Calligraphy Biz Corner

Shaochen Wu

Have you been itching to turn your creative passion into a business? You're in the right place! I'm Shaochen, a full-time calligrapher and business coach who built my dream calligraphy business from scratch, and I'm spilling the ink on how you can too!    On Calligraphy Biz Corner, I'll help you navigate the maze of running a creative business, with real-life strategy and mindset magic. With years of experience working with wedding, luxury, and corporate clients, while mentoring hundreds of calligraphers along the way, I know what it takes to build a business that goes the distance.   I'm here to empower you to thrive as an artist and be confident as an entrepreneur. Let's uncover the business that supports the life YOU want and leave the overwhelm and imposter syndrome behind. Your solopreneur journey is about to get less lonely and more fun - welcome to my corner! 

  1. Aug 25

    40. Pivoting Into a Booked Out Business She Loves with Kristine Paeste of Kristine P. Calligraphy

    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 todayWhy hand pain and burnout led her to pivot into a passive digital template shop — and why that pivot didn't stickThe 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 weeksKristine's advice on whether a coaching program is worth it 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Kristine on Instagram @KristinePCalligraphyGetting married in Northern California in 2027? Kristine's books are open, inquire at kristinepcalligraphy.comApply for Business CoachingLearn about Your CEO Partner 1:1 Coaching (Kristine's Program) Learn about Ascent Coaching ProgramLearn about the Pro Wedding Calligrapher course that started Kristine's businessSupport the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Me: Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  2. Aug 18

    39. Expand Your Revenue Through Live Event Artistry

    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 bookingsThe steps to making your first live event a successWhether 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 CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  3. May 20

    37. I Booked an Engraving Gig Before Learning to Engrave - When to Say Yes to Something New

    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 riskWhy readiness is a decision, not a feelingThe 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-partnerDM me to chat about your business: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.goldAll the engraving supplies I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/shop/monstera.gold/list/1GNK1TSY7ST7G?ref_=aipsflistSupport the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Me: Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  4. Apr 28

    36. The Messy Middle of Creative Entrepreneurship

    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 CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  5. Apr 14

    35. How to Add a New Income Stream: A Coaching Call with Laura of The LetterGrain

    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 growingHow to focus your energy when you have multiple services and limited timePractical 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-partnerDM me "Partner" to get recommendations for your business: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.goldUnsure whether coaching is right for you? Read this: https://www.calligraphyceo.com/tips/when-to-hire-a-calligraphy-business-coachConnect with Laura of TheLettergrain: https://www.instagram.com/thelettergrain/Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Me: Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  6. Mar 24

    34. The Stress-Free Way to Take Leave from your Creative Business

    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 goGetting 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 marketingHow to handle the fear of missing a busy seasonWhat really happens to your business when you step awayIf 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-partnerDM Shaochen "PARTNER" and see if coaching is right for you: https://www.instagram.com/monstera.goldSupport the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Me: Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

  7. 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!Support the show 👩‍💻 Learn From Me: Get Hands On Support from Shaochen: Apply for Business CoachingStart Your Profitable Calligraphy Business: Join Shaochen's Free MasterclassFreebie! Download my free tech guide for the programs you need to run your business👯‍♀️ Keep In Touch: Follow Calligraphy Biz Corner on InstagramFollow Shaochen on InstagramVisit the website

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Have you been itching to turn your creative passion into a business? You're in the right place! I'm Shaochen, a full-time calligrapher and business coach who built my dream calligraphy business from scratch, and I'm spilling the ink on how you can too!    On Calligraphy Biz Corner, I'll help you navigate the maze of running a creative business, with real-life strategy and mindset magic. With years of experience working with wedding, luxury, and corporate clients, while mentoring hundreds of calligraphers along the way, I know what it takes to build a business that goes the distance.   I'm here to empower you to thrive as an artist and be confident as an entrepreneur. Let's uncover the business that supports the life YOU want and leave the overwhelm and imposter syndrome behind. Your solopreneur journey is about to get less lonely and more fun - welcome to my corner! 

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