Calligraphy Biz Corner

Alane Gianetti, Shaochen Wu
  • 5.0 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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 ✍️ 

  1. 08/12/2025

    33. Lessons We Wish We Knew About Managing Clients as Creative Business Owners

    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 sidesDefining your scope to stop scope creepSetting communication boundariesHandling challenges with professionalismSpotting red flags early & knowing when to walk awayYou’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 BIZCORNERRead Shaochen's blog on live event pricingTry Calendly for call scheduling!Give Open Phone a try for free!Enroll in Shaochen's best-selling business course for calligraphers, Pro Wedding CalligrapherSign up for Shaochen's signage course, Seating Chart SuccessGain confidence in your pricing with the Creative's Pricing ToolkitGrab the Calligrapher's Client Template Bundle for 20+ plug-and-play email templates and more!Text us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    47 min

  2. 07/08/2025

    32. Creating Video Content that Connects and Converts: Reels, YouTube, and Showing Up with Confidence (with Shine With Natasha)

    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 creativesThe 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 habitWhat’s working right now on Instagram Reels and TikTok (and what to skip)Why a signature video series might be your secret weaponHow to plan, film, and actually finish your content without getting overwhelmedThe truth about going viral vs. going consistentWhy 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 InstagramNatasha’s YouTube ChannelSign up for Natasha's DIY Video Series WorkshopNatasha's YouTube videos mentioned:The Only Video Equipment You NeedContent Day WorkflowYouTube StrategyNatasha's favorite tool for video editing: DescriptText us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    54 min

  3. 06/10/2025

    31. How This Creative Mom Built a Thriving Calligraphy Business with Relationship Marketing with Jen Bowen of She Made It Like That

    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 brandThe power of networking, vendor connections, and in-person events for live artistsInvesting in yourself vs. DIYing your businessHow to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship without burning outEncouragement 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 websiteEducational investments that Jen recommends include:Pro Wedding Calligrapher Course - start learning with the Free MasterclassThe Craft AcademyLuxury Lettering 101Sam Jacobson's Sway Mastermind Listen to other Calligraphy Biz Corner episodes mentioned:Ep 11: Advanced Pricing StrategiesEp 19: Why Ongoing Learning is EssentialEp 27: Productivity & Time Management HacksText us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    58 min

  4. 05/13/2025

    30. Pricing Common Scenarios for Calligraphers & Stationers: A Live Coaching Call

    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 newHow to price spot calligraphy for stationery projects with confidenceWhat to keep in mind when quoting large custom or wedding projectsCreative, scalable ways to grow your calligraphy business without burning outHow your calligraphy style influences your pricingReal talk on what to charge for envelope addressing (and why undercharging hurts you)Pricing tools, templates, and mindset shifts that actually work for creative entrepreneursIf 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 GuidePurchase the Creative’s Pricing ToolkitListen to Episode 11 where we talk about advanced pricing strategiesLearn more about Elisabeth Stuckey DesignText us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    56 min

  5. 04/15/2025

    29. How to Use Financial Data to Grow Your Creative Business with Samantha Eck of Firestorm Finance

    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 MoneyConnect with Samantha on Instagram, Threads and LinkedInCheck out Samantha's bookkeeping servicesDownload the YNAB Budgeting AppListen to Text us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    40 min

  6. 03/18/2025

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

    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 websiteGet Madelyn's free guide, 3 Simple Strategies to Get More Clients and Increase Your ProfitsCheck out Madelyn's book rec: Unreasonable HospitalityListen to Episode 20 witText us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    55 min

  7. 03/04/2025

    27. Empowered CEO Part 3: Get More Done with these 5 Productivity & Time Management Hacks

    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!)Text us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    38 min

  8. 02/18/2025

    26. How to Offer Live Calligraphy & Engraving for Weddings with Kendall Udofia of Cedar Cliff Designs

    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 websiteText us a question to answer on a future episode! Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Us: Start Your Profitable Calligraphy Business - Join Shaochen's Free Masterclass Ready to find your business superpower? Take Alane's Client Experience Archetype Quiz to discover your signature style for serving clients — and how to make more money doing it 💸 → Start the Quiz! Download our free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business 👯‍♀️ Follow Us: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on Instagram Follow Alane on Instagram Follow Shaochen on Instagram Visit our website

    55 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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 ✍️ 

Information

  • Creator
    Alane Gianetti, Shaochen Wu
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Calligraphy Biz Corner
  • Show Website
    Calligraphy Biz Corner