We were lucky to catch up with Dawn E. Reynolds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn E. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been able to earn a living as a creative, though my journey has been anything but linear.
It all started with a banana bread dream. I left my full-time job as a wardrobe/costumer for Broadway shows to become a caregiver for my mom after her health declined to the point where she needed a wheelchair. During this challenging transition, I had a dream telling me I needed to bake banana bread. Growing up, I created everything from scratch except banana bread. When I tried a recipe from a well-known television chef, I thought, “This is awful! I’m sure I can do better.” I developed my own recipe, using the cast, crew, and orchestra members from my former Broadway world as taste testers.
“Bessie’s Best, Inc.” was born and enjoyed great success for quite some time, until corporate clients stopped coming and the pandemic hit. Suddenly there were no kitchens, no clients—nothing. Still caregiving, I needed something to serve as my mindfulness meditation. I had always loved handwriting and found an online calligraphy class. Stuck inside, I worked on it every morning at sunrise, a practice I continue to this day. I started with brush calligraphy but fell in love with dipping the pen in ink and never looked back.
It didn’t take long to start making money with calligraphy, but it certainly wasn’t full-time as I was still caregiving. Being a super overachiever and perfectionist, I expected the same success I saw others having, but soon realized that comparison is the thief of joy. I had only been practicing this new skill for a short period and needed to give myself grace.
After both of my parents passed away (my father a year after my mother), I realized I had learned a great deal during my caregiving journey. The biggest lesson was that none of the “stuff” matters; be happy and help someone along the way. I also vowed to only make a living from what I love—art.
I don’t believe any single step could have sped up the process of making a full-time living from my art. The entrepreneurial lessons I learned from creating a thriving baked goods business proved invaluable as I applied them to this new creative industry.

Dawn E. , 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 started Mod Girl with Vintage Love because I’ve always been passionate about subtly infusing vintage elements into every facet of modern life. Learning calligraphy was the “icing on the cake” that propelled me forward to offer my products and services.
I provide three main services:
First, I offer professional calligraphy commissions and work as a live events engraver and calligrapher for weddings, galas, and retreats. I also teach calligraphy and other “grandma hobbies” like embroidery and baking. Many of us grew up with these fun hobbies, and it’s refreshing to help people step away from screens and practice mindfulness without even realizing it.
Second, as a Home Stylist specializing in vintage applications, I help people who have inherited furnishings and objects (toys, vases, photos, etc.) from loved ones who have passed on. We all have fantastic items that we cherish but have no practical use for—they’re just fun to have. I help blow the dust off these treasured pieces and teach the art of displaying items that tell a bit of your personality without leaving your home looking like a museum!
Third, after working in wardrobe for over three decades, I’ve decided to offer my stylist services. I enjoy helping people add a little vintage to their style. A vintage purse within a modern capsule wardrobe can show off your personal style with whimsy and charm. Wearing a vintage fedora speaks volumes with a simple casual outfit.
I am most proud of sharing my journey of adaptability. I hope to inspire individuals to take the leap and do what they love the most, knowing that the money will follow.

How did you build your audience on social media?

With experience from growing my baked goods business, I knew that posting as often as possible is the best practice. So, for Mod Girl, I post dialy. If you can post daily, do it! Every facet of your creative process, even the most mundane shots of what you’re doing, can lead to building your community. All of which leads to more eyes on your products and services. You never know who’s watching.
Consistency has been key to my social media growth. I’ve found that followers appreciate seeing the behind-the-scenes process—whether it’s a calligraphy piece in progress, a styling transformation, or even my morning routine. Authenticity resonates far more than perfectly curated content.
I also discovered the power of storytelling. Rather than just posting a finished calligraphy piece, I share the inspiration behind it, the challenges I faced, or how it connects to my vintage aesthetic. People enjoy a good story and will tune into your channel for more.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is debunking the starving artist stereotype. Society has long perpetuated the idea that artists must suffer to create great art and that financial success and recognition only come posthumously. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I have been working in the arts and freelancing for over four decades, and I have enjoyed great success throughout my journey. Yes, there have been lean times, but I know plenty of folks in the corporate arena who have not had a linear rise in income either. Career success ebbs and flows with life, regardless of your chosen field.

What I find particularly fulfilling is demonstrating that creativity and financial stability can coexist harmoniously. By running a sustainable creative business, I’m showing others—young and old—that they don’t have to choose between their passion and making a living. You can honor your artistic vision while also honoring your need for financial security.

The joy of creating something meaningful that resonates with others while supporting myself is truly satisfying, as well. Each client interaction, each piece I create, and each vintage styling project reinforces that artists can thrive in today’s world. We don’t need to wait for recognition in death or sacrifice our well being for our art—we can live well while creating well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.modgirlwithvintagelove.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modgirlwithvintagelove/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@modmixwithdawn/videos