If you have ever tried to price a good for sale that you created, or you have but feel like you can’t quite hit the sweet spot- this episode is for you!

I find SO MANY of my students wondering “How the hell do I price my products??” I totally get it- thumbing through the pages of Etsy researching competitors prices can have you feeling a little, well, lost.

You see those rock bottom prices and think to yourself “How are these people making ANY money off their products?” OR you find yourself unsure if you are ‘good’ enough to charge what you think will actually make you a small profit.

In this week’s episode, I break down for you: 

• Why you should NEVER base your products prices off of other people’s prices!
• What you SHOULD actually be basing your prices off of
• How to calculate your product/hourly rate to make sure you’re not JUST breaking even

This episode will hopefully leave you with a solid basis and underlying knowledge of how to price your products competitively.

And if you’re ready to deep-dive into how to price your products and get real interactive help – it’s coming!! I’m putting together an entire pricing program, complete with a live round of “pricing boot camp” that I’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks! 

---> Wanna be the first to know all the details?? Register HERE!!! 

New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr Workshop

Learn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!

Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
--

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

What NOT to do when launching a course.

“Looking back, there are some definite reasons why this launch under-performed.” - Shinah

Today, I’m getting both STRATEGIC and quite VULNERABLE. 

I’m looking at my latest launch of my Intermediate Calligraphy Course and analyzing why:

• A pre-launch runway is so important
• Too much content during a launch can be a BAD thing, and
• The #1 thing I’ve been neglecting that would have given me different results

Sometimes, business is just hard. So I’m also sharing a vulnerable truth about this year’s revenue that I hope will help some of you feel not alone. 

Mentioned in this episode: The Modern Creative Podcast

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New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr Workshop

Learn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!

Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
--

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Getting & Keeping High-Paying Corporate clients

“Working with big brands is a different beast - they have certain standards and expectations when hiring a professional.” - Shinah

This BONUS EPISODE is a snippet from a live training I did recently called “Confident Calligraphy Style (Stop Copying & Start Attracting High-Paying Clients”

….psst… I’m teaching it again live this Saturday, Sept 16, 2023. Register for free here!

I’m sharing the juiciest part of the training, where I talk about “The Dom Perignon Effect”:

• How I became the go-to calligrapher for Dom Perignon’s Los Angeles events
• The 3 Keys to serving corporate clients well - so you feel more equipped to go after those clients and start getting repeat business from them
• The lucrative side-effect of giving corporate clients exactly what they’re looking for - with real numbers from my own past experience!

One thing you absolutely need? Confident calligraphy, with a flexible range of styles (or the ability to create them on the fly… 😎 ) 
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Want A SYSTEM FOR CREATING A UNIQUE SELLABLE calligraphy style?

My Modern Calligraphy 201 INTERMEDIATE COURSE is open for enrollment through this Sunday, September 17, 2023! 

Building a business in your hometown

“You don’t need a huge instagram audience or email list…you can grow a thriving business rooted in the physical PLACE and community you’re in.”- Shinah

I have three stories for you today - all students of mine - all building calligraphy businesses very much based in their physical home towns.

And those communities aren’t huge. In fact, two of them are in pretty RURAL areas. Listen in to find out how they’re doing it. 

(I also give you the lowdown on the Burning Man Mudpocalypse that I just escaped from - p.s. it was amazing)

Here are the three inspiring business owners I’m telling you about today:

• Dani (@RogueLetters) - Took my calligraphy courses back in 2018, started her calligraphy business in 2019 and has just now opened her very own calligraphy BOUTIQUE in Worcestershire, UK. It’s not something she ever thought would happen for her… but she’s feeling “so happy” about it. 
• Amanda (@handletteringwithamanda) - Through business coaching with me, she finally felt empowered to really GO AFTER her calligraphy business… even though she literally lives on a FARM in a rural area. She just set up a lovely outdoor space under a sprawling tree on her property to teach calligraphy workshops and is collaborating with nearby pumpkin patches and coffee shops to expand her biz.
• Stacie (@kotoba.creates) - Lives in Oahu, Hawaii and has always focused on growing her business more locally. She does signage for neighborhood restaurants and just got a laser engraver so she could partner with local shops and create customized gifts. 

Your business doesn’t have to be huge and online-famous in order to be fulfilling (and bring in life-changing income.) 

I hope this gives you a look at how wide the opportunities are when you finally let yourself believe that it might be possible for you ;)
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Want to go beyond basics and develop your own signature calligraphy style?

My Modern Calligraphy 201 INTERMEDIATE COURSE is open for enrollment through this Sunday, September 17, 2023!
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FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

I’m back with the LAST episode in my “Business 101” Series!

So far, I have guided you from the “explore” phase, through the “refining” phase, and now onto the “mastering” phase of building a well-established creative business. 

Very few people get to the “mastering” phase- because it doesn’t just require working on your business, but rather yourself. This phase is not for the faint of heart❤️(you WILL have to get your face out there, be comfortable with rejection, and be prepared to make some hard decisions!). Confidence is KEY in this phase!

Even if you don’t think you’ll ever get there, this episode gives you a roadmap to help navigate your business down the road, see the bigger picture, & develop your overall plan for your business going forward!
________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ready to move CONFIDENTLY into your business future, but don’t know where to start?? 

I’m hosting 2 LIVE webinars unlike any I’ve ever hosted- Tuesday, September 12th 2023 at 5pm PST & Saturday, September 16th 2023 at 11am PST- and they're FREE!!

During my webinar “Confident Calligraphy Style (Stop Copying & Start Attracting High-Paying Clients)” I’ll be teaching you:

• Why style & flexibility is SO key to booking high-paying corporate clients
• Why you need to avoid blind copying 
• My 3- step framework for how to build flourishes, compositions & your OWN alphabet!

Want to attend?? Head HERE to register for either Tuesday 9/12/23 or Saturday 9/16/23!

✨This is all leading up to opening the doors to my Modern Calligraphy Style Course, as well as my other Signature Courses & Biz Starter Guide later this month!✨

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

We’re onto phase 2 this week of Business 101- Refining!

So you’ve explored and gotten your business off the ground- bravo!! You’ve found some customers, created a few product offerings, and have the framework established to build your business… now what??

In this week’s episode, we dive into phase 2 of my 3-part Business 101 series- refining! We’ll discuss what it looks and feels like to start honing in on the important tasks and trusting your decision-making capabilities more. I break down your 3 “buckets” and what they should be holding during this phase, including:

• Figuring out what products YOU like best, which PAY you the best, and making sure you aren’t spending so much time running your business that you don’t give yourself time to play as well!
• Making sure you are putting systems in place to streamline operations, track your overall profit, and automate as much as you can so you can spend your time doing the things that matter the MOST.
• Learning how to build a customer base and social media following, and the importance of establishing an email list

Join me as we put on our big girl pants and start to get serious about building a strong foundation for your business so you can start making that money and turning your side hustle into a full time career!

Ready to start building your OWN calligraphy business?? I’m going to be hosting TWO live workshops to teach you how to develop your own unique calligraphy style to set yourself apart and gain clientele. Tune in next week for all the fun details- and to learn how to MASTER your business in phase 3!

Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
Watch my FREE workshop HERE

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Have you ever tried to start a business, but became paralyzed at the OVERHWHELMING list of to-do’s??

Trust me, I’ve been there. In the 8 years I’ve spent building Crooked Calligraphy, I’ve realized there are 3 distinct stages of building a business- exploring, refining, and mastering. Join me in this episode as I guide you through the 1st stage-  EXPLORING! 

In stage 1 (where most of you probably are), you can often feel as if most of your days are spent throwing spaghetti at the wall. You definitely DON’T  have it all figured out- but here’s the thing … YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

In part 1 of this 3-part series, I explain how to master the art of dividing your time and efforts into 3 ‘buckets’ to help you get your business off the ground:

• Bucket 1 - Figuring out what your main product or service is going to be and how challenging it will be to bring it to fruition for your customers
• Bucket 2 - Organizing your time, deciding how much of it you can dedicate to this new venture, and tracking how much money you’re ACTUALLY making (compared to the time you’re spending on it)
• Bucket 3 - Learning how to SELL your products/services (by far THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to master!), getting into the ‘customer mindset’, and where & how to find customers!

I also let you in on a few of the things that SHOULDN’T be taking up your time (newsflash- that catchy logo isn’t nearly as important as SELLING your products!).

And don’t forget to join me  next week to learn about stages 2 (PLUS be the first to hear all the details of the launch of my Signature Style & Business Courses in just a few weeks!!).


Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
Watch my FREE workshop HERE

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Instagram is NOT what it was in 2015- YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THINKING THAT! 

In the 8 years I’ve been using the platform to grow my business, IG has gone from static photo-only posts, to high-quality reels using trending audio, lightning fast transitions, and catchy hooks.

When it comes to growth on Instagram, I’ve experienced it ALL. Stepping back, I have realized that finding a solid, specific goal of what you want to get out of the platform is the BEST way to use Instagram to your advantage- without burning out in the process.

Join me in this episode to discuss:

-       Instagram in 2015 vs. 2023 and my timeline of growth

-       How creators have changed the way they use the platform and how to use the algorithm to your advantage (because whether we love it or hate it, it’s here to stay!)

-       What is working for me and my 2-fold strategy to gain new followers, as well as keep the ones I have

-       Simple, concrete content ideas to jump start your Instagram growth and keep up with the trends (I promise I’m not going to tell you to just use trending audio!)

Personally, I feel one way Instagram has changed for the better is allowing small business owners and creatives to connect to each other easily. I am so thankful to hear from other creators and know I am not alone in my struggles. I hope this episode allows some of you to do the same, and inspires you to reach out to others in your field 💕

Link to Inkwell/Vonart Youtube interview cited in the show!
@vonnart @inkwell_illustrations 

LINK TO MANYCHAT
(affiliate link)

Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
Watch my FREE workshop HERE

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Is my business feeling more joyful these days?

“If you look at the numbers, I’m FAILING hard. But, there are so many ways in which I’m wildly succeeding…” - Shinah

It’s time for a deeply personal and vulnerable evaluation of how I’m doing on my year-long RADICAL BUSINESS EXPERIMENT. 

You know, the one where I declared that I would be running my business differently this year? (Less shoulds, more messing about).

Tune in to hear:

• My real revenue this year compared to 2022 and 2021 (it’s kinda mind-blowing)
• The real and relatable reason I’m failing at eliminating “should’s” from my biz
• All the messy launches I’ve tried and why I feel like this year has been such a pivotal success

💕 BUSINESS SUCCESS IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN MONEY!

I’m here to tell you you’re doing so much better than you think you are.

Get 1-on-1 business mentoring from me: crookedcalligraphy.com/bizcoaching

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

EVER DREAM OF DOING CALLIGRAPHY FOR A LIVING?

“A calligraphy business was not something that crossed my mind at all when I started… I have terrible handwriting. Little did I know, two months later, I would leave my job to pursue calligraphy full-time.” - Shaochen Wu, Monstera Gold

These four women show it’s totally POSSIBLE to do calligraphy as your main profession💪

1. Laura of @gertiescalligraphy
2. Melissa of @houseofdanaus 
3. Jane of @theoxfordcalligrapher
4. Shaochen of @monstera.gold

In this panel discussion, we talk about:

• How to get started with a calligraphy business
• How to deal with imposter syndrome and low confidence when you have to get up and sell every day
• How each woman has changed as a person since finding calligraphy 

Every single one of these students started as absolute calligraphy beginners and had no idea that “Calligrapher” was even a possible career. 

💕 All of them are HAPPIER, more fulfilled and more free now.

SO THIS IS ME, SHOWING YOU WHAT IS POSSIBLE! 

Free training to learn how to become a professional calligrapher: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

How do you end up running a nationwide calligraphy workshop biz with your  bestie?

“We just put this first class together, winging it the whole time… and 60 students showed up.” - Meg Chaloner, Sip & Script Founder

Today I’m talking to the co-founders of Sip & Script! Meg Chaloner and Julie Mancini - who met in 2015 when they were the only calligraphers at a wedding vendor fair in Boston. They hit it off right away and had the idea to host a calligraphy party for addressing Christmas cards that fall. A few planning emails later and they had dozens of students signed up for the very first Sip & Script!

Now, Meg and Julie work with a team of almost 100 calligraphers, from all around the U.S., to host fun pointed-pen calligraphy workshops (cocktails included) across the country. 

We chat openly and candidly about:

1. How Meg and Julie went from “accidental hobby” to getting legal and legit with their business
2. Hiring their first instructor and what it took to train and trust that person to go out teach on their behalf
3. The best and worst parts of managing a team of creatives across almost all 50 states

This talk shows that even the most sophisticated businesses start from the beginning - often through natural connections and curiosities… and then grow step-by-step!

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIP & SCRIPT:

• Website: https://sipandscript.com/
• Instagram: @sipandscript

FOLLOW SHINAH: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

If you struggle with practicing calligraphy (or anything else!) consistently…

“You’re not lacking in discipline. What’s stopping you is perfectionism.” - Shinah

I hear from so many people that they WANT to get good at calligraphy… and they know that it takes PRACTICE…. but they just never get around to actually doing it. 

Well, spoiler alert: MORE DISCIPLINE IS NOT THE ANSWER!

Today, I’m helping you make practice more ENTICING… so you actually do it!

1. My experience using willpower to practice classical piano for 13 years… and what that has turned into today.
2. How to adjust your motivations, so they come from LOVE and not fear (aka “perfectionism”).
3. Why MASTERY, MINDFULNESS & MATTERING are the keys to actually sticking with any practice.  

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THE "DAILY CALLIGRAPHY QUICKIE" PRACTICE WORKBOOK

It’s a unique, curated, 20-minutes-a-day workbook that makes calligraphy practice FUN again. And it’s on sale now for just $12.

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

THE LEGAL STUFF IN BUSINESS CAN SEEM REALLY SCARY.

“There’s a big difference between law in THEORY and law in PRACTICE. Dealing with legal stuff on a human relationship level makes it much less intimidating.” - Shinah

Today, I’m giving you a casual legal education =) 

Some of you may know that I used to a corporate lawyer. So I want to break down all the scary “law” stuff in plain terms that you can actually understand. 

• What’s the goal of a contract if you DO NOT WANT TO END UP IN COURT?
• How can you guarantee you get paid by a client?
• What do you do if you get a dreaded “Cease & Desist Letter”?

The specific questions I’m answering in this podcast:

• 5:49 - Getting your business legal and permitted
• 8:40 - When do you need a contract, what should you put in it, how do you know if it’s enforceable?
• 14:30 - Can you charge late fees if a client pays an invoice after the deadline? How do you even enforce that?
• 19:23 - A quick overview of COPYRIGHT (I’ll do a much longer episode on this separately)

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WANNA START A CALLIGRAPHY BIZ?

Pssst …… This podcast was actually a Facebook Live I did inside my Pro Calligrapher Program - where I help you go from calligraphy beginner to a confident pro with a legit business making you money on the side! 

WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?

• Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A CLIENT REFUSES TO PAY YOU?

“Looking back, the money was not that big a deal. It was the mental anguish that was the most painful part.” - Shinah

Today, I’m telling the dramatic story of how I worked my butt off as a new calligraphy business owner… and an unscrupulous client took advantage of my naïveté and REFUSED TO PAY ME. 

The FOUR CRUCIAL LESSONS I learned from the whole, gut-wrenching experience?

1. Always get a CONTRACT signed: Here’s a great CONTRACT TEMPLATE just for CALLIGRAPHERS (and it’s 40% off from 6/29/2023 to 7/5/2023)
2. Always get at least 50% PAYMENT in advance 
3. Put a SYSTEM in place so you can deal with stuff like non-payment with less emotion
4. It’s NOT PERSONAL when it comes to business

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THE SOLUTION: AFFORDABLE CONTRACT TEMPLATES

 The Contract Shop gives creative business owners access to quality contracts without having to hire an expensive attorney. 

• Each contract template is drafted and reviewed by several attorneys to make sure they’re airtight. 
• They’re easy to use;  you just plug in the information for your particular client and project and - voila! - you have a thorough, professional contract in place.
• They cost hundreds of dollars, NOT THOUSANDS

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A CONTRACT TEMPLATE JUST FOR CALLIGRAPHERS 

Psst...this is an affiliate link, so I get a small commission when you purchase through me.

—————

WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?

• Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Calligraphy Business Model Options

“Most beginner creative business owners spend all their time trying to increase followers without understanding WHY” - Shinah

Come get an inside peek at the overall STRATEGY I’m thinking through for my calligraphy business. If you’re a new or growing calligraphy business owner, and you’re not sure if you’re spending your time in the right way… this will help you think BIG PICTURE, and take more confident steps towards INCREASING REVENUE:  

1. The “spaghetti on the wall” Business Model that I started with - and how I moved to a much more streamlined, focused online course sales model
2. The TWO OPTIONS you have for increasing revenue:
3. The difference between PAID and ORGANIC ways to reach your people

I also give easy to understand descriptions of

• Ascension Models and how they might work for your calligraphy business
• The Customer Journey and how it’ll help you serve your people better, while increasing revenue, and
• Why MOST early business owners are focusing on the WRONG revenue option

—————

WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?

• Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“I’m thrilled with our sales results, even though they're lower than we're used to... and here' s why” - Shinah

If you’re interested in the true behind-the-scenes of “big” business results… this episode is for you. 

I chat openly and honestly about: 

1. The RESULTS (in real dollars) of our recent sale of calligraphy courses - the first real launch we’ve done in over a year. 
2. The big lesson I learned about PRICING and VALUE - yes, you can totally sell a calligraphy course for $1000… if the communicated and perceived value is there. 
3. The tools I used to set EXPECTATIONS, so that I feel happy and optimistic with this monetary result in my creative business…
4. Even though, it’s LOWER than some of the “disappointing” launches we’ve had in the past.

It’s also been FIVE MONTHS since I came back to my calligraphy business, determined to experiment more and do things differently. And I’m sharing how it’s really going (messy) and what is changing for me as a result (a LOT).

—————

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS NEEDS TO SEE THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING IT… BEFORE YOU CAN GO FOR IT!” - SHINAH

Today, I’m bringing you something different. 

FOUR SUPER-RELATABLE STORIES of women who started as calligraphy beginners, and are now Calligraphy Professionals. 

All four purchased the Pro Calligrapher Bundle in April 2022 and have already booked their first clients and are actively growing their businesses. 

• Sher Pierre - Left-handed school teacher who always had good handwriting, and is now working to turn that passion into a more creative career
• Nikki Davis - Graphic and web designer who started with copperplate, but wanted a more expressive and versatile style. Now, she incorporates calligraphy into her biz, creates fonts, does signage and more
• Stacie Nomura - Special Ed teacher who lives in a small community in Hawaii and is going for her callig biz even though she NEVER thought entrepreneurship was open to her 
• Mara Buhrmeister - Has a business degree and does marketing as her day job and is now using networking to get her first calligraphy jobs.

Why do I try my best to share a variety of student stories every time I market my calligraphy courses? 

Because your subconscious needs to see that SOMETHING IS POSSIBLE before you can even START to think about going for it yourself!

Having the right info and support can make things possible in your mind that you NEVER thought were possible before. So if you’ve ever dreamed of making money doing a craft you love, you’ve gotta check out: 

PRO CALLIGRAPHER BUNDLE OF COURSES

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.  👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/courses

***DOORS CLOSE SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023 at 11:59PM ***

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FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“Focus on these two core things, and don’t let the rest of the business details bog you down” - Shinah

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to launch your CALLIGRAPHY STARTER BUSINESS. 

It’s easier than you think, and will get you crucial learning and skills to continue building. 

1. First, I bust the MYTH that you have to have everything figured out and polished-up before launching your business is FALSE. Hear more about “up-and-coming” businesses and how they’re a natural and necessary part of the market. 
2. Second, I explain the two things you need to start selling your calligraphy (and it’s not a website, clever name, fancy logo, or even payment software)
3. Third, I uncover the TRUE VALUE underneath it all (both learning calligraphy and starting a business) and why it’s SO MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than the money a business can bring in.  

FREE CALLIGRAPHY CHALLENGE

• BTW, this whole podcast is just a small fraction of what I’m teaching in our free “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge. You can still join in and catch the recordings of all the calligraphy lessons and business LIVE teaching sessions 👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge

—————

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“You can sell your calligraphy without having an official business - but you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons” - Shinah

If you’ve ever dreamed of selling your calligraphy to make some extra cash, but you don’t want the hassle of a full-on, official business, this super practical episode will help you weigh the pros and cons. 

1. How the IRS defines hobby v. business for tax purposes
2. The PROs and CONs of creating an official business in order to sell your calligraphy
3. Understanding the LETTER of the law and the INTENT behind the various tax and legal requirements in order to better understand the actual RISKS when it comes to this decision (hint: they’re not as big as you might be imagining)
4.  The TWO EASIEST WAYS to start selling your calligraphy from a legal and logistical perspective

I also briefly discuss Seller’s Permits, the simplest way to track expenses and income, and the easiest way to accept payments.

If you want to sell your calligraphy, whether it’s as a hobby or as a business, please know that it’s absolutely possible and DOABLE. 

—————

FOLLOW: 

• Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

SUBSCRIBE:

• Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“The goal is not to get a place where everything is zen. But, to reach acceptance that life is hard and that is beautifully ok.”

- Shinah

It’s been TWO MONTHS since I came back to my calligraphy business, determined to run it with more freedom and experimentation and joy. 

Many of you might have been  (rightly) wondering, “But don’t you still have to make money somehow?”

And that, my friends, has been the anxiety spiral that has consumed me for the past two weeks. 

Because business is NOT just fun and play… for many creative entrepreneurs, it’s what feeds and supports you and your family.

So this episode is a deeply personal and profound reflection on how HARD it is to worry about money and feel like a failure in business… and the CONCRETE TOOLS I use to help me ride the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

1. Anti-anxiety techniques - like tapping, deep breathing, taking a short walk, petting my dogs. When I remember to use them, I remember that I do have some CONTROL over the way I feel.
2. Perspective-shifting thoughts - like imagining, vividly, how I would feel if I KNEW I had three years left to live. Like remembering my best friend who died at 38 and would be so proud of me and would encourage me to KEEP TRYING and experience everything (even the uncomfortable parts), because that’s why life is so precious.
3. A deep sense of acceptance - my current belief is that my infinite soul chose to experience this current human life that I’m living. My soul doesn’t just want the easy and comfortable parts. It wants the hard parts, too. It wants it all… what it means to be ALIVE. 

All of this helps me to embrace the roller coaster and trust that, whatever happens, I’ll be alright in the end. 

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