Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Bailey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Angie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Calming Calligraphy was born out of my own experience working as a nurse, where stress was a constant companion. I remembered learning calligraphy as a child and how it had a calming effect on me. So, I decided to pick up the pen again and found that the rhythmic strokes and deliberate movements were incredibly soothing. It was like a form of meditation, allowing me to find peace amidst the chaos of my job.

Seeing the positive impact it had on my own well-being, I wanted to share this gift with my colleagues. I started teaching calligraphy workshops at the hospital, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Nurses and staff alike found peace in the art form, and I knew I was onto something special.

What excited me most about this idea was its simplicity and effectiveness. It was a unique approach to stress relief that didn’t involve complicated techniques or expensive tools. It was accessible to everyone, regardless of their artistic abilities. I believed in the power of creativity as a healing force, and calligraphy was the perfect embodiment of that belief.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavour because the effects of the Covid pandemic proved to be devastating. I was solving a problem that no one else was addressing in quite the same way. I was offering a form of self-care that was practical, tangible, and most importantly, effective. It was about more than just learning a new skill; it was about finding a moment of calm in the midst of chaos.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Angie Bailey, a retired nurse with 32 years of experience, a Certified Health Coach, and the Founder of Calming Calligraphy. My journey into calligraphy and mindfulness began during my nursing career when I experienced firsthand the toll that stress can take. Searching for a healthy outlet, I rediscovered calligraphy, a childhood passion, and found it to be a profoundly calming practice.

Calming Calligraphy offers workshops and training sessions that blend the art of calligraphy with mindfulness techniques. Our goal is to help individuals, particularly caregivers like nurses, overcome burnout and prioritize self-care through the therapeutic practice of calligraphy. We provide a safe and supportive community where creativity is celebrated, and progress is valued over perfection.

What sets Calming Calligraphy apart is our holistic approach to stress relief. We don’t just focus on the aesthetic aspect of calligraphy; we also emphasize its ability to promote mental wellness and personal growth. Our workshops are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their artistic background, and our teachings extend beyond the workshop, empowering individuals to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.

I am most proud of the positive impact Calming Calligraphy has had on individuals and organizations. Seeing the transformation in my clients, from feeling overwhelmed to flourishing, is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients to know that Calming Calligraphy is not just about learning a new skill; it’s about finding inner peace and embracing self-care. Our workshops offer a unique blend of creativity and mindfulness, providing a refreshing approach to stress relief that resonates with the heart and soul.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was perfectionism, especially in my role as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room. Working in a high-pressure environment where a small error could have life-altering consequences, I developed a deep-seated fear of making mistakes. This attitude served me well in my profession, ensuring that I was meticulous and thorough in my work. However, after retiring, I realized that this perfectionistic mindset had taken a toll on my mental well-being.

Years of striving for perfection had created a constant undercurrent of stress and anxiety, even in situations where the stakes were not life or death. I came to understand that perfectionism is not sustainable in the long run and can lead to burnout.

Through Calming Calligraphy, I have learned the importance of releasing perfectionism and embracing the idea that practice makes progress. I encourage my clients to approach calligraphy with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than striving for flawless results. It’s about the journey of self-discovery and growth, not the destination of perfection.

Although I’m a work in progress, by letting go of perfectionism, I have found greater joy and fulfillment in my creative pursuits. I am able to approach challenges with a more relaxed and flexible mindset, knowing that each stroke of the pen is an opportunity to learn and grow.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life occurred in April 2021 when I experienced a full-blown panic attack due to work-related stress. After 32 years of dedicated service as a nurse in the operating room, I was suddenly asked to work on a unit that was unfamiliar to me. The pressure and unfamiliarity of the situation pushed me over the edge, and I realized that I needed to prioritize my mental health above all else.

In a decision that was both difficult and liberating, I chose to resign from my hospital job. While this early retirement was not part of my original plan – I had intended to work for a couple more years – it ultimately allowed me the opportunity to focus full-time on my business, Calming Calligraphy.

Taking some time to decompress and reflect, I realized that this pivot was a blessing in disguise. It gave me the chance to pursue my passion for calligraphy and mindfulness on a larger scale, helping others overcome burnout and prioritize self-care.

This experience taught me the importance of listening to my body and mind, even when it means deviating from the path I had planned. It reminded me that sometimes, the most significant growth comes from unexpected changes and challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calmingcalligraphy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmingcalligraphy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmingcalligraphy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calmingcalligraphy
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/calmingcalligraphy

Image Credits
Personal Photo (with paint on face) – George Qua-Enoo Be Brave – Mary Ann Cantelmi Slow Down – Angie Bailey Zoom Workshop – Angie Bailey Angie in Greens – Christina Macaluso Headshot of Angie – Angie Bailey On Stage – at a Speaking Event (Go All In Fest – unsure of photographer’s name) Last 2 website photos (at desk) – George Qua-Enoo