I doodle for fun and I work in a digital agency for a creative outlet that pays. I love everything I do and I do everything with love.

2.    When do you start keeping a journal?
As far as I can remember, when my grandmother used to leave me in a room with crayons when she’s busy cleaning the house. I’d sit for hours on my own, totally immersed in this other world. I’ve kept all my journals since and I believe it is an important keepsake of your time and memories.

3.   What makes you come across to this product?
I’m a stationary enthusiast. And when I say enthusiast, I mean I’m totally obsessed with everything from pens, journals, washi tape to a paper clip. So when I was in Taipei and I stumbled across Eslit (probably one of the biggest book and stationary store on the planet), I was like a child in Disney for the first time! That was when I came across this beautifully bounded leather notebook. Love at first write.

4.   Do you have a website or a blog? What makes you record down your journal on a physical notebook instead of a blog?
Yes, I do have a blog, where I filter my thoughts. I think that’s one of the differences. In a journal, you can be totally uninhibited. Where as on a blog, you write to share, to spread, to seek, to speak out to an audience. The intention is on a different tangent. Although, I have to say, nothing beats the feeling of pen against paper!

5.   Can you share few pages (in pics) of your customizations in your notebook?

Sure. I love hand lettering and typography, and I’ve recently taken up the challenge of writing out a quote a day. It’s a routine that soothes me.

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Skybambi's Notebook

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6.   Nice! Such an awesome customization! So what/who inspires you and your customization on your journal?
I’d have to say, Patrick Ng. He’s probably the father of modern day journaling. I admire his creativity, hacks, creations and ability to conceptualize his creations, even before it comes to life! Aside from him, traveling fuels the passion to journal, to capture the fleeting moments. A ticket stub here, a scribble at a café there, and a fallen leaf between the pages. I’m very sentimental like that.

7. What does travel means to you? And where will be your next destination?
Travel means expanding your view in life. Constantly pushing boundaries through discoveries and experience. You can’t truly experience all that life has to offer if you don’t step out of your comfort zone.

8. Are you into photography (analogue/digital) as well? If you are into analogue camera, which one is your favorite camera?
I used to be an avid lover of film photography, until mobile phones came along and the need for instant gratification overpowered the patience of waiting for your negatives to develop.  I still have a few Lomos on display in my room, even a 3D one that I believe is no longer in production. It reminds me of simpler times J

9. What your say about doing things in analogue way in this digital era?

I think its an integral part of life, an inevitable mix of the two and that everyone should have the creative outlet to express him/herself on whichever medium. The medium is just part of the process of dissemination. The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Make with analogue, share with digital.

10.  Thanks for your time! One very last question. If there is no Internet in this world, what do you think you will be doing to replace the time you spend online each day? 
You’d find me having a glass of wine on the balcony, surrounded by a sea of pens of all imaginable shades, crouched over my TNB, humming to the tunes in my head while I write and doodle my days away. Bliss.

Special thanks to Tercia for spending his time for this interview. Tabiyoshop Pop- Up store is now available at Photo Crafts Kota Damansara outlet. 

Tabiyo Shop - The Photographer

Today we are happy to invite Nasir, a professional photographer who is always sincere and shown his passion on analogue stuff, like how he likes film photography and journal!

Name: Mohd. Nasir Roli

Age: 41

Email Address: nasirroli@gmail.com

Occupation: Photographer

Blog/Website: http://www.nasirroli.wix.com/film

Facebook page: facebook.com/nasirroli

1.    Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?

I’m a full time photographer based in Kuala Lumpur which specialised in advertising & events photography.

My interest is to capture human lifestyle by film camera using black & white film.

2.    When do you start keeping a journal?

I started keeping my journal since 1990 when I was studying photography at MARA Institute of Technology (ITM) at Shah Alam, Selangor.

3.   What makes you come across to this product?

This happened during my first visit to Taiwan at 2012, when I saw Traveler’s Notebook from a bookstore located in airport. I started my first Traveler’s Notebook in year 2013. I found Traveler’s Notebook is easy to customize if compare to some other notebooks that I own.

4.   Can you share few pages (in pics) of your customizations in your notebook?

Here it is!

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Nasir's Notebook

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5.   Nice! Very neat customization! So what/who inspires you and your customization on your journal?

·     Internet gives me a lot of idea on how to customize my notebook. Sometimes the idea work but sometimes it may not that practical for me.

6. What does travel means to you? And where will be your next destination?

Travel is a door opening for me to learn about other people life and culture. My next destination is India.

7. Are you into photography (analogue/digital) as well? If you are into analogue camera, which one is your favorite camera?

As a professional photographer in this digital world, I use digital camera for my everyday task. Most of the time, I’m using Canon and Nikon system. For leisure and hobby, I’m using Voigtlander Bessa Rangefinder camera with black & white film. I do process my own film. For my family, I like to use my Fujifilm Instax Mini Panda instant camera.

8. What your say about doing things in analogue way in this digital era?

Using analog camera is like driving a manual car. It gives you more passion, confident and to think before release the camera shutter. To me analogue is real (physical), digital mean virtual.

10.  Thanks for your time! One very last question. If there is no Internet in this world, what do you think you will be doing to replace the time you spend online each day? 
If there is no Internet, I will keep shooting with my film camera and develop my film, and write my book using a typewriter.

Special thanks to Nasir for spending his time for this interview. Tabiyoshop Pop- Up store is now available at Photo Crafts Kota Damansara outlet. 

Tabiyo Shop - The Crafter

Today we are happy to invite Pooi Chin, a young sweet lady and We love how she crafted her artwork and how she made a refill blank notebook so lively!

Name: Pooi Chin

Age: 21

Email Address: pc.chen92@gmail.com

Occupation: Student

Blog/Website: http://instagram.com/pooi_chin

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PhavouriteChannel

1.    Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?

I’m 21 this year, still a student studying business marketing. I learn chinese calligraphy (such a typical chinese girl huh? :P ) and I enjoy crafting since young although I am not very talented, thus I do all the simple things. The quote that says ‘less is more’ is always with me. Recently I’m into snail mailing, I write letters and do postcard swapping whereby I DIY and handmade most of the cards. 

2.    When do you start keeping a journal?

I’ve always love writing and scribbling, but I only start journaling on TN since the beginning of this year (2013).

3.   What makes you come across to this product?

I came about this product through some of the sharing posts from Instagram. I first fell for the leather cover, and once I realized the key feature about TN that it is customizable and refillable, I was totally amazed and I told myself that I must own it! That is the feeling of belonging that made me fall for it when I knew I could be using the same cover even though I change to a new refill booklet.

4.    Do you have a website or a blog? What makes you record down your journal on a physical notebook instead of a blog?  

I do not have a blog but I share my work on Instagram (pooi_chin). As I mentioned before, I love scribbling, love the mark of pen onto papers and I feel more real to record on papers instead of saving them online. The satisfaction of flipping through the pages of a physical notebook is just indescribable and unbeatable compare to scrolling them and looking from a monitor. I’m also glad that my bf supports me on journaling, he will always bring me to some nice environment or nice atmosphere café and watch me writing.

5.   Can you share few pages (in pics) of your customizations in your notebook?

I don’t do much customizations or modifications in my notebook, however if you would be interested, let me just share some of the recent pages that I wrote. Basically I write my own feelings and thoughts, that’s why I’m always too embarrassed to expose the word content. I have a habit of collecting receipt, business cards and all sorts of tickets. I have a whole big stack of receipt and cards that I accumulate over the years and most of them have actually faded. For me, they are a means of memories. And now I found a better way to keep them, which is to attach them on my TN whereby I am still able to write some ‘stories’ about that. I believe that they will be one of my precious things after years where the memories are being kept in my notebook. 

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Pooi Chin's Notebook

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6.   Wow! Very personalize customization! So what/who inspires you and your customization on your journal?

·     Do you mean on the notebook itself? I’m not too fancy on the customizing my TN with those kind of charms, I don’t even use the bookmark. I prefer keeping it simple and basic. However, I hope that I could have a chance to do some personalised word embossing on the cover of my TN.

7. What does travel means to you? And where will be your next destination?

Literally, travel means a getaway for me. My next travel destination is still undecided. Since budget is an issue for me as a student, I don’t demand to travel to somewhere that is too far away, I’ll be very happy to go anywhere as long as I can temporary shut down my mind from the hectic work load.

8. Are you into photography (analogue/digital) as well? If you are into analogue camera, which one is your favorite camera?

I’m not too into photography but my boyfriend does. :D He is a wedding and portrait photographer (digital), but he love film photography so much and he also does analogue photography as his hobby. Since I myself is not too familiar with analogue camera, based on what he owns now, I like the Minolta Autocord(TLR), first, it looks cool. Second, it takes square dimension photos that are comparatively unique from the usual landscape/portrait. I also like Land Camera 450 Polaroid camera where it produces instant film for me to complement my wordy journal. The instant film is way different than the usual Fujifilm instax, the Polaroid from old days produce better photo quality.

9. What your say about doing things in analogue way in this digital era?

According to what my boyfriend has shared to me, doing things in analogue way is a chance of allowing ourselves to slow down and experience the rhythm of life, looking things into different way from another angle. Like the old times. It is similar as why I prefer to write on physical notebook than doing it online or through Internet.

10.  Thanks for your time! One very last question. If there is no Internet in this world, what do you think you will be doing to replace the time you spend online each day? 

This is a tough question, and I can’t really imagine if this day happens. Well, I think then I will have more time to do journal, and I would have known more pen pals and write more letters. I also wonder what would others do if Internet happened to shut down for a period of time. How do people do communication? That would be question to ponder. I hope more people will actually write, be fascinated by journaling and handwritings.

Special thanks to Pooi Chin for spending his time for this interview. Tabiyoshop Pop- Up store is now available at Photo Crafts Kota Damansara outlet. 

Tabiyo Shop - The Business Coach

Me myself get really inspired by the two young entrepreneur of Tabiyo Shop and here's the second article about customization and today we happy to invite Ziyad, to reveal some of his thoughts and sharing about his customization.

Name Ahmad Ziyad Maricar

Age 30

Email Address ziyadmaricar@gmail.com

Occupation Executive Business Coach

Blog/Website www.VentureEDGE.Asia

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ziyadmarcar or www.facebook.com/VentureEDGE.Asia

1.    Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?

I run my own Coaching/Training/Consulting Firm based in Kelana Square, Kelana Jaya. We specilize in Executive Business Coaching, Business Model Innovation, CEO Masterclass, Soft Skills Training and Business Consulting. I have been running this business since 2008. My main interest has always been in Business. I love reading business books, motivation, and autobiography of successful people. I also love creative stuff. Been reading books from Sketchnote by Mike Rohde, Wreck My Journal Series by Keri Smith, Books by Danny Gregory and a few more. Not very creative myself so just indulge in other peoples work and try to do it myself.

2.    When do you start keeping a journal?

I started journaling with Moleskine. Bought my first moleskine in 2009. It was more of a diary where I keep all my daily activities, write notes, paste items which I found and etc.

3.   What makes you come across to this product?

I am an avid reader of Patrick Ng's blog. Been following his blog for a few years. He was the one that got me started with Moleskine. Then he introduces Modori Travelers Notebook in his blog and LOVE it instantly  That time, you can only buy from overseas, as it was not available in Asia Pacific. After looking high and low, finally bought my first Midori Traveler’s Notebook in December 2011 from The Journal Shop in UK. They had a promotion of FREE DELIVERY worldwide as a Christmas Promo.

4.    Do you have a website or a blog? What makes you record down your journal on a physical notebook instead of a blog?  

My blog is more business oriented. I don’t really share my personal stuff online. Maybe I am too shy to share my work. Hahaha….I love physical journal because I can carry around anywhere I go, cut and paste stuff from my travel and also love the leather of Travelers Notebook. 

5.   Can you share few pages (in pics) of your customizations in your notebook?
These is what in my Traveler’s Notebook!

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Ziyad's Notebook

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6.   Wow! That's looks really exclusive customization! So what/who inspires you and your customization on your journal?

·       Instagram #travelersnote and Flick Group – Travelers notebook

7. What does travel means to you? And where will be your next destination?
Travel means going out for a GREAT TIME with friends or family without any work obligation. This is my kind of travel. Over the years, I have travel a lot for work and also pleasure. Every time  I will record all my spending, where we went for the day, pictures, ticket stub and many more. Next destination? I have no idea…:)

8. Are you into photography (analogue/digital) as well? If you are into analogue camera, which one is your favorite camera?
Yes I love photography. I use a Canon 60D as my main camera. Don’t fancy analogue camera anymore. Too expensive to buy the film and get it printed. I have a Diana+ Lomo but don’t know how to use. Planning to buy a fuji instant camera one of these days for the fun of it.

9. What your say about doing things in analogue way in this digital era?

Well, there are always a lot of Pros and Cons in going either way. For photography, I prefer Digital as I can snap as many photos as I want and just keep or delete them. Easier to share with friends, families and also the world. As for Journal, well, as I am shy, I would prefer to keep it analogue for now. ;-) Plus don’t think I can live without my moleskine and Traverlers Notebook.

10.  Thanks for your time! One very last question. If there is no Internet in this world, what do you think you will be doing to replace the time you spend online each day? 
GREAT QUESTION…. Maybe I would spend more time with my family and friends. Write more journal, keep better scrapbook and watch more tv. ;-)


Special thanks to Ziyad for spending his time for this interview. Tabiyoshop Pop- Up store is now available at Photo Crafts Kota Damansara outlet. 

Tabiyo Shop - The Founder

Wondering what's behind the story of Tabiyo Shop? We are really grateful to have these young entrepreneur to reveal some of their thoughts and story behind Tabiyo Shop.

Let me introduce the 2 awesome people behind Tabiyo! Tabiyo are formed by Yen Fong and Lee Ming. Basically Yen Fong is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and most of the time she is in-charge on the order processing, packaging, photo shoot and other works for Tabiyo. While on the other hand, Lee Ming who is currently based in Hiroshima, Japan. She's mainly in-charge on the back stage work, for example, writing on descriptions, sharing some new ideas or new stationery she encountered in Japan.

Name: Lam Yen Fong
Age: 29
Email Address: hellotabiyo@gmail.com
Occupation Designer/ Producer: in Tabiyo Shop
Blog/Website: www.tabiyoshop.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/ilikelamb

Name: Mak Lee Ming
Age: 29
Email Address jingleblue@gmail.com
Occupation: Researcher/ Editor in Tabiyo Shop
Blog/Website: mcmingc.blogspot.com

*YF = Yen Fong
  LM = Lee Ming

1.    Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are your interests?
YF: I’m an interior designer, I have a full time job doing sales & design for a high-end kitchen imported from Germany. My interests are all about design. I like to collect papers, reading books, travel, café hopping, looking and get in touch on nice quality products, and last but not least searching for variety of stationery items through travel, books or internet.
LM: I work for 2 years, after I graduated from university back then. It just happened to me in the year of 2009 that I got the opportunity to study abroad in Japan and currently doing research which is related to food safety and hygiene. I'll be coming back to Malaysia soon after I graduated from my studies here in Japan. My interests are traveling, learning foreign language, photography, sciences and meeting new friends.

2.    When do you start keeping a journal?
YF: I started my first diary when I was in primary school, I’m very active in doing leaflet design during my secondary school for various camp fire, events and etc. My first expensive journal was Moleskin when I started to work at age of 21, where I enjoyed to record my daily schedule, activities and thoughts whenever I feel I wanted to. I enjoy reading my own handwriting. 
LM: I start keeping a journal when I was a high school student.

3.   What makes you come across to this product?
YF: Year 2012, my friend, Vivian handed me a book about journal (from Taiwan). From there, I discovered Midori Traveler’s Notebook. I get Vivian to get a set for me during her trip to Tokyo at the same year. When I received it, I was so amazed by the leather cover and the paper quality!
LM: At first, I heard it from a friend. Then, I checked their website and I really like the concept about Traveler's notebook with various inserts, accessories and refills, which make it much more handy. I feel inspired to do something new when I first received the notebook. I'm trying to bring it with me wherever I go, so when there's idea hitting me, I can jot it down right away together with some drawing or making a scrapbook.

4.    Tell us a little story behind what makes you started up Tabiyoshop?
YF: Year 2011, I believe I needed a change in my daily routine, I need to fulfil my craving on good products and relationship with Japan therefore me and Lee Ming had a chat when she was back in Malaysia for holiday. Japan product is such a trap for us, we wanted to bring in something from Japan to sell in Malaysia, but what should we sell? We did not manage to conclude anything during that time, not until I started to use Midori Traveler’s Notebook. I need to get refills for myself but there isn’t any shops selling this. So, that’s mark the beginning of Tabiyo Shop. Did I tell you what is the meaning of “Tabiyo”? Tabiyo means “let’s travel” in Japanese.

LM: There was a time, I was having a tea time with Yen Fong, and we talked about what we want to do in future. I think I said something like to open an online store which we could provide something special which isn't available in Malaysia yet. During that time, she was thinking the same things as well. She took the initiative, sent me an email and after some discussions, the online store formed in 2012. All things started from a very casual conversation and a whole lot of passion in both of us.

5.   What is your next plan in life or in Tabiyoshop?
YF: There will be a change for myself in 2014 (let’s keep it as a secret at the moment) and I’m so looking forward! As for Tabiyo Shop, we need to standardize the corporate identity, packaging and we are searching for more good stuff coming in.


LM: Keep traveling to gain more international experience and bring more new elements into Tabiyo Shop.

6.   What do you think you will be doing in your next 5 years?
YF: In the next 5 years, I believe me and my life partner will become a café owner in our serene hometown, definitely there will be a stationery corner selling our beloved Traveler’s Notebook and others.


LM: I hope I could improved my foreign language skills good enough that I'm able to do some translation on some related things. I'd like to have more interaction with Tabiyo Shop's friends to share our thoughts and ideas, whether it's online or face-to-face to understand their needs to deliver a better service. And, I think I'll spend more time on Tabiyo Shop and try to bring in more interesting products.

7.    Do you have a website or a blog? What makes you record down your journal on a physical notebook instead of a blog?  
YF: I used to own a personal blog few years back when I was working in Singapore. I think a blog is a good platform where we can upload photos to complement text. In fact, I’m not that good in writing, but I enjoy cut and paste onto my notebook. I like the smell of paper, the feeling of holding a notebook in your hand is hard to describe.


LM: Yes, I have a blog. I started to keep a journal before I started a blog. Two things are different. Blog allows us to post more photos, share with others and allow comments, keep it as a digital memory. For me, keeping a journal is more private, every word written on the notebook is 'alive', which reflects the very original form of emotion and feeling at that moment.

8.   Can you share few pages (in pics) of your customizations in your notebook?
These is what in our Midori Traveler’s Notebook for our daily usage!

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Yen Fong's Notebook

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Lee Ming's Notebook

9.   Wow! That's really awesome customization! So what/who inspires you and your customization on your journal?
YF: I got inspired by a Japanese lady who is based in LA with her family. She is doing online business selling stationery as well. She always inspired me by her passion on good products, her life with family, photos, and enthusiasm on her shop. Besides this, I always attracted by Japanese and Taiwanese notebook users, they have amazing skills on customization their notebook, and their beautiful handwriting. I usually admire their work through Instagram and blog.


LM: I think its Tabiyo Shop. Another way of saying, Yen Fong who inspires me to customize my journal. She have a good sense of customizing her journal.

10. I aware that both of you likes to travel a lot. So what does travel means to you? And where will be your next destination?
YF: Travel gives me life inspiration and changes my perspective. I get inspired a lot from travel, from culture, lifestyle, urban life, people, villages and etc. From all my past travel influences, I made a decision to give up my job in Singapore and back to Malaysia for good, and I never regret doing that. Oh, my next destination is Japan!

LM: Traveling is fun, I love backpacking. I found myself growing into a more diverse person through traveling. Traveling changed the way I judge a thing and person, also increased my acceptance level to everything. And, it makes me miss my home more! I wish to visit Spain someday.

11. Are you into photography (analogue/digital) as well? If you are into analogue camera, which one is your favorite camera?
YF: Yes! My first analogue camera is Super Sampler! My favorite camera is Fisheye.

LM: Yes, I like taking photo. I'd love to have an analogue camera.

12. What your say about doing things in analogue way in this digital era?
YF: I prefer things in simple ways. Why holding an e-book if you can enjoy holding a physical book with the smell of paper?

LM: We know that technology evolved day by day, helping us to ease the work at hand and to create something with better quality or a different aesthetic. Now, we have the choice, to choose either one or both (analogue or digital) to produce the best for the work and not about simply using the latest technology.

13.  Thanks for your time! One very last question. If there is no Internet in this world, what do you think you will be doing to replace the time you spend online each day? 
YF: I will be spending more valuable time at home, cooking, reading, hanging out with myself or with my loved ones in a cozy café, doing journal, and scrapbook!

LM: I think I'll have more time to do outdoors and reading!

Special thanks to Yen Fong and Lee Ming for spending their time for this interview. I would say there's only 24 hours each day in our life, it's really depends on yourself on how you going to spend it. These two people who one is having a full time job and one still studying yet they still continue with their passion during their free time to grow their business. I met Yen Fong in person before and I really admired on how she work diligently on Tabiyoshop and her notebooks. It's truly inspired. :)

We are proud to present 5 articles to be featured on 5 consecutive weeks in the month of October & November. We hope you do get inspired by their life and their enthusiasm on keeping a journal in analogue way.

Tabiyoshop Pop- Up store is now available at Photo Crafts Kota Damansara outlet.