This year, Cloth & Paper turns ten! What began as a simple, heartfelt idea to infuse everyday planning with a touch of luxury and true intention has blossomed into so much more. It has grown into a movement powered by minimalism, mindfulness, and a global community of creatives.

We're still obsessed with crafting beautiful, functional tools that gently nudge you to slow down, find your focus, and consciously create room for what truly matters in your life. Today, join us as we revisit our humble beginnings, celebrate how far we've grown, and share an exciting peek into what the future holds for the next ten years of planning with purpose.

Where It All Began: A Desk, A Vision, A Pen

Ten years ago, what would become Cloth & Paper started at a desk with no business plan, no design background, and no clear roadmap. Just Ashley, a pen, and a planner she couldn’t quite find anywhere else.

Back then, Ashley had just left a nearly decade-long career in finance. A relocation meant starting over, and with that came an unexpected window to dream. While figuring out her next move, she realized that none of the planning tools she found matched her style—or her mindset. So, she opened up Microsoft Word and started building her own.

She didn’t know it yet, but those first insert templates were more than a way to get organized. When she shared her creations online, people started to notice. It wasn’t long before this personal project grew into something more. What started as a side hustle run from a small home office became Cloth & Paper.

The Evolution of the Brand

For the first year and a half, Ashley poured endless hours into growing the business. From those initial handcrafted inserts, she built the foundation of what is now a full line of leather planners, luxury pens, and sophisticated planner accessories. She shipped orders solo, truly testing her limits as a first-time founder and proving her entrepreneurial spirit from day one.

Looking back, we remember the moments that truly shaped who we are today:

Launch of the Subscription Boxes

Launching our subscription boxes was a huge milestone, it began as a way to share little surprises with the planner community and quickly became a beloved monthly ritual. The boxes brought together our love for planner essentials, writing tools and accessories, sparking excitement with every month.

Going International

It didn’t take long for our thoughtful designs to catch attention around the world. In 2018, we started shipping internationally, connecting with creatives and planners in over 50 countries. For us, expanding beyond borders wasn’t just about delivering planner essentials, but it was also about building a global community that shares our values of mindfulness, clarity, and thoughtful routines.

Navigating the Unexpected

Like many, we faced challenges during the pandemic. Demand soared as did our commitment to show up for our customers. With a small but determined team, we scaled quickly, staying grounded in what mattered most: great service, clear communication, and consistency.

In recognition of our rapid growth and community-driven success, we earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, a proud moment that honored the heart, and hard work of every person behind the brand. That same dedication was featured in The Today Show the following year, where Cloth & Paper was featured for our modern take on planning and productivity. 

Partnerships with Powerhouse Brands

Over the years, we’ve partnered with brands who share our passion for intentional living, mental wellness, and thoughtful design. From collaborations in our subscription boxes to working with organizations like Wondermind, these partnerships help us create experiences that go beyond planning—offering clarity, creativity, and care for everyday life.

What began as a collection of beautifully made tools has grown into something deeper: a way of living. Today, Ashley still leads the creative direction from our Richmond, Virginia studio, working closely with our incredible team of over 40 people. And while our product line has expanded into a full luxury planning and lifestyle ecosystem, our core purpose remains the same.

Ten Years of Design-Driven Planning Tools

We’ve introduced a range of products that have become staples in the planning community over the years. These items not only showcase our commitment to minimalist design but also reflect our dedication to functionality and quality. 

As we celebrate a decade of helping you plan with intention, here’s a look at the tools that defined our journey and your most organized, inspired moments.

Leather Planners

Our leather planners have become iconic—a perfect blend of luxury and practicality. Crafted from high quality materials, these planners age beautifully and are designed to be more than just a tool. Available in rich colors and finishes, they’ve become a staple for those who want their planning to feel special every day.

The Intention Box

Our monthly Intention Box subscription was created to provide monthly surprises consisting of functional, minimalist planner essentials quickly gained popularity.  Each box is thoughtfully designed to stimulate mindfulness and creativity while also providing new tools for developing intentional habits. From pens to paper items, the box has become a highly anticipated monthly ritual in the community.

Dated Planner Inserts

Our Dated Planner Inserts have been a favorite for those who want structure without clutter. With options for daily, weekly, and monthly layouts, they offer flexibility while keeping things simple. The 2023 and 2024 Dated Planner Inserts, with clean lines and minimalist design, received glowing feedback for making planning feel calm and purposeful.

Planner Dashboards & Dividers

Our planner dashboards and dividers help users customize their planners to fit their unique needs. The Fluted Planner Dashboard and Monthly Side Tab Planner Dividers are just a couple of examples that combine elegance with practicality.

Spiral Notebook Collections

Our spiral notebooks combine style and function, perfect for jotting down ideas, meeting notes, or creative plans. Designed with the same minimalist aesthetic, they come in a range of sizes and paper types, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect fit for every planning style.

A Community Unlike Any Other

At Cloth & Paper, we've always believed in the power of connection, and nowhere is that more evident than in our incredible community. It’s a space where passion for planning meets genuine support, creating a bond unlike any other. 

What makes our designs special? They're often born right from your ideas! We listen closely to community-driven customer feedback, turning your suggestions into beloved items and innovative designs. 

Over the years, your enthusiasm has created some truly memorable moments online. We've seen countless viral planner flips and a continuous stream of beautiful content, all showcasing your creativity and love for Cloth & Paper.

We're so grateful for every single member of our community. The incredible feedback we receive inspires and truly shapes what we do. For instance, we've heard wonderful comments like:

“This is starting year 3 with Cloth & Paper, and it gets better every year. The products, the quality of the paper, the details - it’s all amazing! Their customer service is outstanding! Ashley has done an amazing job with her company!” 

It warms our hearts to know we've been a consistent part of your planning journey, and we're beaming about your kind words on our quality and customer service. Thank you for growing with us!

“Absolutely love my plannner. It's so soft and luxurious, having nice planners motivates me even more to achieve my goals and it's just sublime!”

“As someone who has used a planner since 1985, the monthly 2-day spread is a must have. I prefer the Sunday start as it matches a traditional calendar. This insert goes above and beyond and also gives me the space to track goals and projects, important dates and events, and even gives me a place to track the month's bills and finances. There is also plenty of white space for me to write in appointments, meetings, quotes, and other upcoming dates that I don't want to miss. This insert is absolute perfection!”

We put a lot of care into creating our designs functional yet flexible, and it's really exciting to know that our products are hitting all of those important markers.

“Love everything about this product (Conscious Collection Folios) and the meaning behind this collection. The team truly puts so much thought into all the details and it truly shows. The cactus leather feels amazing and I love it even more than real leather products! Really hoping to see more in this collection.”

These comments are just a glimpse of the thoughtful conversations happening daily in our community that reflects our shared values: mindfulness and intentionality.

What’s Next: Our Vision for the Future

Our excitement for the future is truly boundless. We're not just looking back; we're eagerly looking forward to the next decade of design, innovation, and connection. Our journey continues with the same values that have always guided us, pushing the boundaries of what thoughtful planning and lifestyle tools can be.

Get ready for an exciting sneak peek at what's on the horizon, including our highly anticipated Keyholder Collection and the big reveal of our 2026 Dated Planner Inserts release. These upcoming collections are designed to inspire you even further, blending fresh ideas with the timeless elegance you love.

Our commitment remains strong in several key areas:

• We're continually exploring new ways to infuse luxury with responsibility. Look forward to more offerings that prioritize sustainable practices, from our materials to our processes, ensuring beauty that feels good inside and out.
  
  

• Our designs are crafted with intention, aiming to bring calm and clarity to your daily life. We're also deepening our commitment to inclusive design, creating tools that resonate with a wider range of experiences and needs within our diverse community.
  
  

• Every new product, every refinement, will continue to be driven by our mission to help you achieve greater clarity, calm, and confidence in your planning and in your life. We believe in tools that not only look beautiful but genuinely empower you to live with purpose.
  
  

• Your voices are our inspiration! We'll continue to foster community-led content, featuring your incredible planning setups, insights, and creativity across our platforms. Your journey with us is truly at the heart of our story.

Ten Years In, and Just Getting Started 🥂

To everyone who has ever chosen Cloth & Paper: thank you.

Thank you for planning with heart. For making room for peace in your schedule. For choosing designs that reflect who you are and how you want to live. You’re the reason we’re here—and the reason we’re more inspired than ever to keep going.

Here’s to ten more years of thoughtful design, clear minds, and beautifully organized chaos.