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 ofHow to calculate your product/hourly rate to make sure you’re not JUST breaking evenThis 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 WorkshopLearn 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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.” - ShinahToday, 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 importantToo much content during a launch can be a BAD thing, andThe #1 thing I’ve been neglecting that would have given me different resultsSometimes, 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--New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn 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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.” - ShinahThis 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 eventsThe 3 Keys to serving corporate clients well - so you feel more equipped to go after those clients and start getting repeat business from themThe 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… 😎 ) ---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.”- ShinahI 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 ;)---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!---FOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 clientsWhy 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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 listJoin 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 HEREFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 customersBucket 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 HEREFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 HEREFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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…” - ShinahIt’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 bizAll 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/bizcoachingFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 GoldThese four women show it’s totally POSSIBLE to do calligraphy as your main profession💪Laura of @gertiescalligraphyMelissa of @houseofdanaus Jane of @theoxfordcalligrapherShaochen of @monstera.goldIn this panel discussion, we talk about:How to get started with a calligraphy businessHow to deal with imposter syndrome and low confidence when you have to get up and sell every dayHow 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.comFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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 FounderToday 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:How Meg and Julie went from “accidental hobby” to getting legal and legit with their businessHiring their first instructor and what it took to train and trust that person to go out teach on their behalfThe best and worst parts of managing a team of creatives across almost all 50 statesThis 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: @sipandscriptFOLLOW SHINAH: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.” - ShinahI 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!My experience using willpower to practice classical piano for 13 years… and what that has turned into today.How to adjust your motivations, so they come from LOVE and not fear (aka “perfectionism”).Why MASTERY, MINDFULNESS & MATTERING are the keys to actually sticking with any practice.  ---THE "DAILY CALLIGRAPHY QUICKIE" PRACTICE WORKBOOKIt’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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.” - ShinahToday, 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 permitted8:40 - 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)---------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 openFOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.” - ShinahToday, 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?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)Always get at least 50% PAYMENT in advance Put a SYSTEM in place so you can deal with stuff like non-payment with less emotionIt’s NOT PERSONAL when it comes to business-------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 THOUSANDSCLICK 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 openFOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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” - ShinahCome 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:  The “spaghetti on the wall” Business Model that I started with - and how I moved to a much more streamlined, focused online course sales modelThe TWO OPTIONS you have for increasing revenue:The difference between PAID and ORGANIC ways to reach your peopleI also give easy to understand descriptions ofAscension Models and how they might work for your calligraphy businessThe Customer Journey and how it’ll help you serve your people better, while increasing revenue, andWhy 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 openFOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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” - ShinahIf you’re interested in the true behind-the-scenes of “big” business results… this episode is for you. I chat openly and honestly about: The RESULTS (in real dollars) of our recent sale of calligraphy courses - the first real launch we’ve done in over a year. 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. The tools I used to set EXPECTATIONS, so that I feel happy and optimistic with this monetary result in my creative business…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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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!” - SHINAHToday, 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 careerNikki 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 moreStacie 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 COURSESGives 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 ***—————FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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” - ShinahIn 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. 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. 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)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 CHALLENGEBTW, 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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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” - ShinahIf 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. How the IRS defines hobby v. business for tax purposesThe PROs and CONs of creating an official business in order to sell your calligraphyUnderstanding 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) The TWO EASIEST WAYS to start selling your calligraphy from a legal and logistical perspectiveI 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:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE: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.”- ShinahIt’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.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.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.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. —————FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

As a creative entrepreneur, what do you do when you launch a product or offering... and the SALES DON'T COME IN??After 7 years of entrepreneurship, as a professional calligrapher then as a calligraphy teacher, I've run into this situation once or twice... and it just happened AGAIN, with a new training I recently launched. I share three important lessons that helped me keep going, and eventually makes 12 sales of the training (instead of just giving up, which I was close to doing). The three, juicy lessons I go over:FIRST LESSON: A new product needs an education runway.  Potential customers need to hear about something MANY times in order to get familiar with it, understand why they need it, and be ready to purchase. SECOND LESSON: Tactical strategies to increase desire for your products - including a review of the FIVE LEVELS OF AWARENESS in customers, and why you need to know them.THIRD LESSON: The mindset that you choose to adopt when you don't reach a sales goal is so important to your longevity as an entrepreneur. Creative entrepreneurship is not easy. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Hopefully, these three lessons and reframes will help you along the way. —————FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

The demand for calligraphy workshops (and people to teach them!) is alive and well. 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 and how it propelled me into owning a million-dollar business. I’ll tell you:WHY you should teach calligraphy workshopsHow ‘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 more ways than you can imagine!I’ve packed all this information plus SO much more into my brand new online course “How to Teach Calligraphy Workshops” happening LIVE Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at 5pm PST. I’ll be diving more in-depth on these topics, plus all the specifics of how to host your own workshop so you can STOP waiting for the “right time” and START making money!! Find out more about the course and register HERE!See you there!FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“Who do you need to be in order to make a million dollars?”When you’re starting a creative business, it’s the latter part that’s the real hang up. You’ve found your creative passion, but then you get stuck on the actual business part of it…I recently offered 12 creative entrepreneurs a free coaching session to help them work through their business hang ups. Through each session, I found a common thread of issues plaguing these owners…“Whenever I scroll on Instagram, I get discouraged seeing all these other businesses like mine totally rocking it. Why would anyone pay attention to my awkward and less-than-perfect posts?”“I have a GREAT idea, but there’s soooo many details I have to figure out before I even get started.”“I have so many ideas, but I don’t know which one to pursue- the one my heart wants, or the one that’s going to actually make me money?”“What if people don’t like what I’m offering?? What if I fail??”Trust me, I have felt alllll these things throughout the past 8 years of growing my business. So how did I push past these issues? Not by changing myself, but by changing my identity. And it's not as hard as you think it might be.Join me as I dive into what it means to shift your identity, have a “million dollar business mindset”, and how to become a courageous business owner! FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

“If you’re curious if someone can totally disappear from their business for 9 months, and then come back and still sell stuff right out of the gate… here’s your answer...”It’s been a little over a month since I’ve made my official return to social media and my calligraphy business. There’s been a whole lot of good, a little bad, and even some ugly moments during this ‘Radical Biz Experiment’ I launched a mere 6 weeks ago. In this episode, I break down:The content I’ve produced and how it’s affected my overall social media presence (and why I’m actually HAPPY I’ve lost followers).The “surprise launch” my team and I pulled off LITERALLY in 3 days (and whether or not I sold anything 🤷🏻‍♀️).How I’m feeling (or at least how I think I’m feeling!) The truth of the matter? There are days where I feel like I’m on a path towards spiritual enlightenment- and others where I feel like I’m behaving like a spoiled toddler. Perhaps it’s a mix of the two that is fueling my creative energy and excitement.FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Join me in part 2 of "My Major F*Up", where I share one of my BIGGEST f*ups in my creative business to date 🤦🏻‍♀️I posted Crooked Calligraphy's "worst review of all time" that one of our calligraphy students left in our “Student Survey” that we ask all our students to complete at the end of the course. I thought that if I blurred out the reviewer’s name enough to make it unrecognizable, it would be ok to post. Turns out, I was absolutely wrong. In my haste, I didn't consider the impact all this negativity it would generate- not just in the social media world, but within my TEAM.3 valuable things I learned from my "experiment":Sometimes when you “f*** around and find out”... there are consequences. I need to be really honest with myself about my motivations for my experiments. In an attempt to be vulnerable, I was ultimately MARKETING my courses- and hoping the right people would buy. That is not always the best way to go about things.Running a creative business is HARD- and in a niche business like calligraphy without many precedents, sometimes you have to "make it up as you go". Unfortunately this was NOT one of the times that "making it up" worked in my favor.  But ultimately, I learned so much from a crazy 24 hours- and have become a better creative entrepreneur in the process.Join me and learn what I would do differently next time- and what f*ing up, failing, and being messy has taught me through this experiment❤️FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Join me for this 2-part saga where I do something new and bold and scary and vulnerable.... and find out I royally f*cked up while doing it and hurt a couple people. In PART 1 I talk about how I shared the WORST (but most valuable), 1-Star review our Modern Calligraphy 101 course has ever gotten in 6 years and 4,500 students.And the three reasons why I did it:1) To be more TRANSPARENT in my marketing2) To lead with VULNERABILITY3) To show my students and audience that we're not perfect, but we are constantly working to get better​Some AMAZING things happened after I posted this scary thing. And some pretty NEGATIVE things happened as well. I break it all down and tell you whether I regret doing what I did. In PART 2, I'll share more about the part that I really f*cked up and what I learned from this whole experience. FOLLOW: Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphySUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 

After 8 years of working with a life coach, quitting a lucrative law job to build up a million-dollar calligraphy business, and then taking a huge, risky break from that business… I think I’ve finally figured out the BEST WAY to make DECISIONS for myself. …And it’s not “trust your feelings” or “what does your body tell you?”Because here’s something I’ve learned: a decision that is absolutely right for you can feel absolutely TERRIBLE in your body. And a decision that is wrong for you can feel pretty comfortable. It’s not the FEELINGS that tell me what’s right and wrong for me. It’s what’s UNDERNEATH the feeling. I explain with three concrete examples.Example #1: Creating my first online course Example #2: Deciding to quit my business in 2022Example #3: Should you invest in my calligraphy courses? YOU CAN READ ALLLLLL THE DETAILS ABOUT MY COURSES RIGHT HERE: 👉👉👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/coursesFollow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

Today I answer YOUR questions about the 9 month break that I took from my business, Crooked Calligraphy. What did the day-to-day look like?What creative projects did I do?How was my wedding?Was it hard to actually relax and do nothing?How did I prepare myself financially?Listen in for my honest, unscripted answers. PLUS - I'm opening up my calligraphy courses one last time with personalized feedback! Doors close March 8, 2023 - check it out at crookedcalligraphy.com/coursesFollow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram:  @crookedcalligraphy

An impromptu start to Season 2 of the Shinah Show. I'm back from a 9-month break from my calligraphy business... and I want to do things differently this time around. More informal, organic and off-the-cuff.Tune in to hear more about my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 and how I'm approaching Instagram differently these days.I also explain why I'm giving myself a 5 out of 10 for how I'm doing so far...Follow along with my business experiment on Instagram: www.instagram.com/crookedcalligraphy

“I need to take some time to really get clear and think through how I want my life to look, because I don’t want it to look like just another version of that law job that I left.”- ShinahI have a big announcement and I’m just going to come right out and say it: the second season of The Shinah Show will be postponed until further notice.After the finale of Season 1, I’ve done some reevaluating… and have come to the conclusion that I need a little bit of time.To explain this, I’m going to need to be a little vulnerable with you.Here’s the thing: just because you decide to become a creative entrepreneur, that doesn’t mean that you immediately leave your old brain, and thought patterns, and beliefs, and sources of value and worthiness behind.Setting up your LLC is the easy part. Transforming all of that stuff inside? THAT is the real challenge.That’s where I’m at right now. Working on that transformation and figuring out what I want my life and my business to look like.And I want to be very honest with you about what that means.Tune into this episode to learn why I’m putting The Shinah Show on pause, what’s changed for me, and what the future may bring. Highlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro01:36  Do things your own way02:28  The real transformation03:53  My inner work04:37  My pros & cons06:10  New anxieties08:24  Growing pains & sovereignty10:30  The pause12:44  Thank you so much! ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“Even if you don’t think you’re good at networking… you can do it in a more genuine way, and that is by really sincerely wanting to help.”- ShinahThis is the final remix episode of 2021 — and this remix is all about how to land your first clients in your creative business, whether this is your side hustle or your dream career.If you’re ready to start selling, I recommend you grab a pen!I’ve been a creative entrepreneur for the last six years, and throughout that time I’ve sold calligraphy products and services to individuals and corporations. I’ve done work for intimate weddings and large business events. I’ve sold online and at pop-up markets.And the clips in this remix contain insights on how to attract all sorts of customers!You’re going to have to really put yourself out there. And yes, you’re going to have to get used to rejection (especially at first)! But nothing beats the feeling of growing your own creative business — and I KNOW you’ve got this!If you’re just tuning into the show this month, this is a great opportunity to catch up on some of the topics that I covered during the first season. If you caught the show every week, these remix episodes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten. Either way, subscribe now to never miss an episode as we head into Season 2!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:How to leverage your network to connect with potential clients  The importance of bringing a little *extra* something to your pitch  The most important benefit of selling at craft fairs (and it isn’t the revenue)!Highlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro & overview02:53  You need to put in the work05:05  Do a little extra07:03  The power of networking10:22  Networking tips12:05  Be flexible13:33  Be professional17:30  Selling at fairs22:08  Happy holidays & final message! ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“To actually launch your creative business… this is a process. It takes small steps. You have to take really tiny steps in order to get anywhere and do anything big.”- ShinahRemix month marches on! In the first two remix episodes of 2021, I covered how to identify and overcome the things that hold you back from chasing your dreams. In Remix #3, I dig into some practical tips for launching your own creative business — whether its calligraphy, copywriting, choreography, or crochet!Remember: building a successful business is not about one massive, earth-shattering leap. It’s about taking small, simple steps toward your goals.In this episode, I tackle questions like “How do I know when I’m ready to start selling my work?”, “Can I be a success overnight?”, and “How do I bridge the gap between side hustle and full-time creative entrepreneurship?”That’s right, we’re talking scarcity mindset, budgeting, building a client base, and dealing with uncertainty!If you’re ready to get out there and do the damn thing in 2022, you definitely want to hit play!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:When you should take the leap and start selling your creative workHow my revenue grew as my business scaled (yes, I’m talking NUMBERS)  Why leaving your job to work on your creative business doesn’t automatically mean that you won’t have any income — and the 3 numbers to figure out before you quitHighlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro & overview03:23  When to start selling05:29  What my first successes looked like07:24  Overnight success isn’t a thing09:56  Bridge jobs & side hustles11:42  The 3 numbers14:10  Sure & safe calligraphy ventures18:36  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“If you’re looking to make a change in your life or start to build something, it’s okay if you don’t have the exact ‘how’ or if you don’t know the exact way that you’re going to get there.”- ShinahDecember is the month of the remix! As I take some time to recharge for Season 2, I’m releasing a 4-episode remix series with the most impactful insights, stories, and tips from the last 35 episodes!I want to keep you inspired over the holiday season, so Remix #2 is all about getting over the things that are holding you back from chasing your biggest, baddest, boldest dreams!You’re going to learn that your happiness doesn’t have a set point… and how to boost it through small, manageable changes.You’re going to discover how to make your way toward crushing your goal... even when you haven’t yet figured out the steps you need to take.And you’re going to answer two questions to get you thinking about how to shift your mindset!If you’re just tuning into the show this month, this is a great opportunity to catch up on some of the topics that I covered during the first season. If you caught the show every week, these remixes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:3 simple, actionable steps to increasing your level of happiness day-to-dayHow to create a “lighthouse” to guide you along the path  to your goalsExactly what to do with that negative voice inside your head (the answer may surprise you)!Highlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro & overview 02:22  Can you find more joy in your life?04:44  Identify your negative voice07:21  Thank the voice09:36  Change the voice11:22  Choose a lighthouse13:44  Calligraphy launch story16:54  You don’t need the exact “how”18:50  Two questions! ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“How do you get over all of the doubts and all of the objections and just do the d*mn thing?”- ShinahYou might be a little surprised to see this episode — yes, last week’s episode WAS the season finale of Season 1 of The Shinah Show. I’ve had such an amazing time creating this first season and am so grateful for all of the subscribers, reviews, five-star ratings, and support that I’ve received over the last few months.After I finished recording the last episode, I sat down and thought about it a little bit more — and I decided that I didn’t want to leave you hanging for all of December!I’ll still be taking a bit of time off to recharge and gear up for Season 2, so my team and I have put together four “remix” episodes to help you keep your creative juices flowing through the holiday season.Each remix episode will feature handpicked insights, stories, and tips plucked from the last 35 episodes. If you’ve missed out on any past episodes, this month will be a great opportunity to hear the best nuggets of advice from Season 1. If you caught the show every week, these remix episodes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten — and help you keep those creative fires burning!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The secret Season 1 theme I uncovered while choosing clips for the remix episodesWhat you can expect from December’s remixes, episode by episodeHow to get over the destructive perfectionism that may be standing between you and achieving your goalsHighlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro01:49  The hidden Season 1 theme03:11  Remix overviews04:07  Remix #1 breakdown05:19  Work out your want muscle13:59  Inspired perfection v. insecure perfectionism17:56  Recap & three questions ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“This illusion that we have time… that is what keeps us stuck in the safe place, when really we want to step into the brave place.”- ShinahThis is the final episode of the first season of The Shinah Show. What better time to share the #1 most important lesson that I’ve learned in my life?This is a valuable and devastating lesson that I had to learn through lived experience — an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone — and it’s one that has transformed my life a full 180 degrees.Without learning this painful yet life-affirming lesson, I would not have been able to create the life that I now live.I would have remained stuck in a law career that was making me miserable, instead of learning how to embrace bravery and the unknown. I would never have taken the leap into building a fulfilling, creative life doing something I love.This episode gets a little emotional. This episode gets a little philosophical.And I hope that it helps at least one person step outside their comfort zone, take advantage of their full potential, and create something amazing.This episode is dedicated to my beautiful friend Andrew, with the deepest love and gratitude. Tune into this season finale episode of The Shinah Show to find out why “now” is the best time to act.Highlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro02:27  The lesson03:28  Andrew’s story06:48  The diagnosis07:52  Five months09:07  The inspiration11:21  Andrew’s dream13:13  The lessons of 202114:58  Make it happen16:28  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“If new calligraphers are entering the market all the time, and thousands have come in and succeeded in various ways... why can’t you?”- ShinahThis episode of The Shinah Show was inspired by a real conversation in my Instagram DMs. In it, I debunk one of the biggest myths out there about selling calligraphy services and products.Through my classes, I’ve helped many people fall in love with the art of calligraphy. And, just as I did when I was learning, many of my students wind up considering the idea of starting their own calligraphy businesses (yay!!).But I’ve noticed one major fear tends to stop them in their tracks — before they even get started!It’s the belief that the calligraphy market is “too saturated.”Yes, there are a lot of great calligraphers out there right now. But I’m telling you right now, there is MORE than enough space for you as well!If your brain is telling you that there’s no room for you, that you won’t be able to stand out, that there are already too many talented people out there… all that’s doing is stopping you from starting, through fears that aren’t based on any real evidence!If you never start, you DEFINITELY won’t succeed. Your only chance of living your dream requires taking those first steps!If you’re truly interested in starting your own calligraphy business, but are afraid that the market is oversaturated, then you need to listen to this episode right now! Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:Why your brain likes to f*ck with you when it comes to establishing your pricing — and how to stop falling for its tricks!  The big questions you need to ask yourself in order to shift your mindset around creative entrepreneurship How to recognize sub-markets, identify your niche, and then OWN it!Highlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro01:19  The Instagram conversation03:43  The irrationality04:57  Why competition is a good sign06:24  Perfection is not required07:12  Questions to ask yourself07:50  “Saturation” is not a new idea09:17  Recognize sub-markets & own your niche11:34  How many customers do you REALLY need?13:14  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“You put good things out into the world, true, honest, beautiful things… and you’re not exactly sure what the return will be. And a lot of times, things beyond your wildest imagination can happen!”- ShinahWhat if one single, solitary thank you card could change the course of your ENTIRE business?Sounds like a creative writing prompt, right?Well, it happened to me.If you’ve listened for a while, you know that I started Crooked Calligraphy back in January, 2016. And that my wildest dream was to have a booth at the pop-up maker’s market Unique LA.Well, I lived that dream. I snagged my booth, built up my inventory, and sold greeting cards, prints, and gift tags. And I had an amazing time. Such an amazing time that I did another Unique LA booth six months later.  I had such a fantastic experience doing those shows that when December rolled around, I sent a holiday/heartfelt thank you card to the woman who founded Unique LA.… And what happened next was beyond anything I could have anticipated when I sat down to write that simple message of gratitude.Check out this episode to learn how to write a message of gratitude that resonates — and the magic that can happen when you create that personal connection!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:Why sending thank you cards to other business owners is such a powerful gesture — and how they can help both parties How one simple gesture can trigger a snowball effect that offers huge opportunity for your businessHow I wound up working with Moët Hennessy only two years into running my calligraphy businessHighlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro01:45  Been a rough year!02:59  Line dancing!04:31  My Unique LA story09:20  What happened with the card10:14  Digital creators summit11:40  Live calligraphy gig & more13:28  Glenmorangie & Dom Perignon16:39  Ferragamo & Jo Malone17:36  Make room for the magic to come in18:14  Delivering the right message21:19  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“The more you put yourself out there… the more you’re going to get some negativity back.”- ShinahThis episode of The Shinah Show is dedicated to all the haters. Yes, really. Because even if it isn’t their intention, their negativity can actually have some pretty amazing benefits!Here’s the thing: your creativity isn’t for everyone — and it shouldn’t be! The truth is that you will need to repel certain people in order to attract YOUR people.So if you get a lot of undeserved pushback from people around you when you’re just trying to live your most creative life, don’t worry. That just means that you’re sending out a strong message, and it IS going to reach the people who need to hear it the most!Oh, and all of the negativity and sh*tty comments that you get from your haters? I’m going to teach you how to turn it into connection GOLD — so let’s get started!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The 2 major reasons that I receive hate mail and why I get that pushback   A real-life example of how I turned online negativity into a source of new connection  Why you need to keep in mind that your creativity isn’t for the haters, it’s for YOUR PEOPLEHighlights:‌ ‌00:34  Intro01:54  Not “watching my language”05:01  Talking about selling05:50  Calligraphy challenge example09:38  Turning hate into connection10:25  Positive email example12:20  Your work isn’t FOR the haters13:44  Speak to your people ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“You really can’t go after something unless you have some tiny belief that it’s possible.”- ShinahHave you ever joined a $30,000 program? I have. (And no, you didn’t misread that number!).I know what you’re thinking right now: “Was it worth it?”The short answer is “Yes.” The long answer? That’s a little more juicy. I definitely had a lot of hesitation and even fear going in. $30,000 is a lot of money! And for the first few months, I really didn’t feel as though I belonged there. (Technically, I didn’t quite meet the revenue requirements to even join!)But I took the plunge.And I am SO HAPPY that I did. Not only did I make incredible connections with the other members of the program, but throughout the year of my membership, I managed to boost my revenue from $200k annually to $900k.(You didn’t misread those numbers, either.)But here’s the thing: before I could reap these incredible benefits, I had to make three major mindset shifts. Want to learn more? Hit play!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The 3 important mindset shifts I had to make in order to get the most out of my high-ticket program experienceHow I more than tripled my revenue over the course of the yearlong mastermindThe magic that can happen when you’re able to embrace some uncomfortable feelingsHighlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro01:46  About the mastermind03:25  Post-law confusion & growth04:50  Smallest fish in the pond gets big06:12  The mental shift08:14  The belief shift11:24  The emotional shift14:19  Recap15:18  Consider the real ROI ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“When you’re a small fish in a big pond, there’s so much room to grow.”- ShinahAre you used to being the smartest person in the room? (Or at least THINKING you are?)Do you get anxious in situations where you don’t feel like you have all the right answers?Having pride in your intelligence is one thing, but when you place too much emphasis on being smart, you can fall into a self-limiting trap!Growing up, I always thought of myself as The Smart One.And while that gave me confidence in certain situations, it also held me back in a lot of ways that I’ve only just begun to clue into!In this week’s episode of The Shinah Show, I lay out three different curses that can befall us when we are TOO focused on intelligence as our defining feature. (This is an especially important episode for anyone who identifies as a former “gifted” kid!)Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The three curses that come with being smart (yes, of course there is a catch!)  Why you need to let go of the belief that you must always have all the right answers!  How to value the many amazing types of intelligence in the world that differ from your ownHighlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro01:31  Early pride in my intelligence02:52  Family life03:58  Realigning my values04:50  You don’t need the right answers07:14  Be open to learning!09:35  Expand what ‘smart’ means12:25  Different types of ‘smart’13:49  Don’t be afraid! ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“The point of this isn’t actually to bring in a lot of money… the point is to get your name out there!”- ShinahWe’re entering into the holiday season, and you know what that means! It’s time for craft fairs and holiday markets! For creative entrepreneurs, this can be a very lucrative period of the year, and a time where they get the opportunity to meet and make connections with new (and potential future) customers.If you’re just starting out on your creative entrepreneurial journey and aren’t sure how to best tackle the craft fair season, don’t worry. I’m here with practical, tactical advice to help you make the most of this time — and these tips work for all types of crafting, not just calligraphy!I actually owe a lot of my own success to participating in a pop-up market during the first year of my business. In this episode, I’m going to share some of the lessons that I learned from my pop-up experience, and break them down into digestible, actionable steps — everything from how to set up your table and display to how to price your goods!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:How I used my first pop-up market experience to create concrete deadlines and an ambitious goal during my start-up stageThe most effective way to display your stuff — and how much inventory to bring What to consider when setting your pricing — and how to prepare to take paymentsHighlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro02:21  Prepping for Unique LA06:07  My pop-up market experience07:24  Time commitment v. sales08:56  Setting up your space10:51  Vertical space + signage12:30  Be prepared to edit13:53  Choice overload15:00  How much inventory to bring17:13  Pricing 18:48  Sales tax + payment methods 19:54  Customization21:39  Do a live show23:59  Build your list24:49  Beyond sales28:15  It’s possible! ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“If she took one step off that pedestal of perfection, she’d fall right down… out of the light, and warmth, and praise.”- ShinahThis is an episode of The Shinah Show that almost never was.I definitely struggled a little bit with whether or not to tell the story that I share in this episode. Not because I was embarrassed or ashamed of it, or thought it wouldn’t be useful. But because I didn’t know if I wanted to be this vulnerable.But turning 40 has given me a new outlook and perspective, and I really think it’s important to talk about it.If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that I’ve struggled with perfectionism since my childhood, and it’s led to a lot of anxiety and negative self talk. Maybe this is something that you deal with, too. So, in this episode, I want to share a short story that I wrote about a little girl who tried her very hardest to always do the right thing and always have the right answers — and why this approach caused her so much harm.Making the choice to abandon the quest for perfection?It’s very simple.It’s very hard.And it’s very rewarding.Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The psychological harms that are caused by perfectionism    Why it’s so important to shift your mindset around always being the best Why it’s up to YOU to take control of your narrative and create a more joyful approach to lifeHighlights:‌ ‌00:32  Intro01:05  Perfectionism02:06  The power of writing03:27  Story06:12  You can make the change07:25  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“When you are forced to kind of pause everything in your life… it gave me a lot of time to just reflect on what I was doing with my life and where my priorities were.”- Mélissa LehouxMy guest for this episode, Mélissa Lehoux, has one of the most incredible calligraphy stories I’ve ever heard — and her story is proof that calligraphy is for absolutely everyone.In the summer of 2018, Mélissa was diagnosed with aggressive Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that causes her immune system to attack her central nervous system, leading to nerve damage, numbness, tremors, and loss of motor control.She picked up her first calligraphy pen in March of 2020… and launched her calligraphy business just 3 months later.And let me tell you — she is making it WORK. And giving back while she does it.Through her business, Chronic Letters, Mélissa offers clients her own style of beautiful calligraphy… and every purchase supports the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.In this interview, Mélissa shares some inspiring insights into the power of calligraphy to spark creativity, how she created business-savvy connections with other creatives in her city, and how discovering her love for calligraphy has helped her with her diagnosis.Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:How to put yourself out there and carve out a space for your own unique calligraphy style  Mélissa’s business tips for new creative entrepreneurs who are ready to take the plungeHow calligraphy can actually be medically beneficial when it comes to certain conditions (yes, really!)About Mélissa Lehoux: Mélissa is an artist, calligrapher, and mom from Ottawa, Canada, trying to maneuver life’s multiple facets… with a chronic illness tagging along. She was diagnosed with aggressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and her journey to acceptance led her to her passion for calligraphy.Highlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro02:18  Meet Mélissa from Chronic Letters!03:32  Her MS diagnosis05:18  Embracing the shake06:53  Medical benefits08:52  The invisible, uncertain disease10:14  Learning to go for it12:47  Chronic Letters15:27  Creative entrepreneur advice17:46  Putting yourself out there (& distinguishing yourself)20:00  Is the market too saturated?20:51  Networking with your local connections23:04  What’s next for Chronic Letters?24:30  How Mélissa learned so quickly!27:15  Final takeaways & find Mélissa30:15  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Chronic Letters: lifewithasideofchronic.com Instagram: @chronicletters Free resource for anyone looking to start their calligraphy business: chronicletters.com/chronic-letters-business Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episod

“I actually think of calligraphy not as handwriting, but more as drawing.”- ShinahIt’s time to bust some calligraphy myths!I know there are a lot of people out there, right now, who LOVE to follow calligraphers on Instagram and dream about having the skill to create beautiful invitations, greeting cards, or shop signs — but are afraid to pick up a pen themselves because they’ve heard and believed a misleading myth about calligraphy.I know this, because they reach out to me via email, DMs, and in person to explain that they’re curious to try it, but feel like they’ll be a failure because of [INSERT MYTH HERE].I’m going to tell you right now: don’t believe what you’ve heard!These myths have no bearing on how quickly or successfully you’ll pick up the skill. For example, you definitely do not need to have great handwriting in order to write beautiful calligraphy — they’re two completely different skills! Full disclosure: my handwriting is not great. So please don’t let this myth hold you back from picking up a pointed pen and following your dream.In this episode, I  bust five of the biggest myths that keep people from trying calligraphy. So if you’re curious but have been hesitating… then this episode is for you!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:Why you shouldn’t be intimidated by calligraphy’s long history and stodgy background You do NOT have to be right-handed to become a skilled calligrapher! Why calligraphy is not cursive writing — and how it’s actually closer to illustration!Highlights:‌ ‌00:32  Intro01:39  Good handwriting not required!04:58  Calligraphy isn’t old-fashioned07:16  It takes less time than you think!10:21  Modern Calligraphy 10111:00  Southpaws welcome!14:54  Calligraphy is in demand18:23  Your brain will hold you back20:17  Believe in yourself ‌Links:‌ ‌Modern Calligraphy 101: https://moderncalligraphy101.com Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“I want to learn how to be happier with exactly what I have.”- ShinahI have a bit of an update for you this week. I was hit by a pick-up truck while cycling on vacation recently — yes, I was wearing a helmet. Yes, physically, I’m okay.This episode isn’t about my physical injuries.It’s about the emotional impact of major events. (And yes, there are valuable lessons in this episode!) The years of 2020 and 2021 have been anything but uneventful. And almost 2 years worth of crisis after crisis, ongoing stress, and massive uncertainty… that leaves an emotional mark.The impact of these years, the passing of my 40th birthday, topped off with the emotional aftermath of my accident... I’m not ashamed to say that it led me to a total emotional meltdown.I had zero motivation to do anything. Especially not for my business.I needed to hit pause and process everything.I stopped showing up on Instagram. I stopped working on building my business. I let my team take the reins and I just let myself take a break. And I’m here to tell you — when you’ve spent your whole life focused on productivity, taking that time off is HARD.But it’s also SO necessary, sometimes.Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The 3 most important lessons I learned from allowing myself to just rest   Why you should wait until after you’ve recovered from burnout before making big decisions Why it’s important to step back occasionally as a leader — and what you (and your team) will gainHighlights:‌ ‌00:33  Intro & update03:10  Impacts of 2020 & 202104:19  The meltdown & pause05:40  The business break07:55  Learn how to be happier10:07  Don’t burn it all down!11:36  Treat yourself better12:37  Stepping back as a leader14:10  No one right way16:24  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“There’s definitely a learning curve with pointed pen calligraphy… and that doesn’t mean that you’re not talented or artistic enough or creative enough!”- ShinahIt’s that time of year again — time for my 5-day, Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge!In this challenge, you get the low-down on exactly what tools to buy plus a FREE calligraphy lesson every day to get you comfortable with the basics. You also get access to a super-secret pop-up Facebook group where you can meet your fellow students and access resources. It’s like a party with pens, and it’s a LOT of fun!I only offer this twice a year, so you won’t want to miss out!I’m so sure that you’re going to love this challenge that I want to give you a taste of what to expect. In this episode of The Shinah Show, I share a few juicy little snippets from the live chats that I’ve done with participants of past challenges.These chats aren’t just about how to form your letters or hold your pen (although we definitely cover those, too). You’ll hear about the challenges I faced when I first started doing calligraphy. You’ll learn what being a parent and learning calligraphy have in common. And you’ll discover how you might be sabotaging your own efforts (and how to strengthen your skills instead)!Check out the episode and then sign up for the challenge!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to learn:Why you need to be patient and kind to yourself when you first start a new skill (especially calligraphy)  Effective and ineffective ways of practicing your letters My own personal calligraphy journey (and why I love it SO much more than law)!Highlights:‌ ‌00:00  Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge01:56  Intro03:42  Leaving law06:23  My calligraphy journey09:15  Practice makes permanent13:02  How calligraphy progresses17:46  Recap ‌Links:‌ ‌Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge: www.crookedcalligraphy.com/basics Follow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“It’s not about the how; it’s about having the belief in yourself to stick to it, keep practicing, celebrate your small victories and pick yourself up from the failures.”- ShinahSo many creatives in the world share the same fears, questions, and doubts. And in this episode, I explore them through the story of another calligraphy creative — and share the advice that will help you push past your fears! You’ll always be able to come up with reasons to hold off on chasing your dreams. It’s up to you to choose whether you’re going to let the fear take the wheel... or move through it.It can be easy to fall into the trap of asking yourself if things are a “waste” of time or effort. It’s important to remember if you’re doing something you LOVE, it’s never a waste — you learn and grow from every experience that you have!The last year has been a scary time. The pandemic pushed doubts and fears to the forefront of people’s minds — but it had a silver lining. During a period when the whole world slowed down, smart creatives took the time to make a valuable investment in themselves. Taking the time to work on your craft and build your foundation is a great way to grow not only your skills — but your confidence, too.And with the demand for creatives back and stronger than ever, you won’t want to waste a single minute! Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:The common fears, questions and doubts that so many creatives shareThe difference between letting your fears guide your life’s path — or pushing through them to follow your passionWhy right now is an amazing time to get started on your creative journey!Highlights:‌ ‌00:45  Introduction01:27  T’s email02:30  My response03:20  Addressing the question of “waste”04:10  Have faith in yourself04:45  Follow your passion05:35  Challenge your doubts & fears07:40  NOW is the time for creative action!08:44  Rational, non-fear-based approach09:56  Follow-up with T11:04  Success (even in a pandemic!)12:09  Free 5-day Pointed Pen Calligraphy ChallengeLinks:‌ ‌FREE Pointed Pen Calligraphy Challenge: https://www.crookedcalligraphy.com/basics Follow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comWatch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!

“Growing up, I did not have an entrepreneurial bone in my body!”- ShinahIf you want to start SELLING your creative work, but you’re telling yourself you CAN’T because you’re not a “natural entrepreneur”...Stop believing that BS excuse! Your ability to thrive as a creative entrepreneur isn’t dependent on how many chocolate bars you sold door-to-door in the sixth grade!Because I SUCKED at selling things when I was a little girl. I followed the rules. I was afraid to talk to strangers. I had no idea how to make money. And yet… now I’m running a calligraphy business that brings in over one million dollars a year. The truth is that the skills and knowledge that you need to become successful at selling your creative work can be developed. There are as many different types of entrepreneurs as there are, well, entrepreneurs. And they ALL have the potential to achieve their goals.In this weeks’ episode of The Shinah Show, I bust the #1 myth that holds people back from launching their own businesses — and encourage you to discover your own “entrepreneur box”!Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:Why the myth of the magical unicorn entrepreneur deserves to be busted  How to discover your own “entrepreneur box” — and build up your strengthsHow to ditch the comparison habit and lose the excuses your brain uses to hold you back  Highlights:‌ ‌01:22  Introduction02:45  My early years05:37  The myth of unicorn-entrepreneurs07:42  My entrepreneur box10:29  Types of entrepreneurs12:13  Lose the excuse! ‌  Links:‌ ‌Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.comFollow me!Instagram: @crookedcalligraphyFacebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!