We were lucky to catch up with Janice Estrada recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janice , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My journey into calligraphy and design began in 2019 when I was looking for a creative outlet. I was drawn to the beautiful lettering I saw on Pinterest, particularly in bullet journals, and wanted to learn how to create elegant headers for my own. A quick trip to my local craft store and a deep dive into YouTube tutorials sparked what would become an enduring passion. As I practiced (again and again!), I started seeing real progress, which motivated me to invest in workbooks and courses to refine my technique. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a true craft—one that would later become the foundation of my business.

If I could go back, I would have invested in professional courses and mentorships much sooner. While self-teaching through trial and error was valuable, structured learning provided me with the techniques, feedback, and industry insights that truly accelerated my growth. Having direct guidance from experts in the field would have helped me refine my skills more efficiently and with greater confidence.

The most essential skills for mastering any craft—especially calligraphy—are patience, dedication, and determination. No one becomes an expert overnight. Progress happens through persistence, and every stroke, every mistake, and every hour of practice contributes to improvement. A strong sense of dedication to honing your skills, paired with the determination to keep going even when progress feels slow, is key to mastering an art form like calligraphy.

The biggest obstacle was time. By 2020, I was engaged, planning a wedding, working, and pursuing my Master’s degree, all while trying to develop my calligraphy skills. Calligraphy is an art that requires consistent practice to perfect, and with so many commitments, it was challenging to carve out time for something so time-intensive. However, that period also taught me the value of prioritizing my passions—something that ultimately led to turning calligraphy into a career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Janice Estrada, and I am the founder and creative mind behind Lettered with Love, LLC—a full-service creative studio specializing in luxury calligraphy, stationery, and event signage. At Lettered with Love, we believe that every detail tells a story, and we take pride in crafting bespoke designs that elevate life’s most cherished moments.

While we serve a variety of events, we are especially passionate about working with couples as they plan their weddings. We offer a seamless, stress-free design experience, creating everything from custom invitations and day-of stationery (place cards, menus, table numbers) to statement signage and personalized keepsakes (welcome signs, seating charts, bar menus, and even balloon backdrops). We also provide on-site and in-studio personalization, including hand-engraved perfume bottles and custom favors, adding an extra touch of luxury to any celebration.

What truly sets us apart is our collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to quality. We understand that planning an event—especially a wedding—can be overwhelming, so we guide our clients through every step of the process, ensuring that their vision is not only brought to life but elevated beyond their expectations. From the first consultation to the final delivery, we focus on providing a high-touch, white-glove experience that makes the journey as enjoyable as the event itself.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. Seeing our work become part of their milestone moments, knowing that these pieces will be cherished for years to come, is incredibly fulfilling. More than just creating beautiful stationery and signage, we create experiences, memories, and tangible expressions of love—and that is at the heart of everything we do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to bring meaningful moments to life through my work. There’s something so special about transforming a vision into a tangible piece that becomes part of someone’s most cherished memories. Whether it’s designing wedding invitations that set the tone for a couple’s big day, crafting a seating chart that doubles as a stunning statement piece, or engraving a heartfelt message onto a keepsake that will be treasured for years—it’s the emotional connection behind every piece that makes this work so fulfilling.

I love knowing that my art doesn’t just exist in the moment but becomes part of my clients’ stories. Seeing their joy and excitement when they receive their custom pieces, and knowing I’ve helped make their event even more special, is what truly inspires me. It’s a privilege to play a role in life’s biggest celebrations, and that’s what makes this journey so rewarding.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My entire business was born out of one of the biggest pivots in my life—becoming a mother. My background is in psychology and applied behavior analysis (ABA), and I’ve always had a deep passion for working with and helping others. But when I became a mom, my greatest passion became being present for my child. I found myself at a crossroads: I loved my work, but I also wanted the flexibility to be there for all of life’s little moments.

Art had always been a creative outlet for me, but I never saw it as something that could become a “real” career. Growing up, it was just a hobby—something I loved but never considered pursuing professionally. However, motherhood changed my perspective. I realized that if I wanted to create a life that aligned with my values, I needed to build something of my own.

That’s when I took a leap of faith and turned my passion for calligraphy and design into Lettered with Love. What started as a personal creative escape became a full-fledged business, allowing me to combine my love for artistry with my desire to make meaningful connections with others. Now, I get to create beautiful pieces that play a role in life’s most special moments, all while having the flexibility to be there for my own.

Pivoting wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I could have made—for myself, my family, and the clients I now have the privilege of serving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.letteredwithlove.co
• Instagram: @letteredwithlovecalligraphy

Image Credits

Allmeid
Danielle Margherite
Amber Sycz