Community Makes The Difference
My last event was probably the funnest I have ever had!
I was hired to do bottle painting at Nordstrom at the King of Prussia Mall on Friday evening. When I arrived, I was told I’d be joining the engraver that night.
Lo and behold, look at who it was!
It wasn’t planned… But, for my first time joining another calligrapher for an event, it was Marie from Maiden September! 🥰
Marie and I met about a year ago. We both had our first live event on the same day and found out we lived too close not to meet up. So, we went out for brunch. She was so down-to-earth and such an encouraging person, that I just really liked her right away. At the time, I was experiencing imposter syndrome since I hadn’t been a calligrapher that long. Marie had already been active in the wedding calligraphy space and I was just getting started. But, she was super encouraging…And, she was also really knowledgeable about marketing and getting business as a calligrapher. I’ve even had an awesome one-on one-coaching session with her since then that helped me gain clarity on how to move my business forward.
I’m sure I would’ve gotten on great with any other calligrapher. But, for my first time working alongside another calligrafriend, it was perfect.
That night, in between serving Nordstrom’s visitors, drinking mimosas, and possibly getting hired as a duo in the future for a private party (🙌🏾), we chatted the night away, geeking over the other’s gear, sharing calligraphers we admire with accents, telling everyone the other is amazing…and discussing manly smells. (Yes, you read that right!)
And look what I got! 😍
Swoon. 😍
Sometimes, it’s so difficult to believe that I get to do these events. So, instead of pinching myself and the feeling wearing off later, I always try to take a souvenir of some kind home with me. That night, I had intended to purchase a Dior lipstick to use for my portfolio…a twofer.
Then I thought…Wait a minute…I work these events, but I have never had a personalization done for myself by a calligrapher (Well, a calligrapher beside myself. 😬)…And, who better for my first personalization than Maiden September? So, I asked her! Well, it was more like I said I was about to get me a lipstick engraved by Maiden September before we left about a jamillion times. 😂