Shows
The Shinah ShowSelling at Craft Fairs - Essential Advice (With Updates!)“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 back with an oldie but goodie - with even MORE advice packed into this episode!We’re entering into the Spring and Summer, and you know what that means! It’s time for craft fairs and outdoor 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 pot...2025-04-0941 minThe Shinah Show"No Ones Buying My Calligraphy!" (What To Do Instead Of Giving Up)You’ve FINALLY booked a spot at your local craft fair to sell your calligraphy. You pay the deposit, create your inventory, follow all the tips to set up the *perfect* booth, and… *crickets*. 🦗Hundreds of people walk by, only TWO stop to peruse—and suddenly your brain goes, “This will NEVER work. I’m not cut out for this. No one’s interested in calligraphy!” Sound familiar?Yep, we’ve all been there. It’s called “catastrophizing” – in other words, you’re jumping to the worst possible conclusion. And this is EXACTLY what one...2025-02-2627 minThe Shinah ShowHow To Stop Fearing Business "Mistakes"“Even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play.” - ShinahIn today’s episode, I’m going to totally transform the way you think about business “mistakes” and “failures.” ‘Cause way too many of us go into business thinking you’ve gotta be close to perfect.Even Roger Freakin’ Federer, a world-renowned tennis player, barely won HALF his points while playing matches. BUT the key to his success was the fact that he did not focus on the points he lost. Instead, he let go of those past mistakes, took a...2024-10-0226 minThe Shinah ShowCompetition In The Calligraphy World“I’m still afraid to put myself out there because now there are so many more experienced calligraphers than there were back then.” - ShinahToday I’m talking about one of the biggest fears that keeps calligraphers from putting themselves out there – competition.When you’re just starting out, you may think that NO ONE will want to pay you for your calligraphy – but in reality, you are so wrong. Not everyone wants to spend thousands of dollars to address their wedding invitations in calligraphy (but perhaps they A...2024-09-0429 minThe Shinah ShowA Message I NEED You To HearLife is ALWAYS going to get in the way of your dreams. There I said it.I recently hosted my 'Calligraphy Business Inner Circle', where I gathered with a small group of students for an 8-week intensive to set them on their path towards entrepreneurship.As we’re coming down the home stretch, one of the biggest roadblocks we hit was, “life is getting in the way”. Family, friends, work, taking care of YOURSELF… ALL of it swallows up your time. I get it - even 20 minutes a day can seem overwhelming.But you know...2024-08-2122 minThe Shinah ShowDo I Regret Entrepreneurship?In a not-so-distant time ago, I was cowering under my fancy corporate lawyer desk praying no one would find me. I was miserable and dreaded waking up and going to work every day.So I quit, and started working for myself – and then completely burned out and quit that too for a while. So when someone asks me, “Do you regret entrepreneurship?”, that is a VERY good question.It has taken me being employed & self-employed to see that most people tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. But what if I s...2024-08-1426 minThe Shinah ShowLawyer to Calligrapher: My StoryI’ve never told my whole story in one episode… so here it is. How I ended up as a successful but unhappy lawyer. How I got out. And how I hit the calligraphy business “jackpot”. Listen to hear: The REAL reason I decided to quit law (that I’ve never shared before)The humiliating thing I did as a third grader that held me back from becoming an entrepreneur How much -I- was responsible for my million-dollar business success (and how much was plain ol’ luck)The main lesson? It’s POSSIBLE to live a more creat...2024-07-3134 minThe Shinah ShowMiddle School Teacher to Calligrapher“I’m hopeful for the future now…”Jessica has been a middle-school teacher for 20 years, but the last six have been a real struggle. But CALLIGRAPHY has changed all of that. Jessica re-discovered the childhood hobby she had loved so much, then decided to enroll in my Calligraphy Biz Starter Guide Course - so she could finally do something more with her passion. And starting her calligraphy business has literally BROUGHT HER BACK TO HERSELF. In this episode, Jessica tells me how: She’s part...2024-07-0433 minThe Shinah ShowMarketing Director to Artist & Calligrapher“What if it goes RIGHT?!?”Jana Ricci began her company “Fishtail Flourish” after stepping away from a 6-figure career as a Director of Marketing. Finally giving herself permission to do something for herself, she became immersed in my calligraphy courses during COVID - and never looked back.Jana spends a lot of her time in (go figure) the small town of Fishtail, Montana. Tapping into her “posse”, she quickly picked up a job teaching calligraphy and spreading her love of calligraphy within her community. These days she can be found around town hosting classes, net...2024-07-0336 minThe Shinah ShowStarting My Biz All Over AgainI broke into the calligraphy industry at one of the most ideal times.Instagram videos were on the rise & local maker events were popping up everywhere, giving me the opportunity to network my business. Then COVID quarantined everyone, and people were looking for something to do amidst the stagnant, day-to-day monotony of being stuck inside – and calligraphy’s popularity hit an all-time high.I rode the wave as long as I could – but it didn’t last.Since then, I’ve had to constantly change my strategy - growing and evolving with the trends and times...2024-06-2641 minThe Shinah ShowBusting The "No Time" MythWho has ever said, “I’d LOVE to do that – but I have no time!”We’ve ALL said it, felt it, and truly meant it. Time is fleeting in today’s world - we’re constantly running from point A to point B, being a slave to our to-do list of ‘highly important’ tasks. We’re “time famished” – constantly looking to squeeze a few more minutes out of our day.What if I told you that instead of feeling time famished, you could find more spaciousness in your life by using your ‘time-confetti’...2024-06-1234 minThe Shinah ShowReality of a 10K Calligraphy Job350 place cards, 110 welcome cards, 40 table cards, and 8 menu templates later… I just completed my first $10k corporate calligraphy job in quite some time - And I am TIRED…Trust me, I don’t say this to brag – I say it to show all of you aspiring creatives and calligraphers that these jobs ACTUALLY exist. It’s not uncommon to find big brands with a company portfolio requiring calligraphy for their signature events (and this client just happens to be one of them).I want to be clear:No, you probably aren't going to land yo...2024-06-0530 minThe Shinah ShowMaking Your First $100 With CalligraphyImagine if listening to this podcast *right now*, could change the entire trajectory of your life??That’s what happened when Magda - podcast listener turned calligrapher & businesswoman - tuned into the 1st episode of "The Shinah Show" after my 9-month hiatus… with no other intentions than having something to break up her day amidst working her corporate job, folding laundry & chasing after her two kids (I mean, can you relate?!?). After binging ALL of "The Shinah Show" Episodes, Magda decided to dive into calligraphy a little over a year ago. Fresh to the industry, she i...2024-05-2933 minThe Shinah ShowPerfectionism Failed MeGrowing up as a first-generation Korean-American, I was raised to believe that meeting “perfect” milestones would make me happy. There was never any letter other than an A on my report cards, a number other than 1600 on my SATS (and PSATS), or a university I attended with a ranking less than #1 in the nation (ok, don’t hate me – I promise it’s not all sunshine and rainbows).But while I was on this seemingly “perfect path of perfectionism”, I was also the most unhappy I’ve ever been. This track was making me miserable rather that making me happy...2024-05-2129 minThe Shinah ShowSeason 3: "Anti-Perfectionism"I’m back for Season 3! “I’m realizing that this is my damn business, and I can take it in any direction I want.” - ShinahThe theme for this season is ANTI-PERFECTIONISMSeason 1 was launched at the peak of my “pandemic success” - million dollar years, thousands of students, so much exposure through ads and social mediaSeason 2 was the year of “coming back” after burnout and a long break… and struggling HARD emotionally to regain my confidence and reset my goals and expectations Season 3 is going to be both deeper and br...2024-05-1535 minThe Shinah ShowMaking way for something newI’m taking a little break from the Podcast and here’s why… “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done and I’m terrified.” - ShinahFIRST: Crooked Calligraphy is NOT going anywhereIn fact, I’ve created a brand-new FREE CALLIGRAPHY STYLE MONTH for March 2024. ✍️ So, if you want free lessons on how to think about style BUILDING BLOCKS, so you can level-up your CONFIDENCE and go after truly dreamy clients… SIGN UP RIGHT HERE. SECOND: I am taking time to start something new2024-02-2918 minThe Shinah ShowHow to Start a Calligraphy Business (Getting Customers)Let’s get into part 2 of how to start a calligraphy business with arguably one of THE most important things – how to attract customers & keep them with the services you’re providing! There is a LOT that goes into starting a business – which might sound incredibly scary. But this is stuff though where you actually need to show up and courageously keep trying. Of course, you don’t need to do EVERYTHING when you’re first starting out- but you need to know the IMPORTANT things to do to establish yourself (and I’m here to tell y...2024-02-2037 minThe Shinah ShowHow to Start a Calligraphy Business (Legal & Financial Setup)I’m de-mystifying the legal & financial steps to officially setup your calligraphy or art business. “I promise, by the end of this episode, this stuff will feel less overwhelming and more DOABLE.” - ShinahIf you’ve ever dreamed of making money with your art, but this scary logistical stuff is what’s stopping you, grab a notepad ‘cause we’re getting into the nitty gritty!LEGAL SETUPChoosing a Business NameDeciding on a Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship v. LLC v. S-CorpEvaluating permits using my “Top-Down” SystemFINANCIAL SETUPSepara...2024-02-1437 minThe Shinah Show13 Things You Didn't Know About MeBetcha didn’t know I was a huge fantasy nerd🤓… and other (maybe) interesting facts In today’s light-hearted episode, I share 13 things you probably didn’t know about me!Including:The 21 countries I’ve traveled toThe martial arts black belt I never use…What I do in my 40s that I would NEVER DARE to do in my 20sHopefully you feel like you know me a little better. If there’s anything that surprised you, or that you can relate to… DM me on Instagram and let me know!(Oh and...2024-02-0821 minThe Shinah ShowHow to Make Failure Less ScaryWhat could you accomplish if you no longer feared failure?"I’m more open than ever to feeling it ALL… success, disappointment, shame, and extraordinary gratitude." - ShinahIf you go after something brave and a little unusual… you WILL face failure and disappointment. Here’s what I do so that those feelings make me stronger, instead of crushing me:Three PRACTICAL things I do to re-frame thoughts of failure, andThe ONE PERSPECTIVE SHIFT I keep coming back to that h...2024-01-3123 minThe Shinah ShowShe Made More Money Than Her Husband (From Calligraphy!!)"I made more money than my husband, for the very first time in my life... with calligraphy!" - Priscilla Basilio, Crooked Calligraphy StudentToday, I’m interviewing someone who went from: Not knowing anything about calligraphy... toBringing in more money with her calligraphy business last December than her husband did with his full-time job! Priscilla of Priscilla Basilio Design Studio has SUCH an inspiring story to share. ✨ She never imagined she could own a business, let alone grow it to replace her full-time income- and our calligraphy and busi...2024-01-2429 minThe Shinah ShowYour Fear is Not SpecialIf you’re afraid to follow your creative dreams, I’m going to give you some perspective today that will totally DISARM your fear (and it’s not what you might think).I’ve been encouraging people to go after their creativity in the form of calligraphy for 8 years now. I’ve sold courses that cost $500 or more – and I’ve also heard EVERY excuse under the sun why people don’t want to take that first step on their creative journey. All those objections have one common thread – they are born out of FEAR.2024-01-1719 minThe Shinah Show$1000 from her first Product Launch!Genell of @speciallyinked is a BRUSH PEN calligrapher (yes, not all calligraphers use pointed pen!) who started her calligraphy journey as a fun venture - unaware of her savvy marketing skills at the time.She had never really thought of herself as “creative”. But after taking my Modern Calligraphy 201 course (and showing her friends her progress along the way) Genell finally gained the confidence she needed in her abilities... just not her “business abilities”...After setting down her brush pen for 2 WHOLE YEARS doubting she could pull off launching her own business, she picked it back up...2024-01-1028 minThe Shinah ShowHow to be More Creative in 2024psst... Join our FREE 5-Day Calligraphy Challenge (starts Jan 14, 2024) If you’re hoping for more creative exploration and expression in 2024, I’m here to bust some myths about what it truly means to be “creative” and explain why as a society we need to re-think creativity just like we’re re-thinking SEX.Join me in this episode as I debunk some of the most common myths of creativity like:'You should enjoy creativity for creativity’s sake – the art is enough to keep you happy!''You should ALWAYS feel pulled to be “spontaneously cr...2024-01-0328 minThe Shinah ShowYear in Review (The Lessons)Clarity can only come from Action “There’s just no way to over-think yourself into true understanding. That’s why I’m walking away from this year with so many lessons.” - Shinah This year, I did NOT hit my financial goals. And I beat myself up constantly… all while creating new offers, trying new business ventures, and feeling like a failure most of the time. AND… I’m feeling really optimistic about the future. How? Because I know this year was all about growth. So I w...2023-12-1333 minThe Shinah ShowYear in Review (The Numbers!)I’m officially back from Korea, and settling back into my CEO role as I break down how Crooked Calligraphy has fared in the 10 months since I’ve dismantled & rebuilt it once again!As I process my feelings and look back on the last year, I’ve had quite the love/hate relationship with its performance. While my revenue was almost spot on to my prediction, it came in multiple forms this year as opposed to the past, including:Life coachingMy evergreen webinar funnelCollaborations with fellow creativesMini courses & workbooksLive workshops & bootcampsOne thing has become overwhelmingly clear...2023-12-0635 minThe Shinah ShowOpening a Calligraphy Boutique in a Small English TownDani has always had a life-long love affair with fancy pens and inks.After discovering me through my sweary calligraphy greeting cards on Reddit (crazy right?!?), she began her calligraphy journey in 2018 with my Modern Calligraphy 101 course. When her mental health started to decline due to fertility issues, she made a promise to herself to focus on the future - going all-in and joining my “Calligraphy Bosses Inner Circle” (which would become the beta version of my “Biz Starter Guide” course!!). I am so happy to share that Dani is now the owner of Rogue L...2023-11-2841 minThe Shinah ShowEtsy Pros & ConsI recently hosted a “Launch Your Profitable Product” Bootcamp, and my students had SO many questions about Etsy. So much so that I added an entire unit to my “Biz Starter Course” walking you through how to sell on Etsy.There are a LOT of strong opinions when it comes to Etsy. And since I have technically sold products on it since 2015, I figured it was time to throw my hat in the ring as well. I know the commerce platform can have its strengths for sellers in ease of setup & not havi...2023-11-2233 minThe Shinah ShowHow to Create a $79K Calligraphy BizThere are two ways to grow revenue“The calligraphers I see thriving often have a mix of revenue streams.” - ShinahThis episode started when I got an email from someone asking, sincerely and thoughtfully, whether it’s possible to make a living as a calligrapher WITHOUT teaching calligraphy. So I answered her honestly… I myself make the vast majority of my money from my calligraphy online courses.But I also wanted to give you some SPECIFIC NUMBERS and clear insight o...2023-11-1527 minThe Shinah ShowHow Pain leads to Growth (8 Month Update)GROWTH CAN BE INCREDIBLY HARD“One of the most challenging parts of running a business is that it forces you to confront the parts of you that you’ve been AVOIDING your whole life.” - ShinahThis is a deeply personal episode and warning, I get a unabshedly sniffly for the entire second half. I share REAL FINANCIAL NUMBERS from my latest course launch and overall year… and why they are scaring the shit out of me right now. And also, why this year is probably...2023-11-0929 minThe Shinah ShowCalligraphy & Copyright“Help, Shinah!! Someone wants to pay me to write their wedding song lyrics in calligraphy… is this allowed, or am I going to get in copyright trouble?!?”The Short Answer? You might be violating copyright law, buuuuuut you probably won’t get in trouble for this one job. The Long Answer? It’s complicated. I’ll try and explain it in easy terms (and keep myself from putting on my former lawyer hat too much 🤓)In this week's episode, I’m nerding out on all things copyright & tradema...2023-10-2524 minThe Shinah ShowThe MYTH Holding you Back from BusinessWhat kind of person do you picture when you hear the word “entrepreneur”??A lot of us (as I did for most of my life) pictured rich, powerful men full of generational wealth. They were venture capitalists, stock brokers, or heads of giant corporations who drove around one of their many sports cars when they weren’t vacationing on their yacht in the Mediterranean. The problem with that vision?? It’s COMPLETELY untrue. Entrepreneurs these days come in SO many shapes and forms:Moms holding down a side hustle in between s...2023-10-1829 minThe Shinah ShowThe "CUD" Product FormulaWhat’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “CUD”??Probably a cow chewing their cud (at least that’s what I think of). BUT, there is an entirely different definition of “CUD” that can help you jumpstart a profitable creative business (stick with me here!)In today’s episode, I define how to use the “CUD Method” (clear, unique, doable) to select the best product to sell in your business. To be successful, your product needs to be ALL 3 of these things:C – CLEAR...2023-10-1128 minThe Shinah ShowHow to Set PricesIf 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 u...2023-09-2727 min