We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlene Cornelia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlene , can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I didn’t know where to start. It was overwhelming. I was intimidated. But I believed there was value in bringing something aesthetically pleasing into someone’s day-to-day living, even with the pen you use or the paper you write on. And it didn’t have to break the bank. There was the endless possibility, as cliche as it sounds. The possibility that could make someone smile while sitting at their desk, motivate a child to do their homework, or give a little gift to show someone a little gratitude. That was enough motivation to start somewhere (anywhere!) to learn new things and continue to learn each step of the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My day job is in health care. My training is in public health & social services. As this gets written, we’re in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a lot of policies and procedures, infection control measures, data collecting, and aggregating outcomes that have to remain dynamic as the situation is so fluid. That job is and has been a great foundation for me to bridge with a personal side project. It’s all about community, connecting people, and using resources to help us all lead our best lives. We’ve got one life to live and thinking of or reaching out to others helps us do that. While I know I’m not perfect, whether it be in a procedure I drafted or a handwritten note I send, the honest concern for how my actions can positively impact someone else is what I keep in mind for Sparkly Scribes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! My family and I love playing tourist at home and I’m known to give overwhelming lists to friends…but my recommendations are usually personalized for those people. Here are some hidden gems with some good people behind it: • Explore Little Italy and stop for art eye candy @stefaniebalesfineart (I’d love to own one of her pieces one day!) • Gift shopping for loved ones (and sometimes myself) @kikoandsven • Sweet treats a la francaise from @patisseriemelanie • Hiking Mission Trails for some reflection time before and/or after a visit to @s3coffeebar • Then a nice sunset stroll along Glorietta Bay in four-wheel cycle fashion with a Surrey rental

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sanrio: they’re the reason I love stationery and school/office supply shopping (and all things Kawaii). My folks: they fostered my love for learning and taught me the value of sending hanwritten notes. My spouse: who always responded to my doubts with, “Why not?” And who told me in this day and age a side gig was possible, necessary even. Other small biz owners & local supporters (just a handful of many others are listed here): the ladies of @thelocalbazaar, @kassigrunder for all her referrals, @thebungalow.sd for being the first shop to carry some pens, @ro_rochelle_, co-owner of @bluxomsalon for connecting me with stationery influencers, and @madeinparadisehills for the community support and Sparkly Scribes’ first ever event that launched it all.

Website: Sparklyscribes.com
Instagram: @sparklyscribes
Facebook: @sparklyscribesonline