Say hello to Michaela (pictured here on her wedding day... swoon!), the talent behind MICHAELA MCBRIDE CALLIGRAPHY.
Michaela recently launched her beautiful brand and already her designs are being sought after by brides and other industry creatives both here and internationally.
Michaela offers custom-made handwritten designs and there is nothing she cannot create from envelope addressing to keepsake vows. See her full list of services here.
I was inspired by Michaela's natural talent and unique designs the first moment I laid eyes on them, but I was also intrigued to know more about Michaela and her entrepreneurial journey so far.
I asked Michaela to share with us some of her favourite designs so far, and begged her to answer some questions about her life behind the scenes.
Image by Greta Kenyon, Flowers by On My HandEnjoy! xox
What inspired you start your own business?
I've never known myself to not be creating something, I've spent my whole life with pens and paintbrushes in hand. I actually got married myself earlier this year (YAY) and created calligraphy place names and signage for the day.
A few weeks later I had the pleasure of working with Shaye from On My Hand to create some signage for the Kinfolk event which she was hosting. It was soon after that, that I decided I was going to give it a real go!
Although I'm the creative brains behind it all, I cannot take all the credit. My husband, Zach is my BIGGEST fan! He encouraged me to start Michaela McBride Calligraphy in the first place, and continues to do encourage & support me daily.
I love the art form of calligraphy, that it's unique and bespoke and the way it helps create an experience. But I also love the wedding industry - it's such an honour to be working with couples during the most exciting time of their life! I'm so humbled when I get asked to be involved!
What has been the hardest part about launching your own brand?
Calligraphy is a very niche market - it's an art form that is big overseas but there doesn't seem to be anyone else doing it in New Zealand. I guess the hardest part of starting something like this is connecting with the right people. Weeks seem to come in waves, some are really busy and others are slow. The slow are hard for sure! I'm very much looking forward to wedding season.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone wanting to start their own creative business, what would it be?
Go for it! Seriously, you only get to do life once! Obviously I'm not saying quit your day job right now, but there is no harm in having a go!
Who/what/where inspires you when creating a new design?
There are so many people that inspire me, one of my biggest sources for inspirational calligraphers is Instagram - it is such an amazing resource and a really easy way to connect and gather ideas from creatives all over the world. Last week I sent off some work for a styled shoot in Canada through a stylist I met on Instagram - how cool is that?!
I also feel very inspired by my surroundings at the moment - I'm lucky enough to be living about 1 minutes walk from the beach. My daily walk down there often results in thoughts and ideas.
What does a typical day in the life of Michaela look like?
The majority of my days at the moment is spent in our spare room which we've turned into a little studio for me to work in. Usually I'm listening to something soothing which keeps me calm when I drip ink and screw things up, (that's the less glamorous side to using dip pens!).
What is your ideal day off?
Eating brunch in the sun, going for a walk and spending the day with loved ones somewhere warm!
If you could jump on a plane and go anywhere right now where would you go and why?
This is a daily thought of mine. I'm dying to go to Europe! Greek Islands, Croatia & Italy, yes please!!
You got married earlier this year (yay!) do you have any tips or tricks to share with brides to be?
You only get to do this whole thing once. Enjoy and savor the process. It's such an exciting time of life.
Founder and editor of P&L. Self-proclaimed shoe guru and lover of bogan chic (wtf!) Wife of a butcher, mother of 7 dogs and a cat. Bonkers.