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

Alright, Dawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission behind both of my businesses is to make people feel seen. Whether its on the calligraphy side of the house, or slinging bowls on my food truck, I see the person, not the consumer. I believe that this has served me well. It doesn’t take much to make a person feel special, even in a small way. I’ve found that when I keep my focus on this, truly engaging with my clients, it’s far more rewarding for the both of us.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been a military spouse/stay at home mom for 20 years. Moving around so much, I was never really afforded the opportunity to start a career of my own. I began to teach myself calligraphy, and discovered I wasn’t too bad. Eventually, I began doing the odd job for family and friends. It took a while, but I finally made the decision, albeit scary, to officially begin First Light Calligraphy.

ChicaBoo Açaí was born around the same time as my calligraphy business. I worked on a friend’s truck, and quickly realized that the job was not only fun but also a way to really engage with people. It was so rewarding that, when we were able, we’d return to my home state and start ChicaBoo. What a gift it’s been.

While calligraphy and a food truck seem to be on opposite ends of a spectrum, they fit into my life very well. With my focus being on the individual, I’m able to take both services and turn them into more of an experience. I value each and every customer, and their decision to hire me, or come purchase a bowl, is not taken lightly. So much of our society today is built around the impersonal, the fast, the hustle. I view my businesses as a way of slowing down and building connections. I believe this is possible with both my pen and a scoop of açaí. I’ve met some amazing people, and their stories matter to me. I could be creating an ornament for a loved one who’s passed on, or talking with someone about how açaí bowls remind them of their home in Brazil…both matter tremendously. At the end of the day, people value connection, and I hope that I make it evident that I value that connection as well.

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

My entire adult life has been a series of pivots, redirections, and starting over.. Being a military spouse almost requires a level of resiliency in this department. But the most recent move back to Tampa Bay has been the toughest one in many ways. Moving here required my husband and I to live apart for the next few years as he finishes his career. Luckily for me, he’s only a few hours away, and he’s my strongest supporter. That doesn’t make the change any easier. It’s required me to pivot much of my focus onto juggling not only my two businesses, but also my children’s schedules. I’m up to the task, but I’ve really learned the importance of prioritizing quality family time over some things. That’s probably backward thinking, with regards to building a business, but I believe it makes me a better business owner in the long run. It’s one of the perks of owning your own business, really. You can better prioritize the important things. It’s a blessing, really.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My childhood best friend is the cofounder of ChicaBoo Açaí. Crystal and I have been best friends since fourth grade. At our 20th high school reunion we joked about beginning an açaí food truck…lots of laughing, and all in jest. But suddenly we realized that we actually could do it. One year later and ChicaBoo was our reality. It’s a lot of work, physically, but it’s our fun job. What more could you want than to hang out with your best friend, making fruit bowls and meeting amazing people? It really is such an awesome business to own.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.firstlightcalligraphy.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/firstlight_calligraphy Www.instagram.com/chicabooacai
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/firstlightcalligraphy/ Www.facebook.com/chicabooacai/

Image Credits
Aubree Clark