We recently connected with Ember Sherman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ember , thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I used to teach calligraphy classes around Austin and one of my past students reached out one day and asked if I could personalize Christmas ornaments for their work party. The rest is history!

Ember , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the artist behind Ember Elaine Calligraphy, a Texas-based studio specializing in live event calligraphy and engraving. I create personalized, on-site experiences for brands, weddings, and events—turning everyday items into meaningful keepsakes in real time.

What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business when I realized how impactful calligraphy could be live, not just as a finished product, but as an experience. There’s something special about watching something being made just for you, and that’s what I bring into every space.

My work helps solve the “forgettable event” problem. In a world full of content and constant stimulation, I create moments that slow people down, draw them in, and leave them with something personal to take home. It’s interactive, elevated, and memorable—especially for brands looking to connect in a more meaningful way.

What sets me apart is the balance between artistry and presence. I’m not just creating beautiful lettering…I’m engaging with guests, representing brands, and contributing to the overall energy of an event. The details matter, but so does how people feel.

I’m most proud of building a business that feels both creative and intentional, while working with incredible clients along the way. At the end of the day, I want people to know that I care deeply about the experience I create, not just the final product, and that’s what makes the work resonate.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes! It started as a hobby, then a little creative side hustle and very quickly took on a life of its own. I originally picked up calligraphy just for fun, then started doing small projects for friends, and then one “yes” turned into another until I suddenly had a real business on my hands.

The biggest shift was discovering live event calligraphy…that’s when everything clicked. It combined creativity, people, and a bit of performance, and I was hooked. From there, things scaled through word of mouth, events, and brand work, and I eventually took the leap to go full-time.

Some big milestones have been working larger events, collaborating with brands, and realizing I could turn this into something sustainable, not just creative, but a true business.

It’s grown a lot, but it still feels like I’m doing what I loved from the beginning…just on a much bigger (and more fun) scale.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly, a huge part of my growth has come from a mix of strong SEO and an intentional client experience.

I’ve put a lot of effort into my website so the right people can actually find me, but what really keeps things growing is what happens after that first inquiry. I focus heavily on creating a seamless, thoughtful experience from start to finish, which naturally leads to repeat clients and referrals.

At the end of the day, most of my growth has come from people coming back or telling their friends…so I’ve built my business around making that an easy “yes.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emberelaine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embersherman?igsh=emZyOHJnZnZ1aDJ3&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18CxzDGxz4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ember-sherman-962b10359?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Image Credits

Alicia Leigh Photography
Cristina Pruitt Photography