“Words are powerful and I am so blessed that I have been given the gift of being able to make them more beautiful than they already are.” That’s Jesilyn Kay Calligraphy for ya, guys. Her soul is just as beautiful as her penmanship, and we are big fans of both. Jesilyn not only creates unique and beautiful calligraphy, but does it with so much love, thoughtfulness, and enjoyment that it shines through the paper in the most special way. It was truly an honor working with Jesilyn at The Big Fake Wedding Austin, and we’re thrilled to introduce her to y’all on the blog!
“Jesilyn went out of her way to make the entire vendor team shine, collaborating with them to create unique signage that made the Austin event feel extra special.”
The Big Fake Wedding Austin Team
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Tell us a little bit about the story of Jesilyn Kay Calligraphy.
Jesilyn Kay Calligraphy was created out of my love for beautiful, elegant writing. Having a degree in graphic design, I was always drawn to creating pieces with beautiful dramatic type. I tried a few different small business ventures during my first couple years out of college, but nothing really stuck or went anywhere. Knowing I loved hand-lettering I decided to give the real deal of calligraphy a try and after a few classes and a few weeks of practice I was hooked. I love everything about calligraphy. I love seeing the way the ink flows onto the paper and the small scratching sound the pen makes. I most especially love how something so simple and elegant can make a huge dramatical effect in any setting. After quite a few months of steady practice and loads of research, I took my little business out into the world and have been working hard at it ever since, and loving (almost) every second it. I currently have an etsy shop where I sell custom prints, and create signage and stationery for weddings and events, and have even worked with some really large companies to sell my prints nationwide.
Who or what inspires you?
Living in Austin, where there are creative entrepreneurs around every corner, has definitely been a great benefit to pushing myself to get my work out there. Being able to see other creatives working hard and succeeding at what they love inspires me everyday. I am also inspired by a lot other calligraphers I follow on their journeys through instagram. Seeing some of the pieces they have created and the wide audiences they have allows me to see the possibilities are limitless when it comes to how far you want to take your calligraphy.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is knowing that whatever pieces I get to create, whether that be wedding vows for a recently wed couple to hang above their bed, or a recipe for a grandma to give to her grandkids, they will always be cherished and bring beautiful memories whenever they are read. Words are powerful and I am so blessed that I have been given the gift of being able to make them more beautiful than they already are.
Another great aspect of my job is being able to do what I love every single day! There are a lot of things that go into owning a small business that aren’t exactly fun, but when I have that calligraphy pen in my hand and am making those words flow onto the paper, that’s when I know I’ve found it, this is my gift.
What advice would you give to aspiring small business owners?
Owning a small business, let alone one you are so passionate about, is scary! It takes a lot of work, a lot of dedication, and a lot of courage. My number one goal is to never say no. If a client asks me to create something I’ve never done before and it scares me to pieces to even try to imagine how to do it, I never say no. I say yes, and then I figure out how to do it (and hold my breath the whole time!). Always push yourself to do things you didn’t think you could do, and talk to people you never thought you’d have the courage to talk to (their just people too, after all). This is your business and only you have the power to make it what you want it to be. Don’t wait for that one person or business to come find you, make it happen! My business is no where near what I want it to be- I want it to be so much more, but when I look back on what I’ve done since I’ve started, I’m amazed! And I’m gonna keep pushing!
What is your favorite part of The Big Fake Wedding experience?
My favorite part about the Big Fake Wedding was being able to collaborate and meet so many other great wedding vendors. Being able to learn from them and swap stories was a great experience.
Photo Credits:
Jesilyn Kay Calligraphy (1 + 3) | Janeane Marie Photography (2) | Annamarie Akins Photography (4) | Our Love is Loud (5)
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