Explore every episode of the podcast The Shinah Show
Dive into the complete episode list for The Shinah Show. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Calligraphy Biz In Korea (With Lisa MacIntyre)
12 Mar 2025
00:31:22
What if you wanted to start a calligraphy business… but you lived in the “wrong” place? Like a country where nobody speaks English (the one and only language you speak)??
That’s exactly what happened to Lisa MacIntyre, who has lived in a small town in Korea for the past 20 years. She found our MC201 course and, despite not being able to find ANY supplies, pursued her dream of learning calligraphy & creating her own unique style (wait until you hear about the tool her husband made out of a paintbrush and a pineapple can 🤯).
In this episode of The Shinah Show, Lisa shares how she turned her lifelong curiosity about calligraphy into a real, paying business — even in a “suboptimal” location. From getting paid commissions to landing a feature in a national Korean newspaper, Lisa’s story proves how passion and creativity can truly fuel your dreams. Plus, she’s using her calligraphy skills to inspire ESL students and bring beautiful lettering into local festivals and classrooms in her small Korean town.
Join me as Lisa and I discuss:
Why a lack of “ideal” circumstances shouldn’t hold you back from what you really want to do
How to incorporate calligraphy into niches where it’s never existed
Lisa’s real motivation behind her creativity & learning a new skillset (and its NOT money!)
If you’ve ever doubted your abilities or blamed your circumstances for not going after your dreams, this episode is for you!
And if you're ready to pursue your own unique calligraphy style, our Modern Calligraphy 201 course opens for enrollment March 25th, 2025! Want to check out a preview of our course & access free lessons all March long? Register for Style Month right HERE!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Digital Calligraphy Essentials (Vectorizing, Revenue Streams & Pricing)
05 Mar 2025
00:37:26
When a single corporate client paid me over $10K for one project — and $6K of that was digital calligraphy — I knew I had to pull back the curtain on this game-changing skill!
While I would describe myself as a pen-and-paper calligrapher, digitized calligraphy has become a necessary add-on to most of my commissions. Of course, most of my clients initially contact me seeking handmade original pieces – but whether they want to duplicate my work numerous times, use it on their website for branding, or frankly I myself don’t want to write the SAME PHRASE thousands of times, I need to be able to generate a digitized version of my work (and save SO MUCH TIME in the process!).
So how do I go about doing that? Good question! In this episode of The Shinah Show, I’m breaking down:
The “tech side” of calligraphy, how to digitize your work, and what tools you need to do it
The vast number of projects you can create with digital calligraphy (and how it can open up soooo many more revenue streams for you)
How I’ve priced my digital work over the years, and what key factors should dictate what you charge for your work
If you have ever wondered if learning how to digitize your calligraphy is worth adding to your skillset, I hope this episode will show you how many doors this talent will open for you!
Interested in learning how to add style to your calligraphy and capture corporate clients? I’m hosting “Style Month” all March long! Join me for tons of freebies & weekly live lessons RIGHT HERE!
Timestamps: 4:30 — What counts as digital calligraphy? 7:15 — The two stages of digitizing your calligraphy (raster vs. vector files) 16:51 — How digital calligraphy can boost your revenue 23:35 — My digital calligraphy work: From $90 logos to $6000 corporate projects 29:10 — Pricing digital calligraphy: Why usage matters
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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"No Ones Buying My Calligraphy!" (What To Do Instead Of Giving Up)
26 Feb 2025
00:27:17
You’ve FINALLY booked a spot at your local craft fair to sell your calligraphy. You pay the deposit, create your inventory, follow all the tips to set up the *perfect* booth, and… *crickets*. 🦗
Hundreds of people walk by, only TWO stop to peruse—and suddenly your brain goes, “This will NEVER work. I’m not cut out for this. No one’s interested in calligraphy!”Sound familiar?
Yep, we’ve all been there. It’s called “catastrophizing” – in other words, you’re jumping to the worst possible conclusion. And this is EXACTLY what one of my students, who this exact scenario happened to, did. She emailed me wondering how she could be doing all the RIGHT things and getting NO results.
So, what advice did I offer her? I asked her, “What if it’s not you, but rather the result of factors beyond your control?”. While you can be doing ALL the things, sometimes the cards just aren’t in your favor; you’re in the wrong place, at the wrong time – and that sucks. But it’s no reason to give up!
On this episode of The Shinah Show, I’m sharing with you:
Why a slow start sometimes has NOTHING to do with you, and everything to do with your environment
How to pull yourself out of the catastrophizing mentality and keep going rather than throwing in the towel
My own experience with slow starts & the process I use for looking at the whole picture and determining where to go from there
Owning a business is such a learning and growing experience – and we’re all going to have growing pains. Don’t let those slight derailments keep you sidelined and scared to push forward💪
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How To Get Over Criticism (And Sell Your Calligraphy Anyways)
19 Feb 2025
00:21:55
If you’ve ever feared someone criticizing you for selling your creative product, listen up!
If you’re new here – welcome! My name is Shinah, and I unabashedly sell premium level curse-word laced calligraphy courses on a very public scale – and over the past 8 years, I’ve gotten a lot of shit for that.
But if you’re not new, you know those neigh sayers have just fueled me to become more outspoken. And in this week's episode, I’m going to teach you how to reframe your thinking so you can go from cringing at negative comments and worrying about putting yourself out there (like I used to!), to confidently running a million-dollar creative business too!
Here’s what you’ll learn this week: ✔️ The hidden beliefs behind negative comments (hint: they’re not really about you) ✔️ How to reframe your mindset about criticism so it empowers you instead of stopping you ✔️ Why selling your art isn’t “icky” or “wrong” (and why women especially need to hear this)
I’m here to show you the real meanings behind the harsh words people say – because no one should have the power to tear you down (especially when their own insecurities are really the issue). Let’s dive in!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to Manage Time in Your Art Biz
12 Feb 2025
00:28:04
🎧 Are You Actually Growing Your Business—Or Just Keeping Busy?
If your to-do list looks more like a laundry list, and you’re constantly posting on Instagram, answering emails, and juggling customer inquiries—but somehow, your big goals keep getting pushed aside—this episode is for you.
Today, we’re breaking down the difference between working in your business vs. working on it. In the past 10 years of owning my own business, I’ve realized that those little dopamine hits (like wasting time on 40-minute Reels 🙃) might feel like they are moving you forward, but aren't always doing so. Sometimes it’s the boring things (like reviewing my expenses and auditing my software that’s been on my to-do list for MONTHS) that are the crucial factors in growing your business.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ The four key “time buckets” you should be using in your biz (you’ll be shocked at where you really spend your time) ✔️ How cleaning up the backend of your business and doing little things – like creating saved email responses —can save you HOURS ✔️ Why you need to routinely build time into your schedule to wear your “CEO Hat”, so you can hone in on the overall picture of your business and get done what you really need to
⏳ It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start running your business with intention. Let’s dive in!
👉 Want personalized guidance? I have a few business coaching spots open—check out shinahchang.com to learn more!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to feel in control of your art biz
05 Feb 2025
00:29:48
Feel Like Your Biz is Running You? Here’s How to Take Back Control
You’re working your butt off, posting on IG, trying all the things… but the sales? Meh. 😩 It feels like your business has a mind of its own, and you’re just scrambling to keep up.
I finally started feeling in control (and paying myself consistently!) when I did one thing: tracking my numbers. Not just finances, but time spent, conversion rates, and what’s actually working.
In this episode, I break down: 🔹 The real reason you’re not making enough sales (hint: it’s not just “I need more followers”) 🔹 The key numbers you can start tracking NOW - for your website, craft fairs, even in-person workshops 🔹 How my big January launch really went—and what the data is telling me to change next time
If you want more predictability (and fewer “WTF am I doing?” moments), start here.
Five short stories from students who signed up for our calligraphy courses 2 - 5 years ago. How they’re doing (you won't believe some of them!) and what actions they've taken to continue to growing their businesses.
Because an investment in our courses (and your creative & business skill)... is an investment that pays off for life.
"If you keeping waiting for your circumstances to be ideal before taking action... then you'll always just keep waiting. It's crazy that I could've started YEARS ago." - Shivani, Pro Calligrapher Bundle student
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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What it Really Takes to go Full-Time with Calligraphy
22 Jan 2025
00:33:25
The most HONEST student conversation I’ve ever had
Ever dreamed of leaving your job (where you feel seriously unappreciated) to build a business that truly lights you up? Sher did just that. She enrolled in our Pro Calligrapher Bundle with one goal in mind: to quit teaching and become a full-time creative. But -cough- calligraphy is definitely NOT a get rich quick scheme, so the road has been full of challenges.
In this episode, we take an unflinching look at her 2.5-year journey:
What DIDN’T work (and where she lost money)
The specific resources and strategies that finally helped her find her footing
How she’s now charging premium rates (and getting YES from clients!)
This is a raw, real look at what it takes to build a life for yourself that’s outside the norm. Spoiler: It’s HARD but so worth it.
FOLLOW SHER: https://www.instagram.com/sp_ekriti
-- ✍️ Our Pro Calligrapher Bundle is open for enrollment RIGHT NOW!!✍️
A complete education in calligraphy and business… for less than the price of a single college course. Doors close Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Stop playing small. Invest in your creative business dreams 👉 👉 HERE!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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From Hobbyist to Paid Professional
15 Jan 2025
00:36:27
Ever wondered if your creative hobby could become something more?
Megan did too—she’s loved calligraphy since childhood but never in her wildest dreams imagined getting paid for it. After leaving her overwhelming teaching job, struggling to raise her first child, and trying a mom blog (that never really felt like her…) she finally took a leap last year that changed everything.
In this interview episode, Megan shares:
How she’s growing her business as an introverted person living in a camper trailer on her grandmother’s Oregon farm
The simple, natural strategy she uses to get jobs in her small community
How she was able to make back the investment in our Modern Calligraphy 201 course in just six months… twice over
Megan’s journey began with the January 2024 Challenge. Now, she feels like a completely different person—and she's only just getting started.
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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You ONE YEAR From Now
08 Jan 2025
00:20:08
Have you ever tried to start something new, only to be paralyzed by the fear of failure and crippled with anxiety about adding one more thing to your plate?
You are far from alone. Part of that fear & anxiety comes from a lack of confidence – in yourself, your knowledge, and your ability to succeed. And while society has deemed it necessary to have confidence when beginning a new venture, I think it’s total bullshit.
Join me on this episode of The Shinah Show as I share the story of one of my students having the COURAGE (not the confidence) to go from feeling like a complete imposter, to a “just go for it” mentality – all in ONE YEAR’S time! We’ll dive into:
Confidence vs. Courage – and why courage trumps confidence when starting a new venture every time
How to build up your courage & fuel your drive to continue
Why the daily grind of life can cause us to underestimate what can be done in a year’s time
How to feel the fear, but do it anyway and use the community around you advantageously
I hope this inspires you to GO FOR IT in 2025 so this time next year, you can be your happiest and best self!
Need a little courage to begin your calligraphy journey? Our “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge is starting January 13th, 2025! Join us for 5 days of free worksheets, daily live lessons with me, a supportive community of fellow creatives, and some amazing prizes! And this year for the first time ever, one lucky participant will win the Grand Prize - A FREE Pro Calligrapher Course Bundle (worth $997!!). Sign up HERE!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to GO FOR IT in 2025
01 Jan 2025
00:25:29
Free “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge - starts Jan 13, 2025! Sign up at crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge -- If you'd love to become a professional calligrapher and make money with a craft you adore, but you’re SCARED to make the commitment and actually go for it…
You must listen to this episode where I give real-life business advice to my student, Sarah, when she emailed me for help.
Find out:
The magic words I said to her that helped her FINALLY take action
What she did to land her first brand activation job
The one kind of SUPPORT you need so you keep taking small steps forward…
⛔️ Because the only way you're going to actually fail is if you STOP TRYING (or never start trying at all).
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Some Instagram drama (the cost of authenticity)
04 Dec 2024
00:34:01
I posted this (kinda salty) Instagram Reel back in May… and boy did people have feelings about it. [Please please please be kind if you're going to comment there!]
Everyone says they want more “authenticity” on social media.
But what happens when you show up as your imperfect, un-polished self on social media… and people don’t like it?
This is a SUPER IMPORTANT episode for anyone who wants to show up more, but you’re terrified of what people might say.
I share:
Why this Reel might have been triggering (Was I really an ungrateful, braggy b*tch?)
Why I posted it anyway, even though I knew it might be controversial
The crucial lessons for any business owner wanting to show up more unfiltered on social media
You know what makes social media hard? Pretending to be someone you’re not. I hope this episode inspires you to do less of that, and more of being your brave, true self.
***Previous Episodes about me f*cking up on social media: Episode 44 and Episode 45
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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My Town Can't Afford Calligraphy
27 Nov 2024
00:26:00
What if calligraphy is your “thing”, but not necessarily the “thing” that your towns all about? Kind of makes it hard to seek out customers, right? Wrong!
Whether it’s, “There’s too MUCH competition in my area!”, or “There’s no demand in my area!”, your brain will ALWAYS find ways to cast doubt about being successful.
On this episode of The Shinah Show, I’m sharing my best strategies for finding clients and work despite being in a small town (or one that has NO idea what calligraphy is…). I’m breaking it down into 4 areas of work to explore, including:
Engraving & Live Event Calligraphy - how executing a craft with a higher price point can help cut down on the stress of finding a large client base
Teaching (even online!) – why sharing your craft can introduce your area to calligraphy & create unique opportunities for workshops (calligraphy on the farm, anyone?)
Digital Work – tips on expanding your work via digitizing to increase your client base
Small Town Connections – how to use local businesses & shops to your advantage!
I’ve had plenty of students who live in the middle of nowhere and have still found a way to turn a profit with their calligraphy skills. Don’t let the size of your town be the reason that holds you back – because if you truly WANT something, you must put in the work to get there!
Don't forget - The Holiday Shop is open now through December 17th, 2024! It has our best course deals of the year & exclusive bonuses! We’re offering 50% off our workbooks, mini-course, and course trainings we rarely open to the public (including our brand new engraving course!) - all of which can help take your business to the next level! Click HERE to score all these amazing deals right now!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
High Paying Calligraphy Skills
20 Nov 2024
00:33:02
I recently asked on my social media for podcast topic ideas - and wow did you guys deliver!
On today's episode of The Shinah Show, I'm sharing one student's struggles with getting her business up and running (and profitable!). She reached out because she is trying to be strategic in her products and offerings to ensure she can actually make money. Does she go for the place cards & gift tags, or focus on the bigger jobs with. more complexity?
This is where there is a BIG divide in the industry - lower skillset products & services vs. higher paying jobs. While one is easier to produce and has a lower barrier of entry, the other requires more time, effort & finesse. So how do you know which one is RIGHT for your business?
Join me as I examine these two highly different niches of the calligraphy industry and discuss:
What the 'lower' paying calligraphy skills what differentiates them from the higher paying calligraphy skills
Examples of the products typically produced in each skillset
The skills that take your calligraphy from pen & paper to the next level (and how it can expand your business exponentially)
7 categories of "high paying" calligraphy jobs that can demand top dollar
How to develop a solid plan to grow your business & manage the 'big picture' stress that can overwhelm so many business owners
I'm so excited to delve into this topic and show you just how many different ways you can utilize calligraphy!
Don't forget - The Holiday Shop is open now through December 17th, 2024! It has our best course deals of the year & exclusive bonuses! We’re offering 50% off our workbooks, mini-course, and course trainings we rarely open to the public (including our brand new engraving course!) - all of which can help take your business to the next level! Click HERE to score all these amazing deals right now!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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*REPLAY* How To Teach Profitable Calligraphy Workshops
13 Nov 2024
00:27:02
**This episode is a replay of episode 48. It has been updated to reflect current course sales & promotions**
The demand for calligraphy workshops (and people to teach them!) is alive and well. BUT I’ve heard from SO many of you that you’re itching to host your own workshops- but paralyzed at the laundry list of to do’s that forms even before signing up your first attendee.
I want more of you to feel EMPOWERED to teach your own classes!! So in this week’s episode, I’m breaking down my own experience teaching workshops, including:
WHY you should teach calligraphy workshops
How ‘good’ you have to be to teach (spoiler alert- the BEST calligraphers aren’t necessarily the best teachers!)
My tips for how to price your workshops, where to host them (sausage restaurants, anyone??), and how to utilize them to grow your business in so many ways!
I’ve packed all this information plus SO much more into my online course “How to Teach Calligraphy Workshops” which is on sale RIGHT NOW in Crooked Calligraphy’s Holiday Shop - open November 13th - December 17th 2024!
The Holiday Shop has our best course deals of the year & exclusive bonuses! We’re offering 50% off our workbooks, mini-course, and course trainings we rarely open to the public (including our brand new engraving course!).
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
How To Get Live Calligraphy Jobs (And Be Great At Them)
06 Nov 2024
00:34:56
Brand activations (aka “Live Event Calligraphy”) can be a super fun & lucrative job in the calligraphy industry – if you’ve got the skills to deliver the goods!
Brands frequently collaborate with calligraphers to personalize their products with everything from pointed pens & brush pens, to glass engraving, at live in-person events. As far as locations? They are only limited by your imagination! Both my students & I have been hired for activations at duty-free shops in the airport, food & wine events, weddings, plenty of department stores, fancy boutiques, and even liquor store events!
Join me on this episode of “The Shinah Show” as I share my tactical tips for landing, executing, & being in-demand live calligraphy events, including:
The 3 ways you can go about getting hired for events
The many unique calligraphy applications you can stack in your skillset & offer (everything from heat foiling to wood burning and beyond!)
How much you can expect to be paid for a variety of jobs & your talent level
Why “understanding your role” is the MOST important part of the job & how professionalism can lead to you being in-demand by brands
Activations can often be intimidating if you haven’t done them – which is why I’m taking you behind the scenes and pulling back the curtain on the industry standards & practices so YOU can be set up for success!
In the coming weeks, I’ll also be exploring the courses that are going to be in my “Holiday Shop” (opening soon!) and sharing more tactical advice on the podcast about how to utilize them to break into the world of calligraphy!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
11 Years Ago I blew Up My Life
30 Oct 2024
00:39:23
Yep, you read that title right.
If you thought the idea & success of Crooked Calligraphy just fell into my lap, you might wanna settle in for an eye-opening episode.
In October of 2013, depressed and burnt out, I flat out quit my 6-figure job as a corporate lawyer and went from a completely independent & successful career woman, to living in my best friend’s spare bedroom with NO direction in my life. It took me nearly 4 years of rest, resetting, and a whole lot of trial and error until I could even turn a decent profit and finally feel “successful”.
I rode the prosperous wave and threw myself all-in to Crooked Calligraphy –generating over $1 million in revenue – before I decided to blow my life up all over again.
Join me on this episode of The Shinah Show as I share my 11-year journey of highs & lows in the world of entrepreneurship, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way including:
The many phases of Crooked Calligraphy and how I derived confidence during each of them
The most strategic things I spent money on
Why your business should never determine your worth
What one thing studies are showing is the most important in peoples’ lives (and how I’ve started to incorporate it into my own)
Make sure you stick around until the end to hear what the current phase of my business is looking like– and what my husband building a 20’x30’ dance floor in my backyard has to do with it 😉
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Normalizing Business "Failure" For Female Small Business Owners
23 Oct 2024
00:24:56
“Us small business owners are over here thinking that if we make a mistake, if we have a failure, if something doesn’t go the way we wanted it to… it means something catastrophic about us.”
Most businesses statistically fail. So how do the other businesses succeed you ask? Because most of them are products of business owners who have failed previously.
In Silicon Valley, failed businesses are considered a badge of honor. However, as female small business owners, oftentimes we beat ourselves up over the slightest tinge of failure (especially those of us who are perfectionists). We need to STOP beating ourselves up when we screw up!
In this episode of The Shinah Show, I’m sharing with you my best advice for reframing your mindset and picking yourself up when the inevitable bump in the road occurs. We’ll dive into:
The LONG list of BIG business owners who have burnt millions of dollars trying to establish successful businesses (you won’t believe some of these names)
How your failures in business don't determine your self-worth
Just how many times I have started and failed to create a thriving business
Why we need to “normalize” failure
There is only one way to learn business – by DOING it. No amount of research and reading will replace the tangible, hands-on learning that must take place to successfully establish a company. So, get out there and move through it – even if its messy & uncomfortable – and create your own badges of honor.
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
3 Beginner Biz Mistakes I Made (so you don’t have to!)
16 Oct 2024
00:29:49
This episode is a small preview of my full, in-depth "Calligraphy Business Made Simple Training" - CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT FOR FREE --- Starting a business isn’t necessarily hard because of the knowledge you need to run it. But rather because you need to look inside yourself and find the courage and strength to face the hard things.
Let that sink in for a minute. Because that’s just one of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my 9 years of entrepreneurship.
On today’s episode of The Shinah Show, I’m sharing with you the 3 biggest mistakes I made when starting out – because more than anything, I want to teach other budding entrepreneurs what REALLY matters when you’re just getting your feet on the ground.
I’m breaking down not only the biggest, but the toughest lessons I had to learn, including:
Why your opinion of what’s ‘sellable’ doesn’t really matter
How doing allll the things is sometimes less productive (and can lead to burnout)
What planting seeds and business have in common (stick with me on this one!)
And if you’re feeling lost in the overwhelm that comes with saying ‘yes’ to becoming your own boss, you are so not alone – and I want to share some words of wisdom with you.
My Biz Webinar showcases my very best tips & tricks to establish your own business (in only 6 months nonetheless), and its all yours – for FREE. Click below to watch it until Sunday, October 20th 2024!
This is all leading up to the start of my Holiday Sales Bootcamp starting Sunday, October 20th 2024 as well, where I’ll be personally guiding this session’s students from product inception, to sale! Click HERE for all the details!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
The practice that changed my life (& request for help)
08 Oct 2024
00:20:22
Montine has been my life-coach for 10 years. She leads a magical, creative, laughter-filled, self-love-incuding practice called Intuition Painting.
And she needs your help, because her beautiful studio in Asheville, North Carolina was recently decimated by Hurricane Helene. Montine has had to cancel nearly all of her retreats for the rest of the year. So she asked me to help spread the word about the Intuition Painting classes that are left.
Montine helped me transform from a miserable, uptight, judgmental corporate lawyer to hopeful, deeply-feeling, open-armed creative.
She's the perfect mix of compassionate, intuitive spirituality and biz-expert, impeccably boundaried BADASS.
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
How To Stop Fearing Business "Mistakes"
02 Oct 2024
00:26:36
“Even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play.” - Shinah
In today’s episode, I’m going to totally transform the way you think about business “mistakes” and “failures.” ‘Cause way too many of us go into business thinking you’ve gotta be close to perfect.
Even Roger Freakin’ Federer, a world-renowned tennis player, barely won HALF his points while playing matches. BUT the key to his success was the fact that he did not focus on the points he lost. Instead, he let go of those past mistakes, took a breath, and chose to tackle the present moment - one point at a time.
On this episode of The Shinah Show, join me to learn:
Why we need to redefine our outdated, elementary way of "grading" our business successes, and how it sets the total WRONG standard
How to reframe your mindset & realize there is no one measure of “success”
How messing up makes me HUMAN, and why me doing so shows my students that its OK to screw up (and not take things so seriously!)
The embarrassing, unfortunate, and silly mistakes I have made throughout the past 10 years of this whole small-business-entrepreneurship journey I’m on
Business is just like life – you’re never going to get it perfect (and you shouldn’t have to!). Its messy, full of highs and lows, and sometimes uncomfortable – but hey, we’re all finding our way through it and getting better at it one day at a time.
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Redefining what business "success" means to you
25 Sep 2024
00:21:10
"If you only measure business success in dollars... you'll never be satisfied, because you're never acknowledging the things that are actually making your life better." - Shinah
I just got back from my honeymoon trip to Paris and had a realization about why my business feels like a slam-dunk SUCCESS to me right now... despite me not reaching my goals in my last course launch.
Listen in to hear: - High and lows of my honeymoon to Paris - The unexpected reason I was dreading the return to my business - The one thing I always give myself after every vacation... that feels like REAL SUCCESS to me
I hope this episode will help you to step back and realize you're probably more successful than you realize... and it's time to measure, acknowledge, and celebrate those successes, so you have the confidence and inspiration to KEEP GOING!
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"We're Disappointed In Your Calligraphy"
18 Sep 2024
00:13:51
“We’re not satisfied with the quality of your calligraphy, so we won’t be paying you.”
Yes, that was actually said to me. And naïve, inexperienced Shinah hadn’t gotten payment upfront – so all my work ended up being for nothing. Sucks, right?
I recently shared this experience with my Calligraphy Biz Inner Circle members. Not to teach them about payment standards, but to remind them that client’s opinions can be brutal. But at the end of the day, they are just that – OPINIONS.
Join me this episode as I share the advice I gave my Inner Circle about:
Battling our obsession with perfection (and how it’s actually self-centeredness)
How to reframe your brain when it starts to catastrophize
The best way to shake off a bad experience, and take it with a grain of salt
Make sure you stick around and see what ended up happening with this client (you won’t believe the twist of events!).
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$900 Extra Per Month With Calligraphy
11 Sep 2024
00:23:50
“My life is always crazy and I’m running all over the place. I do so much for everyone else but calligraphy is something to call my own….and that is a feeling I didn’t even know I needed.”
Danielle Williams is a BUSY person. She’s a full-time caregiver to her mother who has dementia, and a part-time healthcare worker. She never considered herself a “creative” person… and now she’s bringing in $300-1,200 PER MONTH with her calligraphy business! Listen to learn how:
Calligraphy has boosted her self-confidence and given her a sense of PURPOSE in life
She got into teaching calligraphy workshops, on her own schedule, that brings in amazing extra income each month
She’s surprising herself all the time and blowing her own mind with how much joy she’s able to bring into other peoples’ lives.
Danielle was a delight to talk to, and our conversation helps remind us all that even if you don't think you’re a “creative” person, you’re probably wrong! You’d be surprised at what you can find within yourself when you dig a little deeper.
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REPLAY: Six Months to Pro Calligrapher Training
09 Sep 2024
00:44:43
Watch the video training here -- A concrete six-month PLAN you can follow to go from calligraphy beginner, to starting your own calligraphy business!
This is the roadmap I wish I had when I first started, because it tells you 1) The crucial building blocks and priorities to focus on, and 2) What you can ignore (despite "experts" telling you otherwise)
If you want the BEST GUIDANCE and MENTORSHIP possible on your calligraphy journey, our Pro Calligrapher Bundle of courses is open through this Friday, September 13, 2024! --> It's a complete education in CALLIGRAPHY + BUSINESS... all in one, expertly-taught package, for just USD $997.
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Competition In The Calligraphy World
04 Sep 2024
00:29:05
“I’m still afraid to put myself out there because now there are so many more experienced calligraphers than there were back then.” - Shinah
Today I’m talking about one of the biggest fears that keeps calligraphers from putting themselves out there – competition.
When you’re just starting out, you may think that NO ONE will want to pay you for your calligraphy – but in reality, you are so wrong. Not everyone wants to spend thousands of dollars to address their wedding invitations in calligraphy (but perhaps they ARE willing to spend a few hundred on an up-and-coming calligrapher who has the skills to get the job done).
Join me on this episode of “The Shinah Show” as I share real life examples of beginner calligraphers who landed well-paying jobs just by putting themselves out there (and how they did it!). I’m also sharing the fears I hear from students all the time, and how to:
Ditch the “calligraphy bubble” & the lies it tells your brain
Set yourself apart from “all the other calligraphers”
Focus on the non-financial benefits of a creative side-hustle to motivate you, and help you think less “black and white”, and more about what’s possible if you just step a little out of your comfort zone
I have met COUNTLESS students who have feared competition & putting themselves out there. But once they did, they never looked back (and were soooo happy they did it!). I hope this episode inspires you to pursue your creative passions and be your truest self.
Wanna hear about the EASIEST way to start a calligraphy biz?? Click HERE to listen to episode 52 of “The Shinah Show” – Easiest Way to Start Your Biz!
Let's tackle those fears together!! We're right in the middle of my “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge - and there's still plenty of time to jump in! Lessons & videos will remain posted in our Facebook Group. so you can catch up on your own time! Join HERE so you don’t miss the free lessons, daily prizes, and tactical business tips.
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Growing A Biz With No Social Media
28 Aug 2024
00:28:50
“I’m no longer afraid to put myself out there... Because of my hearing loss, I’ve always been a little intimidated by new people. But calligraphy has given me a great deal of confidence. And I’m proud of my work.” - Amanda Nicole Borne
Today, I’m talking to my student Amanda - a substitute teacher and calligraphy biz owner who is also dealing with progressive hearing loss.
There’s SO MUCH VALUE in our conversation, including:
How calligraphy has provided connection and confidence, despite hearing loss
Creative ways to get calligraphy jobs that I’ve NEVER HEARD of before - with NO social media!
How Amanda is using the profits from her calligraphy biz (hint: it involves international travel and life-threatening surgery for her husband)
Amanda took our calligraphy courses during the pandemic, despite both her and her husband losing their jobs… and she says the investment was “Absolutely worth it. It’s not like taking a trip, where you do it once and then only have the memories. I learned a SKILL that I can use for the rest of my life.”
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A Message I NEED You To Hear
21 Aug 2024
00:22:44
Life is ALWAYS going to get in the way of your dreams. There I said it.
I recently hosted my 'Calligraphy Business Inner Circle', where I gathered with a small group of students for an 8-week intensive to set them on their path towards entrepreneurship. As we’re coming down the home stretch, one of the biggest roadblocks we hit was, “life is getting in the way”. Family, friends, work, taking care of YOURSELF… ALL of it swallows up your time. I get it - even 20 minutes a day can seem overwhelming. But you know what I told them? You have to carve that shit out – because you will not find it waiting for you at the end of the day. Join me in this episode as I share some “tough love” with my students (and all of you!) and give them a reality check (& a little kick in the rear) about their priorities, time management, and making “emotionally risky” decisions. Starting a business might be uncomfortable, and it might take sacrifices. But you have to take back your POWER, and control over your life, if you want to truly take this path. Life can’t just ’happen’ to you, you have to live it.
If you're ready to take back your POWER, my BIGGEST free training is right around the corner! My “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge starts September 2nd, and registration is open! Join HERE so you don’t miss out on any of the fun (free lessons, live trainings taught by yours truly, and did someone say awesome prizes?!?). See you there!
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Do I Regret Entrepreneurship?
14 Aug 2024
00:26:37
In a not-so-distant time ago, I was cowering under my fancy corporate lawyer desk praying no one would find me. I was miserable and dreaded waking up and going to work every day.
So I quit, and started working for myself – and then completely burned out and quit that too for a while. So when someone asks me, “Do you regret entrepreneurship?”, that is a VERY good question.
It has taken me being employed & self-employed to see that most people tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. But what if I said it’s really all an illusion?
Join me in this week's episode of The Shinah Show as I share my real time realizations from each perspective in the areas of:
Money – the stability of a salary vs. the potential for big wins (and big losses)
Time – being on someone else’s timeline with a finite end to the day vs. having the freedom to create your own workday (but work always following you home)
Determination – having someone motivate & praise you for a job well done vs. being your own boss and motivating yourself to get things done
Whichever path you take, you still might feel as if you’re “missing out”. However, life is full of seasons – and you can change your mind and explore your options at ANY time. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be one or the other - you can find your own balance between the two that works for your life.
And if you want to grow and explore the possibilities out there, my BIGGEST free training is right around the corner! My “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge starts September 3rd, but registration is open! Join HERE so you don’t miss out on any of the fun (free lessons, live trainings taught by yours truly, and did someone say awesome prizes?!?). See you there!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
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Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Surprising Calligraphy Jobs
07 Aug 2024
00:26:07
Not many people realize calligraphy goes WAYYYY beyond weddings – and is growing exponentially in almost every place possible.
From presidential (and royal) calligraphers, to highly specialized pieces for celebrities & T.V. shows (Bridgerton anyone?), simple “pen and paper” items only scratch the surface of this industry – as well as the things I’ve made throughout my 9 years as a professional calligrapher.
In this episode, I’m sharing 5 of the COOLEST projects I’ve had the pleasure of penning. I’m also diving into:
How these unique projects found their way into my portfolio
Some of the new categories & places calligraphy has started to appear that you’d NEVER think was possible
Why networking is such a powerful tool
Ways to expand your thinking and find unique jobs outside of the wedding industry
In a world that is busy making technological advances every second, so many people are looking for ways to slow down and return to the simple ways of the past – and calligraphy fits the bill for just that. I hope this episode opens your eyes as to just some of cool the places calligraphy can take you (and make you money!).
**And if you want to learn how to begin your journey in this growing industry, my free webinar is the BEST place to start! Sign up HERE to get access to my hour-long training that will show you exactly what you need to do to get your foot in the door!**
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Lawyer to Calligrapher: My Story
31 Jul 2024
00:34:25
I’ve never told my whole story in one episode… so here it is. How I ended up as a successful but unhappy lawyer. How I got out. And how I hit the calligraphy business “jackpot”.
Listen to hear:
The REAL reason I decided to quit law (that I’ve never shared before)
The humiliating thing I did as a third grader that held me back from becoming an entrepreneur
How much -I- was responsible for my million-dollar business success (and how much was plain ol’ luck)
The main lesson? It’s POSSIBLE to live a more creative, unconventional, off the beaten path life. It’s risky and it’s hard and it requires growth and confronting all the things you criticize about yourself. But it’s so so beautiful. -- FREE WORKSHOP:
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My "B-" Body (Part 3 of 3)
24 Jul 2024
00:26:56
How I learned to accept my imperfect body… and how that went hand-in-hand with business growth.
In this vulnerable episode, I share openly about:
How growing up Korean-American in this jacked up culture led to seriously disordered eating patterns for most of my adult life
What happened when I finally did lose a lot of weight in my 20s… and how it didn’t bring me the peace I desperately wanted
How I finally embraced more intuitive eating and fun exercise - by working on the source of my self-hatred
Here’s the main lesson: Deciding to go after my own happiness and inner love… that was the KEY to every blessed thing in my life right now. My beautiful business, my amazing husband, and my (mostly) peaceful relationship with my own body.
It’s really HARD to confront your own self-criticism and face the stuff you most fear… and it’s SO SO WORTH IT. I promise. --
Wanna hear more about my journey from corporate to creative? 👇
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My "B-" Business (Part 1 of 3)
10 Jul 2024
00:27:13
As a recovering perfectionist, the idea of publishing “less than perfect” work felt totally wrong early on in my business.
I would spend hours scrutinizing the tiniest of details, thinking no one would possibly take me seriously (much less buy anything from me!) otherwise. But all those hours spent overanalyzing weren’t getting me any further with my business. So I took a course from one of my business mentors looking for answers - and I saw how she simplified her content and didn’t overthink what she put out there. To even further support her method, I started to see all the up-and-coming “bro marketers” doing the same thing – they were putting out SUPER basic, simple content – and their numbers were BANANAS. Seeing so many creators putting out flawed content (and winning with it) inspired me to do the same – and it changed the way I operate my business forever.
Join me in this 1st episode of a 3 part series on living a “B-“ life as I discuss:
Why publishing B- content can make you a more flexible & successful business owner
How utilizing the 80/20 rule can take you from a B- to an A, and show you what your audience really wants (without spending hours polishing a turd)
Why imperfection and being human is more relatable to your audience, and the direction marketing is going
You DO NOT have to be an “A” person to be successful!! Being more loosey-goosey might feel weird at first, but once you see how much simpler being B- can be, I know you’ll start implementing it in your own life too.
And don’t forget to join me for part 2 next week as I share the story of my “B-“ Husband (cause it’s gonna be a good one!).
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Middle School Teacher to Calligrapher
04 Jul 2024
00:33:47
“I’m hopeful for the future now…”
Jessica has been a middle-school teacher for 20 years, but the last six have been a real struggle.
But CALLIGRAPHY has changed all of that.
Jessica re-discovered the childhood hobby she had loved so much, then decided to enroll in my Calligraphy Biz Starter Guide Course - so she could finally do something more with her passion.
And starting her calligraphy business has literally BROUGHT HER BACK TO HERSELF. In this episode, Jessica tells me how:
She’s partnering with local small businesses to get calligraphy jobs in brilliant ways I’ve NEVER heard of before!
Calligraphy, as a hobby, is VITAL to her mental well-being, and also
Calligraphy, as a business, has helped her overcome the crippling imposter syndrome she’s always struggled with
This is one of the MOST POWERFUL interviews I’ve ever done, because it shows how much you can TRANSFORM yourself and your life… if you go after your creative passions and take steps towards what you truly desire!
Jessica can be found at:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/fine_script_studio
WEB: https://finescriptstudio.com/
--
Ready to take your creative business to the next level?!
My Biz Starter Guide Course is open for enrollment right now through July 7th, 2024!
Come join me and learn how to establish your business easily - and without the headaches and stress of doing it yourself! Want even more help?? I'm opening my "Inner Circle" Business Program to a handful of students, where we'll be doing a deep-dive into establishing your business with one-on-one coaching from me! Click HERE for all the info! -- FOLLOW SHINAH:
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Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Marketing Director to Artist & Calligrapher
03 Jul 2024
00:36:21
“What if it goes RIGHT?!?”
Jana Ricci began her company “Fishtail Flourish” after stepping away from a 6-figure career as a Director of Marketing. Finally giving herself permission to do something for herself, she became immersed in my calligraphy courses during COVID - and never looked back.
Jana spends a lot of her time in (go figure) the small town of Fishtail, Montana. Tapping into her “posse”, she quickly picked up a job teaching calligraphy and spreading her love of calligraphy within her community. These days she can be found around town hosting classes, networking, and creating commissioned pieces for individuals as well as charity events. Join me as I speak with Jana and discover:
How to shed your identity & say out loud who you truly are (don’t compare!)
Why starting SLOW is still starting
How my Biz Starter Guide course was extraordinarily useful – even for someone who came from the corporate world
Why it doesn’t matter how many calligraphers are out there (*spoiler alert* they aren’t you!)
It is so important to hold the belief in yourself that you can succeed FIRST - then everything else will fall into place. I hope this inspires you to do so.
Ready to take your creative business to the next level?! My Biz Starter Guide Course is open for enrollment right now through July 7th, 2024! Come join me and learn how to establish your business easily - and without the headaches and stress of doing it yourself! Want even more help?? I'm opening my "Inner Circle" Business Program to a handful of students, where we'll be doing a deep-dive into establishing your business with one-on-one coaching from me! Click HERE for all the info!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
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Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Starting My Biz All Over Again
26 Jun 2024
00:41:34
I broke into the calligraphy industry at one of the most ideal times. Instagram videos were on the rise & local maker events were popping up everywhere, giving me the opportunity to network my business. Then COVID quarantined everyone, and people were looking for something to do amidst the stagnant, day-to-day monotony of being stuck inside – and calligraphy’s popularity hit an all-time high. I rode the wave as long as I could – but it didn’t last. Since then, I’ve had to constantly change my strategy - growing and evolving with the trends and times. It has NOT been easy (read – I NEVER went to school for business or took any business courses before starting my company) – but after throwing spaghetti at the wall for a while, I developed a 3-bucket strategy to steadily grow my sales and client base. In this episode of The Shinah Show, I share with you:
How I grew Crooked Calligraphy into a million dollar plus company
My strategies for handling different types of clients
What I would change if I could do it all over again
Stepping into any industry is difficult – but with the right formula of offerings, marketing and operations, you can easily get your foot in the door, no matter what types of clients you are serving!
I have learned SO MUCH over my 8 years as a business owner – and one of the biggest lessons has been to pay it forward. I would have never gotten to where I am today without those who have gone before me sharing the necessary know-how to do so. I hope this episode makes business feel more doable and inspires you to take the leap and go after your dreams!
FREE CALLIGRAPHY BIZ SUMMER SCHOOL - My Calligraphy Biz Summer School is still in full swing! I'm teaching 3 weeks of foundational business lessons, resources and mindset reframes, to help you get closer to your calligraphy dreams
This is all leading up to the doors opening to my “Calligraphy Biz Starter Guide” course on July 1st, 2024! This is the LAST time I’ll be offering it at the introductory price of $497 before its closed it for a major overhaul. Get in NOW to get the course (AND all the updates) at this price! --
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Is There Room For More Pro Calligraphers??
19 Jun 2024
00:24:55
So you want to start a calligraphy business – that’s awesome! But wait… are there too many calligraphers out there already that it’s going to be impossible to create your own space and stand out in this industry?
This was an actual (and legitimate) question I got in my Instagram DM’s by a follower a few weeks ago. She was wondering if the market was too saturated for new calligraphers to make it – and let me tell you, this is NOT the first time I’ve heard this concern. With so many established calligraphers out there already in such a niche industry, it can feel like you won’t be able to get your foot in the door (much less make money!). But in reality, this industry (and many others like it) is ever-changing – and there IS a seat at the table for you!
In this week's episode of The Shinah Show, I’m going to pop the ‘calligraphy bubble’ you’ve been living inside and show you:
Why there is more room in this industry than you think
How being a “beginner” can work to your advantage
Why getting over your ‘imposter syndrome’ is absolutely necessary in order to make it
FREE CALLIGRAPHY BIZ SUMMER SCHOOL - Three weeks of foundational business lessons, resources and mindset reframes, to help you get closer to your calligraphy dreams
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Busting The "No Time" Myth
12 Jun 2024
00:34:08
Who has ever said, “I’d LOVE to do that – but I have no time!” We’ve ALL said it, felt it, and truly meant it.
Time is fleeting in today’s world - we’re constantly running from point A to point B, being a slave to our to-do list of ‘highly important’ tasks. We’re “time famished” – constantly looking to squeeze a few more minutes out of our day. What if I told you that instead of feeling time famished, you could find more spaciousness in your life by using your ‘time-confetti’ in a way that allows you to find those extra moments in the day? And in turn, having the time to do those things that once seemed impossible to fit in!
Join me in this episode of “The Shinah Show” as I discuss:
What “time confetti” is and why it will blow your mind
Why our priorities are totally out of whack, and how we actually end up using our time (*spoiler alert* not in the most productive of ways!)
How finding the right creative outlet for you can CREATE more time and spaciousness in your life, so you aren’t trying to scrounge up a few minutes here and there
I’m excited to show you how you can take control of your time, and finally be able to find activities that light you up. You’ll find yourself eager to get back to them that you’ll magically find more free time throughout your day.
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Reality of a 10K Calligraphy Job
04 Jun 2024
00:30:10
350 place cards, 110 welcome cards, 40 table cards, and 8 menu templates later… I just completed my first $10k corporate calligraphy job in quite some time - And I am TIRED…
Trust me, I don’t say this to brag – I say it to show all of you aspiring creatives and calligraphers that these jobs ACTUALLY exist. It’s not uncommon to find big brands with a company portfolio requiring calligraphy for their signature events (and this client just happens to be one of them).
I want to be clear:
No, you probably aren't going to land you a job like this until you have years of calligraphy experience under your belt...
No, you cannot go out there as a newbie and charge $250 an hour,,,
No, being a calligrapher is not always exciting, or glamorous, or easy on the body...
But little by little, all those local events, orders received from family, and chances to hone your skillset build up your resume - so you CAN land those high-paying once-in-a-lifetime jobs.
Join me as I spill all the tea on what it's really like to work on a glamorous, high-stakes, celebrity-filled, luxury brand EVENT. Listen to find out:
How a connection I made in 2018 was the key to landing me this gig
The most important lessons I want to pass on to you, and
What I did in the "servants quarters" on the night of the event 😂
I can’t wait to eventually share ALLLL the things I’ve learned through this extremely high-pressure, but very realistic, corporate calligraphy job (and my best tips to help you land one too!).
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Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Making Your First $100 With Calligraphy
29 May 2024
00:33:07
Imagine if listening to this podcast *right now*, could change the entire trajectory of your life?? That’s what happened when Magda - podcast listener turned calligrapher & businesswoman - tuned into the 1st episode of "The Shinah Show" after my 9-month hiatus… with no other intentions than having something to break up her day amidst working her corporate job, folding laundry & chasing after her two kids (I mean, can you relate?!?). After binging ALL of "The Shinah Show" Episodes, Magda decided to dive into calligraphy a little over a year ago. Fresh to the industry, she is just starting her journey as a bona-fide calligrapher with her first paid job in the books!
Join me in this full circle moment for Magda as she sits down with me on the very podcast that began her journey to discuss:
How you can develop a more “spacious” life with the help of calligraphy
Why action is better than over-thinking
How our creative brains can get in our way (rather than OUT of our way!)
Why surrounding yourself with positive examples makes all the difference (don’t let the ‘calligraphy bubble’ get in the way of your success!)
Doing it messy is STILL doing it – and Magda’s story is such a great example of just that. You don’t have to always need a perfectly laid-out plan – as long as you are open to the possibilities in front of you and the journey ahead of you, I am so incredibly proud of how Magda has put herself out there - and I know her journey is just getting started!
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Perfectionism Failed Me
21 May 2024
00:29:02
Growing up as a first-generation Korean-American, I was raised to believe that meeting “perfect” milestones would make me happy. There was never any letter other than an A on my report cards, a number other than 1600 on my SATS (and PSATS), or a university I attended with a ranking less than #1 in the nation (ok, don’t hate me – I promise it’s not all sunshine and rainbows). But while I was on this seemingly “perfect path of perfectionism”, I was also the most unhappy I’ve ever been. This track was making me miserable rather that making me happy – which is exactly what I WASN’T expecting. And after crawling out from underneath my desk (literally), I burned out – quite literally - and realized I had failed to maintain this ‘perfect’ lifestyle.
Join me on this episode of The Shinah Show as I recount my life story through a lens of perfectionism and share with you:
How perfection eventually became my façade to hide behind, rather than my reality
The lengths I’ve gone to in order to maintain my “perfect” records
How crippling the pressure of perfectionism can be
How I dug myself out of a constant cycle of burnout – and how you can, too
I hope this episode speaks to all of you with perfectionist tendencies, and shows you that we ALL need to give ourselves a little more grace, a little less judgement, and a damn chance to rest sometimes.
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Season 3: "Anti-Perfectionism"
15 May 2024
00:35:27
I’m back for Season 3! “I’m realizing that this is my damn business, and I can take it in any direction I want.” - Shinah
The theme for this season is ANTI-PERFECTIONISM
Season 1 was launched at the peak of my “pandemic success” - million dollar years, thousands of students, so much exposure through ads and social media
Season 2 was the year of “coming back” after burnout and a long break… and struggling HARD emotionally to regain my confidence and reset my goals and expectations
Season 3 is going to be both deeper and broader - I’ll still talk about calligraphy and creative business, but I want to explore the WHY behind it all. Which is that we all want to feel more at peace with ourselves and less afraid… and I think confronting our perfectionism through inner work and creativity is a beautiful way to do that.
In this episode, I catch you up on:
How I’m doing emotionally & financially right now (with real numbers, of course)
How my current sturdiness is a direct result of the emotional turbulence of 2023; and
My powerful MANIFESTO for Season 3 - the real message I want to get out into the world
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Making way for something new
29 Feb 2024
00:18:20
I’m taking a little break from the Podcast and here’s why… “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done and I’m terrified.” - Shinah
FIRST: Crooked Calligraphy is NOT going anywhere
In fact, I’ve created a brand-new FREE CALLIGRAPHY STYLE MONTH for March 2024.
✍️ So, if you want free lessons on how to think about style BUILDING BLOCKS, so you can level-up your CONFIDENCE and go after truly dreamy clients… SIGN UP RIGHT HERE.
SECOND: I am taking time to start something new
And I don’t know exactly what it is yet.
What I do know is that this new branch of my business will:
Help you to move towards a life that FEELS TRUER to yourself
Take up my Thursdays and Fridays from here on (so calligraphy will be Mon-Wed only)
Be raw and messy and exciting and will involve some kind of weekly PODCAST or BLOG-type sharing
👉 I don’t even know what I’m selling yet in this new business, but if you wanna come along for the ride, come follow me on my Personal IG @shinahchang
THIRD: Thank you for your support on this journey
This podcast means so much to me, I’m so THANKFUL that you’re here, and I hope you’ll continue with me on this weird ride called life. 😉
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to Start a Calligraphy Business (Getting Customers)
20 Feb 2024
00:37:26
Let’s get into part 2 of how to start a calligraphy business with arguably one of THE most important things – how to attract customers & keep them with the services you’re providing! There is a LOT that goes into starting a business – which might sound incredibly scary. But this is stuff though where you actually need to show up and courageously keep trying. Of course, you don’t need to do EVERYTHING when you’re first starting out- but you need to know the IMPORTANT things to do to establish yourself (and I’m here to tell you what they are!). In this episode of The Shinah Show, I break down the essential things you should do when starting your business to attract and keep customers. We’ll cover:
Why developing your brand identity FIRST will make everything else infinitely easier
The art of crafting your online presence via a website (and all things social media)
The “who/what/where” of finding your ideal clientele
How to keep customers using the “5 P’s”
A Cliff’s Note’s version of the beast that is Etsy
I promise following this outline & narrowing down your to-do list will help save you from slipping into decision-making paralysis, and allow you to streamline your customer acquisition strategy. It's not nearly as overwhelming or scary as you think - and totally doable. If I can do it, you can too!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to Start a Calligraphy Business (Legal & Financial Setup)
14 Feb 2024
00:37:29
I’m de-mystifying the legal & financial steps to officially setup your calligraphy or art business. “I promise, by the end of this episode, this stuff will feel less overwhelming and more DOABLE.” - Shinah
If you’ve ever dreamed of making money with your art, but this scary logistical stuff is what’s stopping you, grab a notepad ‘cause we’re getting into the nitty gritty!
LEGAL SETUP
Choosing a Business Name
Deciding on a Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship v. LLC v. S-Corp
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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13 Things You Didn't Know About Me
08 Feb 2024
00:21:08
Betcha didn’t know I was a huge fantasy nerd🤓… and other (maybe) interesting facts
In today’s light-hearted episode, I share 13 things you probably didn’t know about me!
Including:
The 21 countries I’ve traveled to
The martial arts black belt I never use…
What I do in my 40s that I would NEVER DARE to do in my 20s
Hopefully you feel like you know me a little better. If there’s anything that surprised you, or that you can relate to… DM me on Instagram and let me know!
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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How to Make Failure Less Scary
31 Jan 2024
00:23:44
What could you accomplish if you no longer feared failure?
"I’m more open than ever to feeling it ALL… success, disappointment, shame, and extraordinary gratitude." - Shinah
If you go after something brave and a little unusual… you WILL face failure and disappointment.
Here’s what I do so that those feelings make me stronger, instead of crushing me:
Three PRACTICAL things I do to re-frame thoughts of failure, and
The ONE PERSPECTIVE SHIFT I keep coming back to that helps me embrace all of life, the good and the ugly
Because the confidence that comes from being “successful” is a conditional and fragile thing… especially when compared to the quiet POWER of being willing to fail.
Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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She Made More Money Than Her Husband (From Calligraphy!!)
24 Jan 2024
00:29:39
"I made more money than my husband, for the very first time in my life... with calligraphy!" - Priscilla Basilio, Crooked Calligraphy Student
Today, I’m interviewing someone who went from:
Not knowing anything about calligraphy... to
Bringing in more money with her calligraphy business last December than her husband did with his full-time job!
Priscilla of Priscilla Basilio Design Studio has SUCH an inspiring story to share. ✨ She never imagined she could own a business, let alone grow it to replace her full-time income- and our calligraphy and business courses are what helped her along the way. ✨
Join me as I hear all about her journey and how she went from not even knowing what calligraphy was (!!!!), to finally beating her husband in monthly income 😏, and what her future has in store!
"They were literally life-changing. If you're curious at all about learning calligraphy, just take Shinah's courses - you won't regret it!" - Priscilla
✍️ Our Signature Calligraphy Courses & Bundle are available to purchase RIGHT NOW!!✍️
Modern Calligraphy 101, Modern Calligraphy 201 & our Pro Bundle are open for enrollment until Friday, January 26th at 11:59PM PDT! The Pro Calligrapher Bundle gives you everything you need to go from complete calligraphy beginner, to developing a signature style, to SELLING your calligraphy so you can start to bring in some fun side income. Come check them out 👉 👉 HERE!
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Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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