THE FIRST BOOKMARK

In fifth grade, when I was ten years old, I got in trouble for making bookmarks in the middle of class with markers and glue. My teacher eventually put my seat outside the classroom. Apparently, I was supposed to be paying attention. I was busy developing a product.

I went home that day and told my parents I wanted to patent my idea for designing bookmarks. At ten, I clearly had no idea what could or could not be patented. I just knew I had made something and immediately thought, I could do something with this.

I’ve always had that kind of mind. I was constantly coming up with ideas and thinking about what I could create or turn into a business. But when I look back, bookmarks were the first actual business idea I can remember having.

Fast forward to now, and I’m building Hard to Put Down. It wasn’t until I started working on this brand that I remembered that day in fifth grade and realized just how full-circle it was.

Twenty-four years later, I’m designing bookmarks again. Only now, nobody can put my seat outside the classroom.

Funny how the right ideas have a way of finding you again.

Hard to Put Down, apparently in more ways than one.

Hard to Put Down was created from my love of learning and my belief that knowledge changes you. I’ve always been someone who wants to know more, understand more and figure things out for myself. I believe we should ask questions, seek answers, challenge our own thinking and never get too comfortable with who we are today. A lot of this brand also came from turning my own pain into purpose and realizing how much the things we read, learn and tell ourselves can shape who we become. Hard to Put Down is about continuing to learn, continuing to grow and always giving yourself something more to think about.

A little bit of everything. Things to read, things to wear, things to keep around and things that remind you of what you already know but sometimes need to hear again. You’ll find products, recommendations, words, ideas and whatever else makes sense as Hard to Put Down grows. Some of it will be meaningful. Some of it will be funny. Some of it will challenge you. Some of it might just make you say, “I needed that.”

Yes. We ship throughout the U.S. and internationally to available destinations. International customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or import fees.

Orders are processed as quickly as possible. Once your order ships, tracking information will be sent directly to your email.

Send us your order number and photos of what arrived through our Contact page. If something went wrong on our end, we’ll make it right.

Maybe. Some things are worth repeating. Others are better left in the first edition. Join our email list for restocks, new releases, and first access to what comes next.