Storytelling Through Stationery - Madeline Liu @notebeansstationery
- Kindred Curiosity
- Feb 1
- 5 min read
Meet Madeline Liu, the creative mind behind Notebeans Stationery, where kindness and imagination come together in every design. Inspired by her Taiwanese and Indonesian roots, Madeline transforms her love for storytelling, specialty coffee, and community into art that uplifts and connects. What began as a small fundraiser in 2020 has grown into a heartfelt brand that celebrates creativity with purpose.
What made you curious about the art industry?
Childhood Origins: From a young age, I always did arts and crafts from home, whether it was polymer clay, watercolor paints, or acrylic. I’ve always had a creative entrepreneurship itch growing up, highly inspired and influenced by my mom, who is also a serial entrepreneur in the F&B industry. My dad made my brother and I learn how to sell things we didn’t want to keep on eBay. I didn’t get it at the time but it taught me a strong foundation of e-commerce and basic digital marketing.
Notebeans Stationery Origins: I started Notebeans Stationery during the pandemic, when I was trying to raise donation funds during the California wildfires of August 2020. I wanted to find a way to use my self-taught digital art skills to make an impact to the world. To this day I still donate 30% of my profits to their projects.
Storytelling Meaningful Life Experiences: I feel incredibly touched and equally inspired when my work reaches other people in a meaningful way. Many people told me my art has changed their life, motivated them in their journey of healing, and made others cry from the meaning behind them. Visual arts to me is a visual translation of how I see and heal through the world as an artist and individual and translating that to each person who receives and views it into their own interpretation.
Tell us about the product/service you are most proud of.
Character Plushies: The Notebeans Stationery Character plushies was a project I was immensely proud of. In 2023, we ran a Kickstarter campaign to raise a little under $4,000 to bring the characters to life in just 30 days. It was an all-or-nothing campaign so the pressure was ON. What was most meaningful to me was how much the community I’ve built came together to bring the project to life and how many people were just excited to see it come to reality.
What is an aspect of being an entrepreneur that forced you to learn something new?
Being okay to overcome perfectionism: early in my entrepreneurship journey, I converted my anxiety into perfectionism, which often stifled me from being quick to act and instead quick to overthink and create 10 plan Bs for any given situation. This taught me an important lesson to deal with the problems WHEN they come rather than to overthink and prepare for the unknown.
What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?
Watching late night television: I love watching late night television like Jimmy Fallon or the Daily show.
Enjoying a favorite or new show: currently I’m watching Fresh off the boat, but just finished watching Squid games as well as Beyond Waverly Place.
Building nanoblocks: something mindless is always super relaxing!
Playing Maplestory: such a nostalgic and comforting game!
Drawing/Animating: Of course, this is when the creative juices always end up flowing haha
Making music: I played piano for 10 years as a kid, and reignited this love for music over the past few years!
If you could go back in time and tell your past self anything, what would it be?
Be your most genuine and authentic self always. Let people unconditionally love and accept you as you are. You are enough, grow into yourself everyday.
How has your cultural identity influenced your journey so far, if at all?
My Taiwanese heritage, with its character-driven brands and attention to detail, has instilled in me a love for meticulous processes and systems that ensure everything is done perfectly.
My Indonesian side exposed me to the playful aspects of business and hospitality. From architecture and interior design to the creative vision of Indonesian filmmakers and videographers, I'm constantly inspired aesthetically.
From sharing professional resources to small and large milestones, transparency is a cornerstone of your brand and business. What inspired you to make this a key element of Notebeans Stationery?
Mentors: I've benefited from the wisdom of many mentors: consultants, female entrepreneurs, and former clients and bosses in content marketing and hospitality.
Online Learning: I learned everything I know from free or low-cost resources like YouTube, Patreon, blog posts, Reddit, Quora, Skillshare, and books. I want to share what I've learned to inspire others to do the same!
The Creative Entrepreneurship Path: Ultimately, creative entrepreneurship is a journey back to self—navigating an uncharted path in a world of archetypes and boxes. By sharing my lessons, I hope to help others build lives they love. My goal is to be a "how I" rather than just a "how to."
You constantly stay busy and connected with the community through popups and community events. Could you walk me through your thought process for planning out your month of events?
Yearly, I dedicate a week to introspective goal-setting where I review what worked, what didn't, and what alignment I want for the coming year. This creates a yearly project calendar with dream goals and projects.
Daily, I maintain an integrated marketing calendar that coordinates social media, blog posts, email marketing, and outreach. This keeps me on track!
You mention on your website that you started your business in 2020 with a mission to create a positive impact through entrepreneurship. How has that mission evolved over the years, and what is your vision for Notebeans Stationery in the future?
When starting my business, my vision was to bridge creativity and kindness through my philanthropic drive to support causes I believed in.
Over the years, my art style has evolved, my ideal customer has become clearer, and my interests and passions have developed further.
Today, I still aim to bridge creativity and kindness, but my mission has focused on storytelling meaningful life experiences through the dreamy adventures of three friends: Kato, Paya, and Kuma. I do this through my artwork, capturing my love for specialty coffee, and sharing travel moments.
As an entrepreneur, your business naturally evolves with your life seasons. This can be confusing identity-wise, but it's a crucial part of growth, transformation, and realignment: all part of the journey I chose!
Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!
julia • 禾揚 🌱 (@artbyjulia.png)
Addi Miyako (@amiyakom)
Karepango! カレパンゴ! (@karepango)
Sonia Lai (@pochipop)
What is the last thing you were curious about?
Beyond 2D Art: Recently, I’ve been really curious about worldbuilding and creating immersive experiences with my art with 3D art and animation!
What can the community help you with?
Collaborations: A big goal for me for 2026 is to establish much more partnerships, collaborations in designs, events, and products. If you’re a brand within the hospitality, fashion, home goods space, etc. Feel free to connect with me at notebeans.co@gmail.com.
Through Notebeans Stationery, Madeline reminds us that art can be both beautiful and meaningful. Her work continues to inspire others to create with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. To connect or collaborate,
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