Meet Remy Road | Writer and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Remy Road and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Remy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Onion Skin Journal was first conceptualized six years as I was writing my newly released poetry book “Tonight I am with the Moon”. During the writing process I found myself increasingly frustrated with the quality of blank journals I was purchasing to do my writing in. They all felt lifeless, and factory made. Because they were. Not only that, but as the world has become increasingly focused on the capitalistic pursuit of money over quality, the choices of blank journals at my disposal were all cheaply made with glued spines that barely allowed you to lay pages flat to write. Writing requires a certain je ne sais quoi mix of romanticism, grit and tactile pleasure, and the books on the market weren’t doing it for me.

It was then that I decided I was going to create a journal that had every single quality in it that I had come to desire. My first inspiration was onion skin paper, also known as airmail paper. Onion skin paper is a coveted wood pulp paper amongst artists for its somewhat translucent ethereal quality that evokes some of the similar qualities of onion skins. It is unimaginably thin, while retaining enough integrity that it doesn’t bleed onto the next page with inks or paints. As you write on it, it sorts of cockles and dimples, so that its character is transformed. It makes a delicious loud crinkle sound as you turn its pages. Onions skin paper is also very difficult to find, and is pretty much out of mainstream production, which is why most artists will buy the vintage versions on eBay.

My second inspiration was the old dusty books you could find on the shelves of used book stores and antique shops. With their linen covers, and sewn bindings, I loved the way the pages layed flat when you opened them- a must for writing.

Lastly, I wanted the books to be made where I lived. Which is why all our books are made in America. It was important to me that I knew exactly who was making my books, how, and with what methods. I didn’t want another cheap factory book, I wanted something real, that had heart and soul in it. In finding a book maker I was shot down by 8 different US book producers, stating that they. had never worked with Onion Skin, and that books could not be made out if it. The paper was too thin for their modern machines, and it was also “just not something they did”. I knew I would have to work outside the mainstream mold. That is when my brother introduced me to his neighbor Anthony in Miami. On our first call Anthony was all in. He said he would figure it out!

Anthony works side by side with his son and 94 year old father. Using mostly their hands, and turn of the century industrial machinery, together these three generations of bookmakers work together to help bring my vision to life. Our relationship is kind, respectful and full of love and heart. I think this is what makes these books so special. I often say, these are books that want to be made, and want to be used.

I am proud of the books we have created with a life and love of their own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Aside from The Onion Skin Journal, my other passion is writing spiritual poetry. My first book “Tonight I am with the Moon” is currently being published and will be available on my business website www.theonionskinjournal.com soon.

Here is a poem from the collection.

Together

Only do today.
And if you can’t do today,
do this moment with me.
I’m here. With you.
We can not know
what to do, together.
I will not try to make you strong,
I will let you be reckless
and abandon yourself.
I will whisper all the things
that make me ashamed so that
you remember you are not different.
I will remind you that even if your fears come true,
you can still be love’s messenger.
Tomorrow I will wash your hair,
so you don’t have to.
And put seashells on your neck.
I’ll draw lines about your eyes
to give you some power.
But that is tomorrow.
Only do today.
And if you can’t do today,
do this moment with me.
I’m here. With you.
We can not know what to do,
together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t have gotten to the place without my brothers who always encouraged me to create art, and be my own boss. I also want to shout out my Dad and Mom who have always loved me no matter what I was doing with my life. My partner Matt, who encouraged me very step of the way in creating my business. And lastly my girlfriends, who lift me up when I am down. Without them, I don’t know where I would be.

Website: www.theonionskinjournal.com

Instagram: @theonionskinjournal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonionskinjournal/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onionskinjournal7819

Other: @remy_road for my poetry.

Image Credits
Halsey Pierce