Calligraphy Biz Corner

Alane Gianetti, Shaochen Wu

Have you been itching to turn your creative passion into a business? You're in the right place! We're Shaochen and Alane, calligraphy biz besties who built our dream businesses from scratch, and we're spilling the ink on how you can too!
Join us on Calligraphy Biz Corner for biweekly biz chats, where we guide you through the maze of running a creative business, complete with real-life strategy and mindset magic. As two full time wedding calligraphers and business educators, we have over a decade of business experience working with hundreds of wedding, luxury and corporate clients, and we've mentored hundreds of calligraphers just like you. Together, let's uncover the business that supports the life YOU want and leave the overwhelm and imposter syndrome behind.
Get ready to hear our successes, stumbles, and insider insights -- we're here to give it to you straight and make your solopreneur journey less lonely by being in your corner! So come join the inner circle of two business-savvy calligraphers who've been there, inked that ✍️

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Top 10 Calligraphy Biz Corner Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Calligraphy Biz Corner episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Calligraphy Biz Corner for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Calligraphy Biz Corner episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

2. Looking Back to Leap Forward: Tips on Reflection and Goal Setting

Calligraphy Biz Corner

01/23/24 • 53 min

Reflecting on 2023 and Planning for 2024: Business Goals and Success Measures
We're bringing that new year energy into today's episode, and sharing our top tips to help you rock 2024!
Before you dive into goal-setting, we encourage you to reflect on the previous year, both intuitively as well as by looking at your numbers. Using Shaochen's New Year's Reflection Guide, we're diving into three questions to ask yourself as you're doing your 2023 reflection, the three numbers that you should review in your business, and the three questions to ask yourself as you're setting goals for the new year.
As examples, we're sharing our answers to each question and how we will use our 2023 reviews to inform our goals and actions for the next year. Get ready to hear our transitions within the calligraphy biz world, expanding our focus from wedding calligraphy to business education, and the importance of aligning your business goals to your personal values and desired lifestyles.
We'll also dive into the importance of tracking business metrics across marketing, sales, and client experience for more informed goal-setting. Grab your notebook and pen, because this is a juicy one!
And stay tuned until the end of this episode, where Shaochen is spilling the ink on a brand new offering that will help you get super clear on your financial goals for 2024!
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

🎙️ In this Episode:

00:32 Introduction
04:50 Three Questions for Reflection
22:27 Reviewing & Understanding Your Marketing Metrics
30:34 Reviewing & Understanding Your Sales Numbers
33:00 The Power of Reviews in Your Client Experience
36:45 Looking Ahead
50:00 Preparing for Your Best Year Yet

This episode may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using the link, we earn a small commission. We only share products that we use ourselves, and we think it would be of benefit to you!

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3. Part 1: Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Calligraphy Business (and What To Do Instead!)

Calligraphy Biz Corner

02/06/24 • 41 min

In today's episode, we're sharing mistakes we've seen when starting a calligraphy business, and what to do instead.
We've pinpointed five "mistakes" to avoid, such as an overemphasis on perfectionism, comparison with others, and allowing negative feedback to affect your dreams. We also highlight the problem of calculating prices based on others’ and encourage you to consider your own personal costs and skill level when setting your prices.
But we're not just here to share what you shouldn't do! We're giving practical steps for calligraphers who are ready to transition from hobby to business, such as the importance of exploration (listen in to hear Shaochen's potato story!), creating a portfolio, registering your business, separating your finances, and getting customer reviews early on.
If you're ready to turn your calligraphy hobby into a flourishing business, then this episode is for you! Heck, even if you're a seasoned pro, you may learn something new... We know that we both definitely did!
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

🎙️ In this Episode:

0:00 Introduction
02:11 Mistake #1 - Waiting for Things to Be Perfect
05:56 Mistake #2 - Comparing Yourself to Others
08:28 Mistake #3 - Letting Negative Feedback Crush Your Dreams
14:38 Mistake #4 - Basing Your Pricing Off of Others
18:55 Mistake #5 - Not Thinking Through Use Cases
24:03 Do #1 - Talk About Your Biz
27:07 Do #2 - Explore, Experiment, and Explore Some More!
30:23 Do #3 - Build Your Portfolio
33:23 Do #4 - Make Your Biz Legal
37:43 Do #5 - Collect Reviews
39:49 Start Your Business Today

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4. Part 2: Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Your Calligraphy Business (and What To Do Instead!)

Calligraphy Biz Corner

02/20/24 • 61 min

As a follow-up to Episode 3, we're sharing the mistakes we've seen and made when growing a calligraphy business, and what to do instead!
In this episode, we talk about three key mistakes that calligraphers should avoid in the growing phase of their business, such as not niching down and not having proper systems in place. We also chat through actionable things to consider during the growth phase to help set your business up for maximum success. These include the importance of getting clear on personal financial goals, identifying what you want your business and personal life to look like, investing in professional growth, finding community, and outsourcing.
If you're ready to take on more clients, increase your revenue, or expand your services, this episode is for you!
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

💻 Software Programs Mentioned

Calendly for meeting scheduling
Zapier for connecting different applications
Honeybook CRM free trial and 25% off
Dubsado CRM free trial and 20% off

🎙️ In this Episode:

00:00 Introduction
02:47 Mistake #1 - Not Niching Down
06:23 Mistake #2 - Comparing Your Biz Growth to Others'
12:08 Mistake #3 - Lack of Systems
21:14 Do #1 - Get Clear on Your Financial Goals
26:37 Do #2 - Build Your Business on What You Want Your Life to Look Like
30:05 Do #3 - Lean on Community to Accelerate Your Business
39:14 Do #4 - Invest in Your Professional Growth
48:37 Do #5 - Outsource to Maximize Your Money-Making Time
01:00:35 Final Thoughts

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15. Mastering Marketing and Pricing for Live Events with Cat and Alex of Keeping Up with the Calligraphers

Calligraphy Biz Corner

09/10/24 • 54 min

We're back from summer break and kicking off the fall season with a special collaboration episode featuring Cat and Alex from Keeping Up with the Calligraphers podcast! We're honored to have them on the show to chat about the diverse, in-demand live event calligraphy industry.

Join us for this exciting conversation where Cat Brown of Cat Lauren Calligraphy and Alex Hirsch of Signs of Our Lives share their experiences of growing their calligraphy businesses, niching down within the live event space, and the importance of staying authentic in business. We chat about essential marketing and pricing strategies for live events, the value of community connections, and the necessity of having a contract in place, whether it's your first or your hundredth job.

From corporate events to private parties, Cat and Alex have a wealth of knowledge when in comes to standing out as live event artists. After getting their start by creating signs and paper goods for weddings, they expanded their services to provide live calligraphy at corporate events and activations for brands like Prada, Makers Mark, LA Magazine, Netflix, and more.

Whether you're looking to partner with luxury and corporate clients, provide on-site activations for local businesses, or even break into the world of flash tattoos, this episode has all the tips you need to create personalized, Insta-worthy experiences for guests of all kinds. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with actionable tips as we head into busy season for live events!

Please note, if you're listening around littles, you might want to put headphones in for this one!
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Tune into Keeping Up With the Calligraphers podcast & follow on instagram
Connect with Cat on Instagram and Alex on Instagram
Check out Nibtique for a directory of calligraphers
Shop Calligraphy contracts at the Legal Paige (use code CATLAUREN10 for 10% off!)

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16. From Burned Out to Balanced: Keys to Navigating Busy Season as a Small Business Owner

Calligraphy Biz Corner

09/24/24 • 46 min

In this week's episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we’re tackling a topic that hits close to home for all small business owners and creative entrepreneurs—how to avoid burnout and manage stress in peak times like wedding season and the holidays. Whether you’re balancing a ton of wedding stationery orders, preparing holiday product launches, or just trying to keep your to-do list in check, we’ve got your back!
We’re sharing real-life strategies that have worked for us (and our clients) to help you thrive, not just survive, during these hectic times. You’ll hear about:

Setting realistic priorities so you don’t overwhelm yourself
Clear communication with clients and collaborators to properly balance expectations
Leveraging systems and workflows to streamline your calligraphy business
Why self-care isn’t optional and how to make time for it—even when your schedule is packed
The importance of celebrating wins, big or small, to keep your motivation high
Mastering the power of saying 'no' so you can protect your time and energy

Whether you're a seasoned calligrapher or just starting your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you beat burnout and keep your passion for calligraphy alive.

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28. Show Up, Stand Out & Build an Authentic Brand Online with Madelyn Furlong of Madelyn Victoria Co.

Calligraphy Biz Corner

03/18/25 • 55 min

We know how overwhelming it can feel to show up online consistently, create engaging and authentic content, and stand out as a calligrapher or creative entrepreneur—which is why we’re so excited for this episode! We’re joined by Madelyn Furlong of Madelyn Victoria Co., a Showit website designer and social media expert, who shares her best visibility strategies for small businesses as well as content strategies that attract clients with ease.

If you’ve been struggling with social media marketing, feeling stuck on how to build trust with your audience online, or wondering how to turn followers into paying customers, this conversation is packed with actionable tips you can implement right away!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to Build an Authentic Online Presence: The secret to showing up in a way that feels natural and attracts your dream clients.
Social Media Consistency Tips: How to stay consistent on Instagram and create a strategy that doesn’t lead to burnout.
The 10-10-10 Framework for Engagement: Madelyn’s simple but powerful method to grow engagement and connect with potential customers.
How to Balance Short-Term & Long-Term Marketing: The difference between social media marketing and website SEO, and why both matter.
How to Create Content That Converts: The exact steps to craft content that builds relationships and drives sales.
Customer Journey Framework for Creative Entrepreneurs: How to create a seamless experience that turns leads into loyal customers.
Visibility Strategies for Small Businesses: How to make your brand stand out in a crowded online space.

If you're looking to attract your ideal clients, build a loyal customer base, and show up online in a way that actually feels good, grab your notebook and tune in. This episode will give you the confidence and clarity to market your creative business effectively.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

For marketing and website support, connect with Madelyn on Instagram or visit her website
Get Madelyn's free guide, 3 Simple Strategies to Get More Clients and Increase Your Profits
Check out Madelyn's book rec: Unreasonable Hospitality
Listen to Episode 20 with Erinn Bridgman
Purchase Instagram Templates from Creative Market

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6. Forging Unique Paths to Full-Time: Stories from Calligraphers Who Have Done It

Calligraphy Biz Corner

03/19/24 • 65 min

In our first-ever guest interview episode, we're highlighting the unique journeys of three successful calligraphers as they transformed their calligraphy hobbies or side hustles into full-time businesses! We chat with Hannah of Tally Mark Calligraphy, Dani of Paper Cliché, and Alice of Penned by Alice about what prompted them to take their businesses full-time, the challenges they faced, and their advice for anyone considering making calligraphy their sole source of income.
From Hannah's transition from an athletic trainer to a wedding and live-event calligrapher, to Dani's shift from bartending to running an intentional stationery business, and Alice's move from a finance career to balancing calligraphy with motherhood, these stories emphasize the importance of passion, community support, strategic planning, and showcase how different each of our journeys are.
We hope this episode encourages you to take things one step at a time, focus on your specific goals, and trust the process to achieve your dreams!
🔗 Where to find our guests:
Hannah of Tally Mark Calligraphy:

Dani of Paper Cliché:

Alice of Penned by Alice:

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

🎙️ In this Episode:

00:00 Introduction
02:04 Redefining Identity with Hannah of Tally Mark Calligraphy
22:26 Leading with Alignment with Dani of Paper Cliché
42:38 Running a Biz as a Full-Time Mom with Penned by Alice
01:02:08 Key Themes and Takeaways

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19. Why Ongoing Learning is Essential to Thrive as a Small Business Owner

Calligraphy Biz Corner

11/05/24 • 54 min

In this week's episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we’re diving deep into a topic that every creative business owner should prioritize: the value of continuous learning and development for business success! We believe that prioritizing education can be a game-changer for your calligraphy business, so whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, understanding how to make strategic investments in your education can set you apart from the competition!
We chat about the why, how, and what of investing in your business education—because, let's face it, the more you know, the more you grow! Tune in to hear why investing in your education is essential for long-term growth, our personal insights on how to strategically decide what educational resources are right for you, and other crucial topics like:

The long-term benefits of making education a core part of your strategy.
Tips for assessing your current needs and aligning them with your educational investments.
Key qualities to look for in a coach or mentor and how to ensure their approach matches your business vision.
Actionable strategies for being fully present and engaged in your educational pursuits, helping you maximize your investment.
Our personal experiences with educational investments and the lessons we've learned.
Tailoring your education to your stage in the calligraphy business, from beginners to established pros.

If you’re ready to elevate your creative business through education and learn how to navigate your journey with confidence, this episode is for you! Grab a notebook because we’re sharing our top insights!

We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with us—we love hearing from our community! 💌

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5. Our Worst Pet Peeves as Calligraphers and How to Combat Them

Calligraphy Biz Corner

03/05/24 • 41 min

Buckle up for a spicy episode! 🔥 After a few teaching-heavy episodes, we're spilling the ink on our top pet peeves as wedding calligraphers! From misspelling "stationery" to referring to calligraphy as a "font" to ghosting, join us for some real talk about what it's like being a calligrapher in a world where we constantly have to explain what we do (JK! Kind of...).
Of course, this wouldn't be a Calligraphy Biz Corner episode if we didn't also share our learnings and ways to mitigate some of these pet peeves! Tune in to hear our biggest frustrations, join in as we laugh about them, and then hear how we combat them.
🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Download Shaochen's FREE Ghostbusting Guide

🎙️ In this Episode:

00:00 Introduction
05:08 Pet Peeve #1 - Stationary vs. Stationery
07:23 Pet Peeve #2 - Not Being Tagged in Photo Credits
12:02 Pet Peeve #3 - Flowers that Cover up Calligraphy on our Signage
14:04 Pet Peeve #4 - Referring to Calligraphy as a "Font"
17:26 Pet Peeve #5 - "The invites will end up in the trash"
21:14 Pet Peeve #6 - Clients that Don't Have a Budget
25:45 Pet Peeve #7 - Ghosting
40:10 Key Takeaways

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18. How to Make Your Calligraphy Business Legal with Paige Hulse of The Creative Law Shop

Calligraphy Biz Corner

10/22/24 • 62 min

We’re so excited to welcome Paige Hulse, lawyer and founder of The Creative Law Shop, to this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner! Paige shares her inspiring journey from owning a calligraphy business herself, and how that led her to becoming a serial entrepreneur. Most importantly, she breaks down all the legal essentials you need to know to make your calligraphy business official and legally protected.
In this episode, we dive into crucial legal topics that every creative business owner should know. Paige walks us through what to include in a calligraphy contract to protect you and your clients (yes, you need a contract!), how forming an LLC protects you, and common mistakes that can leave small business owners exposed to risk. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your legal game, Paige provides practical tips to safeguard your business so that you can take on clients with confidence.
We also answer listener questions about the right way to sign contracts and how to protect your work from intellectual property theft. Plus, Paige introduces the Creative Law Foundry—an AI-powered app designed to help creative entrepreneurs like you easily craft contracts tailored to your business.
If you’ve been wondering how to make your calligraphy business legally sound, or how to protect your art and your client relationships, this episode is for you! Grab a notebook because Paige is dropping some serious legal knowledge you won’t want to miss.

The following acronyms are used in this episode, we've provided links that help explain what they mean and encourage you to do your own research as well.

DBA: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-a-dba/
GDPR: https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/
DCMA Takedown: https://bolster.ai/blog/what-is-a-dmca-takedown

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FAQ

How many episodes does Calligraphy Biz Corner have?

Calligraphy Biz Corner currently has 31 episodes available.

What topics does Calligraphy Biz Corner cover?

The podcast is about Creative Business, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Education and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Calligraphy Biz Corner?

The episode title '1. Welcome to our Corner' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Calligraphy Biz Corner?

The average episode length on Calligraphy Biz Corner is 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Calligraphy Biz Corner released?

Episodes of Calligraphy Biz Corner are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner?

The first episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner was released on Jan 20, 2024.

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Calligraphy Biz Corner

Alane Gianetti, Shaochen Wu

Top 10 Calligraphy Biz Corner Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Calligraphy Biz Corner have?

What topics does Calligraphy Biz Corner cover?

What is the most popular episode on Calligraphy Biz Corner?

What is the average episode length on Calligraphy Biz Corner?

How often are episodes of Calligraphy Biz Corner released?

When was the first episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner?

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