Calligraphy Biz Corner

What does it really look like to grow a thriving creative business while raising a family, managing a full client roster, and staying true to yourself?

In this episode, we’re joined by Jen Bowen of She Made It Like That—calligrapher, engraver, and live event artist. Since starting her calligraphy business in 2020, Jen has gone from taking on her first wedding project to becoming a sought-after artist known for her genuine client relationships, polished brand, and community-first approach.

Whether you're a new calligrapher wondering how to get clients or a seasoned creative balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Jen shares real-life insights on building a calligraphy business that’s both profitable and sustainable.

We’re diving into:

• How Jen used relationship marketing to book her first clients and grow her brand
• The power of networking, vendor connections, and in-person events for live artists
• Investing in yourself vs. DIYing your business
• How to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship without burning out
• Encouragement for creative business owners at every stage of the journey 

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Jen on Instagram, LinkedIn, or her website
• Educational investments that Jen recommends include:
  • Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course - start learning with the Free Masterclass
  • The Craft Academy
  • Luxury Lettering 101
  • Sam Jacobson's Sway Mastermind 
• Listen to other Calligraphy Biz Corner episodes mentioned:
  • Ep 11: Advanced Pricing Strategies
  • Ep 19: Why Ongoing Learning is Essential
  • Ep 27: Productivity & Time Management Hacks
• How to Get Involved & Make the Most of Styled Shoots

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

Let’s talk pricing. If you’ve ever stared at an inquiry thinking, “What the heck do I charge for this?”, you’re not alone. We were invited to share our expertise for a live coaching call hosted by Elisabeth Stuckey, stationery designer and creative business coach, for the students of her course, Dream to Design.

From how to factor your experience into your rates to whether you should be charging for design time (spoiler alert: YES), we’re spilling the ink on all things pricing—especially for calligraphers and stationers. And because this conversation was so juicy, Elisabeth graciously let us share this exclusive replay right here on the pod!

We’re walking you through the nitty gritty: how to set your hourly rate, when to raise your prices, and why you’re doing yourself (and your clients!) a disservice if you’re copying someone else’s pricing. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about confidence, sustainability, and building a business that supports the life you want.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Key factors to consider when pricing calligraphy services (it’s more than just materials!)
• When it’s time to start charging for your work—even if you’re new
• How to price spot calligraphy for stationery projects with confidence
• What to keep in mind when quoting large custom or wedding projects
• Creative, scalable ways to grow your calligraphy business without burning out
• How your calligraphy style influences your pricing
• Real talk on what to charge for envelope addressing (and why undercharging hurts you)
• Pricing tools, templates, and mindset shifts that actually work for creative entrepreneurs

If you’ve ever Googled “how to price calligraphy work” or “how to raise rates without scaring off clients,” this episode is your go-to guide. Grab your favorite pen, a fresh notebook, and let’s get you pricing with confidence and clarity!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Download our free Tech Programs Guide
• Purchase the Creative’s Pricing Toolkit
• Listen to Episode 11 where we talk about advanced pricing strategies
• Learn more about Elisabeth Stuckey Design

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

You probably didn’t become a calligrapher because you love spreadsheets. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your numbers, this episode is about to change the game! We're joined by Samantha Eck of Firestorm Finance, a bookkeeper for creatives who helps transform financial chaos into clarity and strategy.

In this value-packed conversation, Samantha breaks down how to actually understand your numbers, track key financial metrics, and make smarter decisions for your business. Whether you're wondering what numbers to track, how to prepare for slow seasons, or how to start financial planning as a creative entrepreneur, Samantha’s insights will leave you feeling empowered (and maybe even excited) to look at your books!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Financial Tips for Calligraphy Business Owners: How to shift your mindset around money and feel empowered by your numbers.
• Key Metrics to Track: The top financial data points that matter most for your business, and how they guide smarter decisions.
• How to Plan for Slow Seasons in Your Calligraphy Business: Analyze seasonal trends and build a financial buffer to protect your income.
• How to Start Tracking Your Business Finances: Simple, non-intimidating ways to get started—even if you’re brand new to bookkeeping.
• Using Business Data to Grow Your Calligraphy Business: How your past performance can help you build a more profitable future.
• Creative Business Growth Strategies: Stay proactive with your finances and make strategic decisions as your business evolves.
• Budgeting Without Burnout: Use tools and simple spreadsheets to plan intentionally, not restrictively. 

If you’ve ever Googled “how to grow a creative business” or “how to manage seasonal income dips,” this episode is exactly what you need! Grab a notebook, and let’s talk creative business growth and financial clarity!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tune in to Samantha's Podcast, Creative Mind, Smart Money
• Connect with Samantha on Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn
• Check out Samantha's bookkeeping services
• Download the YNAB Budgeting App
• Listen to Episode 20 with Erinn Bridgman

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 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

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 wrapping up our Empowered CEO Series with a must-listen episode on taking action in your creative business! If you’re looking for time management strategies, productivity tips, and ways to take intentional action in your calligraphy business, this episode is packed with real-life, practical strategies to help you stay consistent and scale your business like an Empowered CEO.

We share five productivity strategies to help you structure your workdays for maximum efficiency—without burnout. Whether you're running your calligraphy business full-time or balancing it as a side hustle, these tips will help you take intentional, strategic action to move your business forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Develop a Weekly Plan: How to break down long-term goals into daily actions to stay on track.
• Time Blocking for Success: The best way to structure your day so you’re focusing on high-impact tasks.
• Batching Your Work: How to maximize productivity by grouping similar tasks together.
• Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Time & Energy: Why having clear business boundaries helps you work smarter, not harder.
• Hosting a CEO Day: The importance of setting aside time to reflect, strategize, and make data-driven decisions.

These productivity hacks for creative entrepreneurs will help you stay consistent and take action in your calligraphy business—without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re ready to work on your business instead of just in it, grab a notebook (and your favorite latte) and tune in!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Transform your business with Shaochen's 1:1 Mentoring Program (or DM the word "PARTNER" to @monstera.gold to learn more!)
• Join the waitlist for Alane's Group Coaching Program, Flourish in Biz (or DM the word "FLOURISH" to @writeprettyforme to learn more!)
• Check out the Full Focus Planner (Alane's favorite!)
• Check out the Golden Coil Planner (Shaochen's go-to!)

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

In this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we’re diving into the exciting world of live wedding calligraphy and live engraving with special guest Kendall Udofia from Cedar Cliff Designs! If you're a calligrapher who is dreaming of offering live personalization at weddings or corporate events, this episode is packed with actionable tips on how to start, market, and price live calligraphy services like a pro.

Kendall shares her journey from exploring digital products to becoming a sought-after live wedding artist. She walks us through the logistics of setting up for on-site calligraphy, how to create a luxury calligraphy experience for couples, and key differences between working weddings vs. corporate events.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How to Become a Live Event Calligrapher: Kendall’s creative journey and what she learned along the way.
• Live Calligraphy at Weddings vs. Corporate Events: How to prepare, set up, and adapt for different types of live events.
• Pricing Your Live Calligraphy Services: Strategies to charge premium rates for live event calligraphy and personalized wedding favors.
• How to Get Hired for Live Wedding Calligraphy: Proven ways to attract wedding planners, venues, and engaged couples to book your services.
• Marketing & Promotion Tips: How to showcase your calligraphy wedding services on social media, at networking events, and through vendor collaborations.
• Selling Live Calligraphy Alongside Other Services: How to integrate live engraving and personalization into your existing wedding calligraphy offers.

About Kendall: Kendall Udofia is the mompreneur behind Cedar Cliff Designs specializing in crafting unique and personalized experiences for brides, businesses, and brands in the Phoenix metropolitan area with her on-site calligraphy and engraving services. From corporate events to weddings and beyond, Kendall is passionate about making every guest feel like a VIP through meaningful, custom gifting experiences that can never be replicated by a machine. She loves genuinely connecting with people while delighting them with the art of live calligraphy turning regular items into valued keepsakes. 

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Kendall on Instagram!
• Visit Kendall's website

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 part two of our Empowered CEO Series, and this time, we’re diving into how to strategize like a CEO in your calligraphy business. If you're a creative business owner who is ready to shift from simply creating beautiful work to making strategic, CEO-level decisions that drive business growth, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we talk all things business strategy - from big-picture vision planning to using financial data to make smarter decisions. We’ll talk about how to understand and leverage your profit and loss statement (P&L), make data-driven decisions, and focus on your zone of genius so you can build a thriving, sustainable business.

Plus, we’re sharing personal experiences, practical frameworks, and real-life examples to help you align your goals with your daily actions. Because being the leader of your business isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Big-Picture Thinking: How to create a strategic vision for your calligraphy business and stay focused on long-term growth.
• Understanding Your P&L and Other Key Data Points: Why knowing your numbers is key to making confident, data-driven decisions as an empowered CEO.
• Optimizing Your Strengths: How to maximize your zone of genius and delegate or streamline the rest.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start making more intentional, informed decisions as a business owner, grab a notebook (and your favorite latte) and tune in! 

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Join the waitlist for Alane's Group Coaching Program, Flourish in Biz!
• Download Shaochen's Reflection Guide here!
• Subscribe to Calligraphy Biz Corner on YouTube!
• Learn more about the Salesforce V2MOM Planning Framework
• Listen to the first episode in this series, Empowered CEO Part 1: 4 Key Mindsets for Building a Thriving Business in 2025
• Listen to Episode 2 Looking Back to Leap Forward: Tips on Reflection and Goal Setting
• Listen to Episode 20 Manage Business Finances and Grow Your Wealth with Money Coach, Erinn Bridgman

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

In this episode of Calligraphy Biz Corner, we chat with luxury wedding planner Desirée, owner of Verve Event Co. and host of the Ask the Planner podcast, about upcoming 2025 wedding trends and the creative possibilities they open up for calligraphers. From the Pantone color of the year to the rising popularity of live engraving, Desirée shares fresh ideas to elevate your wedding services and position yourself as a trend-savvy pro.

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

• Where to Find Inspiration for 2025 Wedding Trends: Desirée spills her favorite sources (and her process) for spotting what’s next in the wedding world.
• Accuracy of Trend Forecasts: Learn how to gauge which predictions will truly resonate with couples and how to filter out the fluff.
• 2025 Wedding Trend Predictions: Desirée highlights eight of her favorite trends to talk to your clients about this year!
• Pantone’s Color of the Year: We talk about how it might shape 2025 celebrations, and how you can use color trends to enrich your offerings.
• Incorporating Calligraphy & Live Engraving into Trends: Desirée shares ideas for how to incorporate calligraphy details and experiences into popular wedding trends. 
• Becoming a Thought Leader: Discover why positioning yourself as an expert (beyond just your industry bubble) sets your brand apart.

If you're a wedding vendor or creative entrepreneur looking to get ahead of the latest wedding trends, this chat with Desirée is packed with actionable ideas to help you stand out!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Desirée on Instagram at @verveeventco and @asktheplannerpodcast
• Learn more about Verve Event Co. and listen to Desirée's Podcast, Ask the Planner
• Check out Alane's interview on Ask the Planner
• Listen to the Ask the Planner episode about wedding content creators
• Join Shaochen's free masterclass to book more wedding clients this season!

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 kicking off 2025 with a three-part series to help you step into your power as both a calligrapher and the CEO of your business. In this episode, we dive into four game-changing mindsets: defining your “why,” adopting an evidence-based approach, making decisions like your future self, and believing everything is figureoutable. These shifts will move you from working in your business to working on it, giving you the clarity and confidence to level up.

If you’ve been wondering how to think like a CEO and grow your calligraphy biz with intention, this episode is your sign! We’ll also give you a sneak peek at the next two episodes, where we’ll focus on strategy and actionable steps to transform you into an empowered CEO. Grab a notebook (and maybe a latte), and tune in for the mindset magic you’ve been waiting for—you’ve got this!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Be the first to know when invitations open for Shaochen's Your CEO Partner mentoring program here! 
• Starting a calligraphy biz? Learn about Shaochen's Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course
• Listen to Episode 20 with Money Coach, Erinn Bridgman
• Rumi Quote referenced in the episode: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears."

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

In today's episode, we’re so excited to chat about something we all deserve and definitely need: taking time off as a business owner! Join us as we share how we're planning our own well-earned holiday breaks and show you exactly how to prepare your calligraphy business for some blissful downtime. Because, let’s be real, stepping away from your creative hustle shouldn’t have you stressing over missed emails or client confusion!

We cover everything from setting up vacation responders and closing out those lingering projects to making sure your clients feel extra appreciated before you sign off. And we’re not stopping at the holiday break—let’s get proactive about your post-holiday game plan! We talk about refining your services, updating pricing, and polishing all your client-facing materials so that when you come back refreshed, you’re ready to rock 2025 like the boss you are.

If you’ve been wondering how to take time off without sacrificing your customer relationships or business momentum, this episode is your roadmap. Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s get you ready for a stress-free holiday season. You’ve earned it!

🔗 Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get the details about Alane's Group Coaching Program and snag one of the last remaining spots for January!
• Start your business over the holidays: Shaochen's Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course
• Join Shaochen's Masterclass to start learning for free 
• Pricing Resources mentioned:
  • Get the Creative's Pricing Toolkit (Income Planning, Price Book & Pricing Guide)
  • Listen to Episode 11, Advanced Pricing Strategies
  • Listen to Episode 20, Grow your Wealth with Erinn Bridgman (note: this is episode 20, not 19 as mentioned in the recording!)

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