Calligraphy Biz Corner

Only a fraction of small businesses make it past the five-year mark, so I wanted to break down some strategies and mindsets that have helped me stay resilient through the highs and lows of business ownership as I look forward to year 8. This episode is shared from the private podcast inside my Ascent coaching program. 

Inside we talk about: 

• Making decisions like your future self
• How happiness isn't a constant - and why that can be a good thing
• Removing the shoulds from your business 
• How rest is not a luxury, but required 

1. Journal Prompts: 
   1. What are some actions and decisions the future version of you running your ideal business would make, that you could apply to your business today? 
   2. What “shoulds” are weighing on you? What can you do instead to achieve a similar outcome, in a way that feels more fun? 
   3. What does “fully booked” mean to you? How does this translate to revenue and/or client goals? 
   4. What are some boundaries you can put around your business to ensure that you have time for rest?

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ascent Coaching Mastermind for Calligraphers
• Your CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching Program
• Coaching Interest Form

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

I'm so excited to have Kristine of Kristine P. Calligraphy on as our first guest interview in a year! Kristine's story is a perfect example of how a business can transform based on your interests, your physical wellbeing, and what season of life you're in. From chalkboard signs to digital templates to now running a full-service, large-scale wedding signage business, Kristine walks us through every pivot — including the moment in 2025 when she was ready to give up entirely, and how joining my CEO Partner 1:1 coaching program helped her completely reposition her business, leading to a booked-out 2026.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Kristine's business evolved from a 2017 hobby into full-service wedding signage today
• Why hand pain and burnout led her to pivot into a passive digital template shop — and why that pivot didn't stick
• The moment she realized large-scale signage installs were her true passion (and the family connection behind it)
• What we worked on inside the CEO Partner coaching program to rebuild her positioning, pricing, and clientele in just 12 weeks
• Kristine's advice on whether a coaching program is worth it 

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Kristine on Instagram @KristinePCalligraphy
• Getting married in Northern California in 2027? Kristine's books are open, inquire at kristinepcalligraphy.com
• Apply for Business Coaching
• Learn about Your CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching (Kristine's Program) 
• Learn about Ascent Coaching Program
• Learn about the Pro Wedding Calligrapher course that started Kristine's business

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Clients and brands are seeking out live event artists like never before, creating a booming new revenue opportunity for calligraphers, engravers, and other creative entrepreneurs. If you're looking to add an income stream that can bring several thousands of dollars per month, this is it.

In this training, you'll learn how to add take your calligraphy, engraving, bottle painting, watercolor portraits, or other art form from your studio, to performing in front of guests. 

We'll cover:

• How to find and reach your ideal live event clients (including corporate clients, brand activations, and weddings)
• The best pricing strategy for live events, which increased my rates by 30% without losing bookings
• The steps to making your first live event a success

Whether you're a calligrapher looking to diversify, an engraver wanting to break into events, or a creative entrepreneur exploring live art as a business, this episode will show you how to turn your artistic skill into a scalable, sustainable income stream.

Download the Freebie: Live Events Supplies Guide

Get the best deal when the Live Events Course launches: Join the Waitlist

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Introducing a new look for Calligraphy Biz Corner! I hope the art reflects how I want this show to make business feel for you - easier and lighter, with more room to play and experiment. And you're not building this thing alone, because when you're tuning in, you've got a whole community of calligraphers and creatives learning right alongside you. My mission on the show and as a business coach is to empower you to not only thrive as an artist, but be confident as an entrepreneur.

Tune in to learn more about your host, Shaochen (that's me!) and what's in store for Calligraphy Biz Corner! 

Starbucks gift card has been spent! Thanks for participating! 

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Have you ever gotten an inquiry that you just knew you couldn't turn down, even though you'd never done that exact thing before? That's what happened when I booked my first live engraving event - without ever having touched an engraver. 

In this episode, I'm sharing the full story of how I said yes to an engraving live event, learned to engrave in one week, and pulled off a wildly successful event. I'm sharing what that experience and other similar experiences have taught me about putting an idea into action fast for your business. 

This isn't about winging it. It's about knowing when you have the skills to go for it, and deciding that you're ready.

In this episode we talk about:

• How to confidently take on something new, without taking on too much risk
• Why readiness is a decision, not a feeling
• The key to booking jobs you've never done before

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn about Ascent 6 Month Coaching Program, kicking off June 1: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/ascent 
• Learn about Your CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching Accelerator: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/ceo-partner
• DM me to chat about your business: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.gold
• All the engraving supplies I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/shop/monstera.gold/list/1GNK1TSY7ST7G?ref_=aipsflist

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

We’re back with a real, honest, and slightly emotional life + business update. This one’s going to feel a little different than our usual episodes, but these are the conversations that matter just as much as business strategy.

If you’re in a season where your calligraphy business or creative business feels a little… unclear, messy, or like you’re outgrowing things faster than you can keep up with, this episode is going to resonate.

We’re pulling back the curtain and sharing what’s actually been happening behind the scenes, why we took a break, and what this next chapter looks like for both of us. From big life changes to making those “I know this is right, but it still feels hard” decisions, this conversation is all about the real side of creative entrepreneurship—not just the highlight reel. 

We’re diving into what it really looks like to grow and evolve a creative business, including stepping into the “messy middle” where things feel unclear, uncomfortable, and uncertain—but also full of potential. The part no one really prepares you for. Tune in if you’ve ever questioned your direction, felt pulled between multiple paths, or wondered how to create a business that truly supports your life.

What we get into in this episode:

•  What calligraphy business growth actually looks like 
•  The “messy middle” of creative entrepreneurship and why it’s actually a good thing 
•  Making big CEO decisions in your creative business (even when you don’t feel ready) 
•  Letting go of things you love so you can grow 
•  Building a creative business that actually supports your life—not the other way around 
•  Why not having all the answers is… kind of the whole point 

This episode is a reminder that calligraphy business growth and creative entrepreneurship aren’t linear. Sometimes the most powerful growth happens in the quiet, uncertain moments where you’re redefining everything.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re in a season of transition in your creative business, you’re not alone - and this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear right now.

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Have you been wanting to launch a new service for your calligraphy business, but aren't sure how to do so without getting overwhelmed or messing up what's already working? In this episode, I'm letting you be a fly on the wall for one of my introductory coaching calls with Laura of The Letter Grain where we talk about how to grow her business through new income streams. 

Laura is a calligrapher based in central Pennsylvania who has a steady window mural business, but found herself missing calligraphy and feeling stuck on how to bring it back. In just under 30 minutes, I take her from feeling unsure of where and how to proceed, to narrowing down one service to start with, and identifying some actionable next steps. 

In this episode we talk about: 

• The value of getting specific with your ideas and audience before growing
• How to focus your energy when you have multiple services and limited time
• Practical first steps for building out a new live calligraphy income stream

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Apply for Your CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching Accelerator: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/ceo-partner
• DM me "Partner" to get recommendations for your business: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.gold
• Unsure whether coaching is right for you? Read this: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/tips/when-to-hire-a-calligraphy-business-coach
• Connect with Laura of TheLettergrain: https://www.instagram.com/thelettergrain/

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Taking leave as a business owner can feel overwhelming — whether you're planning for maternity leave, a medical procedure, a family commitment, or an extended vacation. In this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, Shaochen shares exactly how she navigated maternity leave twice as a creative business owner, and what she'd tell anyone who wants to step away from their business. If you've ever wondered whether your business will survive while you're away, this episode is for you!

We'll talk about: 

Financial Prep:

• Extending your cash runway 
• Boosting income before you go
• Getting assistance through leave programs 
• Cutting expenses before you leave  

Important Mindset Shifts: 

• How referring out inquiries can be good for business 
• Why you don't need to keep posting, emailing, or marketing
• How to handle the fear of missing a busy season
• What really happens to your business when you step away

If you've been putting off a break because you're not sure your business can handle it, this episode will help you see that not only is it possible, but an intentional break will help you come back even more motivated and poised for growth! 

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Apply for CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/ceo-partner
• DM Shaochen "PARTNER" and see if coaching is right for you: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.gold

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Navigating client relationships is one of the most important — and often most challenging — parts of running a creative business. Whether you’re a calligrapher, stationer, live event artist, or another service-based creative, you’ve likely faced situations that tested your boundaries, communication skills, or patience.

In this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we share how we set boundaries, manage expectations, and handle tricky client situations while still delivering a premium experience. We’ll cover:

• Using contracts to protect both sides
• Defining your scope to stop scope creep
• Setting communication boundaries
• Handling challenges with professionalism
• Spotting red flags early & knowing when to walk away

You’ll hear stories from our own businesses and the lessons they taught us about safeguarding time, energy, and creative vision.

If you’ve ever felt drained by a project, second-guessed your boundaries, or wondered how to respond when a client pushes back, this episode will give you the strategies and mindset shifts to manage client relationships with confidence.

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to Episode 18 about contracts with Paige Hulse & get 10% off your Creative Law Shop purchase with code BIZCORNER
• Read Shaochen's blog on live event pricing
• Try Calendly for call scheduling!
• Give Open Phone a try for free!
• Enroll in Shaochen's best-selling business course for calligraphers, Pro Wedding Calligrapher
• Sign up for Shaochen's signage course, Seating Chart Success
• Gain confidence in your pricing with the Creative's Pricing Toolkit
• Grab the Calligrapher's Client Template Bundle for 20+ plug-and-play email templates and more!

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website

Ever freeze up when you think about recording a Reel? Or feel like you “should” be on video but don’t even know where to start? You are so not alone — and this episode is here to help.

We brought on the incredible Natasha from Shine with Natasha, a video marketing strategist who makes content creation feel approachable, sustainable, and actually effective for creative entrepreneurs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned calligrapher looking to level up your visibility, this one’s packed with strategy, mindset shifts, and simple systems to get you out of your head and into action.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a YouTube channel, creating better Reels, or finally showing your face on camera without the imposter spiral, don't miss our episode with Natasha!

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why video matters more than ever for calligraphers, stationers, and creatives
• The mindset shift that’ll help you actually show up on camera (even if you’re terrified)
• How to get “reps” in with short-form video and build a sustainable content habit
• What’s working right now on Instagram Reels and TikTok (and what to skip)
• Why a signature video series might be your secret weapon
• How to plan, film, and actually finish your content without getting overwhelmed
• The truth about going viral vs. going consistent
• Why YouTube is a massive untapped opportunity for creatives (yes, even you!)

Plus, Natasha shares her favorite tools, gear recs, and permission to start messy. You’ll walk away ready to take that next step — whether it’s filming your first story or launching your YouTube channel.

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Follow Natasha on Instagram
• Natasha’s YouTube Channel
• Sign up for Natasha's DIY Video Series Workshop
• Natasha's YouTube videos mentioned:
  • The Only Video Equipment You Need
  • Content Day Workflow
  • YouTube Strategy
• Natasha's favorite tool for video editing: Descript

Support the show

👩‍💻 Learn From Me:

• Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business Coaching
• Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass
• Freebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business

👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch:

• Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram
• Follow Shaochen on Instagram
• Visit the website