We were lucky to catch up with Elisa Bergstrom recently and have shared our conversation below.
Elisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have always known, to some degree, that I wanted to stay involved with the arts. Whether it was drawing and sketching as a child, taking art classes in high school and college, or finding time to paint after work or when babies were napping, I’ve always tried to allow time to be creative (although, it hasn’t always been easy during certain life stages!). It wasn’t until I was at the beach with my family a few years ago that I felt a strong inclination to pursue calligraphy and art professionally. So, once we got back to Dallas I started researching ways to advance my skills and I’m excited to now paint, engrave and offer calligraphy on a professional level!
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.
I have loved practicing art since I was in kindergarten. As I got older, I took art classes in high school, majored in fashion and business at Baylor and was selected for a wonderful internship with the visuals department in the Neiman Marcus corporate offices under the direction of Ignaz Gorischek.
Post college, I chose a different career path that embraced a calling to teach. Those years of teaching 3rd grade were some of the most incredible and rewarding years of my working career. Yet, during all of these various seasons of life, practicing art always remained a constant.
Eventually, I took courses from a well-known calligrapher at SMU and realized that, between calligraphy, painting and engraving, I was excited to present a skill and service that felt unique and personally meaningful. Through friends, word of mouth and Instagram, an entrepreneurial business was born which now allows me to have artistic fulfillment while also raising a family. The best of both worlds!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To maintain a thriving creative ecosystem, it would be great if everyone would continue to support local artists and independent, creative businesses for special occasion services, unique hand-made gifts, etc. I am extremely grateful for all of my clients and customers as they have chosen my personalized services over a mass-produced item.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
To add more beauty to this world by creating meaningful products that bring joy to others!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theflourishedpen.com
- Instagram: @the_flourished_pen