Business Highlights of 2016 – Part One

One of the things I’ve found hardest about being self-employed is self-doubt.

Don’t get me wrong, my family and friends are very supportive.

But running your own business can be a bit of a slog at times and doubts can start to creep in.

So, I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to look back on the achievements of Creative Calligraphy in 2016.

(It helps to give yourself a pat on the back sometimes.)

I came up with a list of 12 highlights – that’s one cause for celebration a month!

So, in no particular order, here are the first six in the first part of my review of the year.

I’ll post the second lot of highlights later this week.

 

1 – A full year of employment via The Cultural Spring.

I started running calligraphy workshops for The Cultural Spring towards the end of 2015 and have now completed three terms with the organisation. I hope to continue my involvement when the second phase of the project starts in spring 2017. Read my blog about it here.

 

 

2 – Working with The Whole Sh-bang Event Decor.

I was introduced to Kathryn Beattie at a wedding fair and have been working with her this year on creating mirrored table plans for several weddings that she has styled. I hope to be able to offer my services to more event dressers and planners in 2017. Read my blog about it here.

 

 

3 – Joining The Wedding Handbook.

I met Gemma Jay at my first ever meeting of the Inspire Network and I was delighted to be able to support her handbook for brides by becoming one of her first featured suppliers. Read my blog about it here.

 

 

 

4 – Having my calligraphy featured on bridal blog Love My Dress.

I knew Danielle Horn’s wedding to David Bland at Durham Cathedral was worthy of a glossy spread, so I wasn’t surprised when it featured on Love My Dress, along with my calligraphy. Read my blog about it here.

 

 

 

5 – Digitising my calligraphy for the first time.

This is an avenue I hope to explore further in 2017 after helping a couple create their wedding invitations by adding my calligraphy to an illustration created by the groom. Read my blog about it here.

 

 

 

6 – Running workshops for Newcastle Does Vintage.

The workshop side of things has taken off this year and I was asked to run workshops at two Newcastle Does Vintage events this year, which were fully booked. Read my blog about it here.