We’ve been dying to introduce you to this month’s vendor spotlight – Claire White with White Ink Calligraphy! She was kind enough to find time for us and give us the inside scoop on her life and business. When she isn’t busy practicing law as a badass attorney or creating incredible works of art, she’s also dog mom to her fur baby, Remy. Oh, she also hosts workshops for those looking to try their own hand at lettering. Even after talking to her, we’re wondering how she finds the time to do it all! I bet you’re wondering the same thing. Scroll on to find out!
What was your dream job growing up?
I never wanted to grow up! So it wasn’t until l was in college that I really buckled down, thinking about a career path. I started college thinking I could possibly go down the nursing track . . . and then I took my first biology 101 class and decided that wasn’t for me. I ended up taking the pre-law path in college; which landed me in law school after undergrad. And now I’m a practicing attorney as well as a calligrapher.
What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
Such a fun question! A typical wedding day varies! For 2019, there have only been 2 or 3 weekends where I did not have any wedding signage booked! There have been multiple weekends with close to 7 weddings booked! My clients usually pick up their signage on Thursdays-Saturday mornings. So my typical wedding day starts off with coffee, in my pajamas, setting out the signage that is getting picked up that morning; or top knot and leggings running around to wedding venues making deliveries.
When/how did you start your work with calligraphy? How did you get started as a small business owner?
A lot of people don’t know this – or realize it if they do know it – but I was once a bride! I was one of the first Cordelle brides, in fact! The only DIY thing I wanted to have my hands on for my wedding was the calligraphy on my invitation envelopes, place cards, and signage. I took a class, I practiced a little, and I did it!
What most people don’t know, is that I actually played around with having a calligraphy business under the name of Claire Cohen Lettering (Cohen being my married name) – I was doing work mostly for friends and friends of friends.. trying to figure out where I wanted to take my calligraphy practice, but not taking it very seriously. Flash forward two years, I went through a pretty traumatic divorce, which flipped my entire world upside down. I found therapy in my lettering and would spend countless hours each night practicing, just to clear my mind. Long story short, I decided to go back to my maiden name, WHITE, start an Instagram account with my calligraphy work, and White Ink Calligraphy was formed.
How long have you been in business? Why did you decide to start a business?
White Ink Calligraphy has been in business for 2 1/2 years at this point. It’ll be 3 years in January. It’s so crazy how time flies when you are having fun!
What is your favorite part of a wedding day/event day?
My favorite part is seeing the entire event come together. I love seeing how all of the little pieces fit perfectly together in the end! For example, I usually never have any idea how my signs are being used or what a final installation will look like until I see photos after the wedding!
What are some of your favorite things to create?
Pointed pen calligraphy will always have my heart. My style is always evolving and growing, which makes my heart smile.
What are some of your favorite creative wedding trends you’re seeing pop up?
Large seating chart installations! I love that these allow guests to interact with the calligraphy, truly elevating the experience that the guests have.
What would be your dream event to work on?
Onsite. At a chateau. In the hillsides of Italy. Or France. Or Spain. Just bring me onsite to a venue in Europe and I’ll be happy as a clam.
Who would be your dream celebrity to work for?
Anderson Cooper. He is such a doll.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
Argentina. It has been on my list for awhile. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love to travel. Taking a month off work and the day-to-day grind to backpack with my sister has been our jam the past two summers.
We could post pictures of Claire and Remy and her beautiful work all day long! We’re so grateful to her for taking the time to chat with us and we’re lucky we get to work with her and other amazing vendors just like her! Visit her website, White Ink Calligraphy, to check out her work. She also does lettering for parties and home decor as well! All professional photos are by Mandy Liz Photography.
For other great vendor spotlights, visit us at Vision in White Events.
