Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Elmerick.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started calligraphy about 5 years ago. One day, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a video of someone doing calligraphy. I was working as an accountant then, and I hated being stuck in a cubicle all day, so I was always looking for a way to feed my creative side. I went to Hobby Lobby, bought some calligraphy supplies, and was addicted when the pen hit the paper. I quit my job two weeks later (yes, I know, a little crazy!) and decided I wanted to pursue calligraphy. I started putting myself on social media and doing any wedding work I could find upstate to get my name out there. About 8 months later, I started teaching calligraphy in the area, and my business took off. Then the pandemic hit. Everything stopped, which was a terrifying time for calligraphers. I knew I did not want to give up my passion, so I cleaned houses in the upstate to pay my bills until I could start calligraphy again.
While I had a lot of downtimes, I taught myself to hand engrave. I started posting reels and photos of my hand engraving on Instagram, and Makers Mark saw one of my posts! Next thing you know, I am doing hand engraving for Makers’ Mark on their bottles! From there, it just blew up. I am so glad I quit my job cold turkey and decided to pursue my passion! I have been able to work with many “big-name companies” out there! I have worked with Basil Hayden, Truly, Knob Creek, Hornitos, Gucci, and many more! We are almost 5 years later, and I can still do what I love.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Not easy. A lot of tears. Even though calligraphy is a relatively inexpensive business to start, there is a lot of competition out there. I was broke for the first year and a half. I did anything I could to get my name out there. A lot of free work and hours spent doing projects so that I could have a nice portfolio.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a calligrapher and hand engraver. I specialize in modern calligraphy and hand engraving. I am mostly known for my flourishing calligraphy and hand engraving. I am most proud of how far I have come. The discipline and time I have put into my work shows, and I am so thankful that I love what I do. Most people go their whole lives hating their jobs and just doing it to pay the bills. I have fun and can work from the comfort of my home. What sets me apart from others is I am the whole package. Not only do I practice bettering my art constantly, but I keep up with the trends. Social media is the future, and thankfully I was raised by a photographer/videographer who taught me a lot, so I design the vision and can capture it as well! Being creative is my strong suit, and I thrive when challenged!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how much our city is growing. Greenville is a beautiful place, and I love all the diversity. There are tons of powerful artists around, and it is very inspiring. The only thing I am not fond of is how bad traffic is getting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letteredbysteph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letteredbysteph
- Other: https://g.page/r/CRXpEerjgAHXEAI/review
Image Credits
The photo of the long wedding banner was taken by Nichole Lauren Photography.
