Ep 1. Welcome to Our Corner
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Welcome to the very first episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner! We're your hosts, Alane and Shaochen, two full-time wedding calligraphers and business educators, and our mission with this podcast is simple: to guide calligraphers through the maze of running a creative business, complete with real-life strategy and mindset magic.
Here's what to expect in our first episode: we're sharing more about our personal journeys with calligraphy and spilling the ink on how our passions evolved into entrepreneurship. You'll also hear how we initially connected way back in 2020 and how our collaborations over the years have led to the birth of Calligraphy Biz Corner.
Our episodes will be packed with real-life stories and practical tips, so rest assured that whether you're a budding beginner or a seasoned pro, they'll be something for everyone in the calligraphy industry!
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
Hey friend! We're Shaochen and Alane, full-time wedding calligraphers and business mentors who built our dream businesses from scratch. On the Calligraphy Biz Corner podcast, we spill the ink on how you can too! Together, we'll uncover the business that compliments the life YOU desire, and we'll leave the overwhelm and imposter syndrome behind. Whether you're a wedding calligrapher, a live event artist or a creative entrepreneur, there's something here for you! Join us for biweekly business chats, where we guide you through the maze of running a creative business, complete with real-life strategy and mindset magic.
Welcome to the Calligraphy Biz Corner podcast! In the inaugural episode, seasoned wedding calligraphers and business mentors, Alane and Shaochen come together to share their journeys and experiences in building successful calligraphy businesses.
Both Alane and Shaochen, who have over a decade of combined experience in the calligraphy industry, delve into how they transitioned from casual hobbyists to full-time wedding calligraphers. You'll find valuable insights for aspiring calligraphy entrepreneurs, especially those navigating the challenges of starting and growing a calligraphy business. From the initial spark of interest to finding their niche in the wedding industry, Alane and Shaochen's stories will resonate with anyone looking to turn their creative passion into a thriving business.
The Motivation Behind the Podcast
The idea of starting a podcast had been on Shaochen's mind for several years. However, it wasn’t until she and Alane connected during the pandemic that she felt a renewed urgency to bring the idea to life. Both hosts experienced a sense of community during the pandemic that they wanted to continue, especially within the calligraphy industry. Shaochen recalls how listening to podcasts helped her through the early, uncertain stages of her calligraphy business, and she hopes to provide that same guidance and support to others through the Calligraphy Biz Corner podcast.
Meet your Hosts
Alane is a wedding calligrapher and calligraphy business mentor based in Hoboken, New Jersey, and the owner of Write Pretty for Me. Shaochen is the owner of Monstera Gold in Denver, Colorado, and is also a wedding calligrapher and business educator for calligraphers.
Through this podcast, they hope to foster a supportive community for calligraphers and share the lessons they've learned over the years to help others build their dream calligraphy businesses.
Shaochen's Journey: From Hobbyist to Full-Time Calligrapher
Shaochen’s journey into calligraphy began during her childhood, where she first learned Chinese brush calligraphy. It wasn’t until 2018 that she started learning English calligraphy, a skill she initially pursued as a creative escape from her stressful tech job. Shaochen found calligraphy to be calming and meditative, and it quickly became a hobby she could easily practice in her spare time. After leaving her job unexpectedly, Shaochen decided to turn her newfound passion into a business, launching Monster Gold just a few months after taking her first calligraphy class. Despite the initial challenges, Shaochen found her niche in wedding calligraphy and has been specializing in this area ever since.
Alane's Path: From Side Hustle to Full-Time Wedding Calligrapher
Alane’s story began in 2013 when she started practicing calligraphy as a hobby. Like Shaochen, she was looking for a creative outlet from her nine-to-five job and found joy in writing pretty letters. Her first calligraphy job came in 2015 when a friend asked her to address wedding envelopes. This experience made Alane realize that there was a demand for calligraphy in the wedding industry. Over the next few years, she slowly grew her side hustle, building an online presence through Instagram and a simple Squarespace website. By 2018, Alane felt confident enough in her calligraphy business to leave her corporate job and pursue her passion full-time. Today, she specializes in creating handmade wedding details that bring couples’ love stories to life.
The Birth of Their Collaboration
Alane and Shaochen’s partnership began in the middle of 2020 during the pandemic, a time when the wedding industry was at a standstill. Both calligraphers were looking for ways to stay connected with their peers and continue their work. Alane, who has always been passionate about helping other calligraphers with pricing and business strategies, hosted a free pricing webinar on Zoom. Shaochen attended the webinar and then reached out to Alane for a virtual coffee chat. The rest is history! A collaborative relationship was formed, and it's grown into a friendship and now a podcast!
Building a Community for Calligraphers
Throughout the episode, both Alane and Shaochen emphasize the importance of building a supportive community for calligraphers. They understand firsthand how isolating it can be to start a creative business, and they want to provide a space where others can learn, grow, and connect. The Calligraphy Biz Corner podcast aims to be that space, offering real, honest conversations about the highs and lows of running a calligraphy business.
Conclusion: A Resource for Aspiring Calligraphy Entrepreneurs
The first episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner sets the stage for a podcast filled with practical advice, personal stories, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed in the calligraphy industry. Alane and Shaochen are not only wedding calligraphers but also dedicated mentors who are eager to share their experiences with others. Whether you are just starting out in the calligraphy world or looking to take your business to the next level, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone passionate about turning their love for calligraphy into a thriving business!
