meet Lisa

A little about me 

After university, I settled in beautiful Chapel Hill, NC, where I’m now raising two wonderful kids with my husband. For ten years, my world was all about the financial industry—but my heart always belonged to crafting and journaling. Eventually, I decided to trade the spreadsheets for sewing machines and bookbinding! When I’m not in my studio, you’ll usually find me lost in a book, traveling to new places, or simply playing with my children. I’m so happy to share my craft with you—nice to meet you!

How I build business based on love of sewing, journalling and reading

In 2013, I spent my very first paycheck from my first "real" job on a Brother CS-6000i sewing machine. I had no idea then that this single purchase would change my life.

The road wasn’t always pretty—there were plenty of "hideous" first projects and late-night mistakes along the way. But with every wonky seam, I learned. Eventually, those mistakes turned into well-constructed garments and professional bags. My passion grew so strong that three years ago, I took the leap to make sewing my life’s work—teaching others, providing supplies, and creating DIY kits to help fellow makers find their own rhythm.

But there was another love in my life: journaling. I’ve been keeping diaries since middle school, and I’m a self-proclaimed notebook collector. One day, a lightbulb went off: Why not combine my love for textiles with my love for paper?

I spent months in a cycle of trial and error, obsessing over how to make a journal that wasn’t just beautiful, but truly functional. As a reader and writer, I knew what was missing. I started adding pen holders and hidden pockets to book covers and journals—because a handmade item should work as hard as it looks.

That was the birth of MNIMI. Since last year, I’ve been combining sewing and bookbinding to create unique, fabric-covered photo albums and notebooks. Every piece is handmade by me and can be completely customized. Whether you want a touch of lace or a signature bow, I’m here to help you create a "treasure" that preserves your most precious memories.