Bhav has earned much appreciation for their aesthetic appeal but  they want their products to be practical and efficient as well.
Let’s admit it, it’s not only school-goers who are picky about their stationery. Many of us still feel excited at the sight of cute notebooks, colorful file holders or perhaps maybe even a collection of fancy pens. Now usually while many Nepalis have to turn to foreign brands to purchase such interesting stationeries, there is one local brand that is trying to meet these creative demands, at least, on the notebook front. Priyanka Gurung met up with graphic designer, Bhintuna Jya-poo, proprietor of Bhav, to talk about her products and inspiration.

It all began with one tiny inconvenience. As a planner user herself, Jya-poo talks about how all the diaries available in the market didn’t have enough space for her to jot down her activities and appointments for the weekend. It may have been a small detail but it was such a nuisance for her that she ended up designing her own notebooks, tailored to her needs.

Jya-poo talks about the importance of allowing users the freedom to use her Bhav notebooks as per their requirements. It has sort of become the essence of the products. And this is especially apparent when we look through the #bhavproduct posts on Instagram.

In the two years that they have been in the market, Bhav notebooks and planners seem to have amassed quite the fan following. It’s become a hit not only among the youngsters and creative circles in the capital but the likes of US embassy and UN projects have also reached out to Bhav for collaborations. And through Instagram posts and pictures, we can see that everyone has indeed been using the notebooks and planners in their own unique way. 

Jya-poo has obviously been keeping an eye on it all as well. She shares that she always makes it a point to repost every photo people share of them using her products, “It’s Bhav notebooks and planners but they all appear so different. I love seeing how our consumers have personalized it in their own ways. It seems when a stationery is inviting, people feel inspired to write and doodle. We would be thrilled if we can help encourage people’s writing habits or inspire them to go back to drawing and doodling more.”

It’s also the reason why one of the designs for the 2017 notebook cover features a blank space. The other options include a distinct Nepali flavor with Swet Bhairav, Chandra Surya, Latokosero (owl) and even abstract fish scale that Jya-poo has christened Nyaku (in Newari) on the cover. 

There are loads of varieties on the insides as well. Unlike other manufacturers, Bhav doesn’t only sell two lines notebooks. They offer anything from two lines to blank and one centimeter grid or even two centimeter grid paper notebooks in various popping colors. It’s apparently proven to be an interesting concept.

“Initially, people were confused what to do with them because we have been conditioned since our school days to only write in two line papers. But now, many people enjoy using grid and two grid papers. Design and engineering students love them but other folks also like having this as an option,” explains Jya-poo.

As it is, Bhav products are known to incorporate suggestions from their clients. They had openly called for feedback to design their 2017 planner and as a result, there are new features like Nepali and English calendar combos as well as extra spaces for notes and even an idea section. As Jya-poo puts it, though Bhav has already earned much appreciation for their aesthetic appeal, they want their products to be practical and efficient as well. And so far, they seem to be on the right track.

Branching out

Even though notebooks have been their main priority, Bhav has been coming out with some accessorizes such as badges, DIY cards, computer stickers and totes as well. 

Badges
The badges and the stickers are mainly inspired from their creative monthly challenge, Naulo. It is their way of finding the perfect balance between creativity and fun. Bhav, in collaboration with ATLP, has been bringing a unique opportunity to share imagination every month by participating in a giveaway contest. Every month has a theme and interested participants can send in their doodles or interpretations of any kind on the theme. Some of the popular Bhav badges were once winners of these contests. Jya-poo says even though the naulo contest has been kept on hold for a couple of months now but they plan to host it again soon.

Totes
The reversible totes made of locally produced jute were an experiment that has proved to be quite a success. Unlike the plain white totes that flood the market, Bhav wanted to offer something different, functional and susta-inable. The bag, therefore, has many handy mini compartments and comes in a variety of different shades.

Price range
Notebooks: Rs 98 to 500
Badges, DIY cards and stickers: according to design (roughly from Rs 60-80)

Jute bag: Rs 850
Bhav products can be purchased from Sam’s One Tree Shop in Durbarmarg and also their own outlet in Freak Street, Jhochhen, Nhusa Marg-44. 

 
• for doodles
 
• dates and more