Meet Justin: The Adventurer Behind Not Just North

Howdy, Traveler!

Welcome to Not Just North! I'm thrilled to have you accompany me as we honor the rich tapestry of individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, and all the spaces in between.

The Creative Journey

From a young age, art has been a beacon of comfort and joy in my life. My journey through retail and visual merchandising nurtured a deep-seated passion for these fields, and along with my love of the arts, sparked the dream of entrepreneurship.

After working tirelessly in the corporate world for twenty years, I felt a need for change. My steadfast dedication to art and my retail background illuminated the path forward, transforming my dreams into a concrete business reality.

My deep passion for connecting with individuals and uncovering their unique stories was the highlight of my retail career. It presented a chance to emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—values I'm integrating into my business's core. These exchanges have broadened my understanding of life's diverse journeys and underscored the timeless principle: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Creating with Purpose

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I craft each item with intention and purpose. My neurodivergent mind (hello, ADHD!) has led me to develop a unique creative process that embraces different ways of thinking and creating.

My studio is organized into inspiration zones, each with affirmations that guide my work:

  • The Morning Station for social media and planning
  • The Art Creation Area where designs come to life
  • The Packaging Station where each item is prepared for its journey to you

This approach celebrates neurodiversity while ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves.

The Meaning Behind Not Just North

So, what's the connection to Not Just North? It's simple. My ambition is to craft items that spread happiness to individuals from all walks of life. As we each journey through life, no matter our path, we all deserve to experience joy and to "Keep North," a motto that embodies staying true to oneself.

While we're keeping our heads held high, we're all still going about life in many different directions, thus giving Not Just North its name.

Our Commitments

At Not Just North, we believe in creating more than just handcrafted items - we're building a community where everyone belongs.

  • Celebrating diversity through thoughtful designs that represent many identities
  • Supporting the LGBTQ+ community by creating safe, affirming spaces
  • Sourcing materials responsibly from inclusive suppliers
  • Minimizing environmental impact by recycling leftover materials
  • Crafting with intention to bring joy to everyday life

Proudly Affiliated With

🏳️🌈 Safe Space Alliance - supporting safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities
🌈 Open to All Coalition - promoting nondiscrimination and inclusivity
✨ Everything is Queer community - connecting LGBTQ+ creators and businesses

Thanks, Traveler, for supporting our small business on your life's adventure! While we all might be going different directions in life, we're still in this together. Not Just North wants to bring us all together, one traveler at a time.

Contact me: howdy@notjustnorth.com | (317) 742-9796