Rebecca Yates, a Leeds artist and founder of the stationery brand Rebecca Yates Designs, has discovered journalling as a powerful way to process emotions, make sense of experiences, and create space to slow down and reconnect with herself.
Her personal journey, shaped by growing up with a sight condition and managing its emotional impact, has inspired her to promote journalling and creativity as tools for mental health. Rebecca was born with congenital cataracts and childhood glaucoma, which required multiple treatments and continues to require specialist care.
Despite challenges with her vision, Rebecca's passion for creativity began early. Growing up in rural Yorkshire, she made and sold handmade cards as a teenager. Although she initially struggled with art at school due to her sight, she eventually returned to creative pursuits as an adult, leading to the launch of her business in 2019.
Rebecca Yates Designs offers journals, planners, stickers, and other stationery designed to make creativity accessible and personal. The brand has gained a loyal customer base and media recognition, including features in national magazines and an invitation to Downing Street as part of a small business group.
Rebecca emphasises that journalling does not need to be perfect or artistic. It can be a private, messy, or simple space to capture thoughts, feelings, or daily reflections. For her, journalling has been a way to confront and process complex emotions related to her disability, including moments of grief and anxiety about her sight.
As World Mental Health Day on 10 October focuses on valuing lived experiences, Rebecca hopes to encourage more people to try journalling as a means of self-reflection and mental wellbeing.
