Introducing MellowApricotStudio

"Embracing the Mellowness of Life"

MellowApricotStudio is a Manchester‑based, one‑woman stationery brand that dreams in colour and soul, weaving together creativity, sustainability and mindfulness into every whimsical design. Founded by Julia, a Swiss graphic designer with a lifelong love for paper  - this studio is as much a creative haven as it is a mission to get mellow.

 

Originally from Switzerland, Julia relocated to the UK in 2017 and eventually settled in Manchester. After years immersed in visual communication and corporate projects, she found herself at a crossroads in early 2023. Facing burnout, she took a courageous step, deciding to take a break from the corporate world she knew, to care for her mental health and rediscover her creative spark along the way.

Those months of intentional rest became a rebirth. Julia embraced making art again, nurturing everyday mindfulness, and tuning into the small joys that stationery can bring… colouring, planning and the tactile delight of beautiful paper, a joy she’s held since childhood. She realised: her next chapter needn’t be behind an office desk. Instead, she could share that joy through her own creations.

By September 2023, MellowApricotStudio officially launched with its first collection of products: thoughtfully designed pieces that married functionality with imagination. Each design comes from Julia’s own illustrations, often inspired by the flora and fauna of the natural world with a touch of whimsy.

 

The core values of MellowApricotStudio are creativity, sustainability and mindfulness which are reflected in every product design.

Creativity - Every item is a unique original, hand‑made or designed by Julia herself. Whether it’s a floral “Spring Meadow” notebook or a cosmic‑themed mini‑journal, each piece invites imagination and personal expression.

Sustainability - Julia is intentional about her materials and production methods. She works with eco‑friendly printers and partners across the UK (e.g., Leeds, Bristol) and sometimes beyond to ensure that her designs are printed responsibly and with care for the planet.

Mindfulness - Products are thoughtfully created to support a slower, more intentional pace. Julia’s desk calendars include journaling prompts, and notebooks and often feature nature-inspired elements that invite reflection and calm.

Julia tries to add tools to build and support your mindfulness practice in as many products as possible. Hopefully, using any MellowApricotStudio product will bring you as much joy as it is to design and make them.

The soul of the brand is summed up beautifully by Julia herself:

“The soul of my brand lies in embracing the mellowness of life itself, finding joy in the simple act of colouring, the satisfaction of effective planning, and the allure of exquisite stationery.”

You can find MellowApricotStudio on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and Pinterest with the handle @MellowApricotStudio

Also, shop directly from MellowApricotStudio online store here.