We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Phillips a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My first job out of college was teaching high school Spanish at the same high school I attended myself. I chose Spanish as my major because I enjoyed the language and culture, and also because I knew it would provide a reliable job as a teacher. However, I quickly realized that teaching was much more challenging than I had expected; it tested my patience, resilience, problem-solving skills, and, frankly, my bladder strength. Luckily, I enjoy a good challenge, especially when I know I’m doing something meaningful. Seeing my students learn about something completely new to them—and excel at a skill they never believed they were capable of—inspired me to teach Spanish for nine years.

During the last two years of that time, I began dipping my toes into the art world by selling hand-painted watercolor cards online. I knew I needed more practice to become a full-time artist, and practice I did. Two years later, I surprised myself by taking a leap of faith to pursue an art career, leaving my teaching career behind. Coming from a generation that often mocked art as a career choice, it took a lot of courage to make that leap, but with the support of my husband, parents, and friends, I gained the confidence to do just that.

It’s been a little over two years now that I have been focusing on growing my art business, and I’m amazed at the doors that have been opened to me in such a relatively short amount of time. Like teaching, being a small business owner is a challenge and a constant learning process (which the Spanish teacher in me loves). And I don’t think it will ever get old to bring joy to others with something I made with my own hands.

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 grew up in the Tennessee River Valley where creativity has enriched my life since childhood. My mom sewed intricate Halloween costumes for me every year, my friends wrote me the most beautifully decorated letters, and my middle school band instructor pushed me to be the best 11-year old French hornist that I could be.

However, it wasn’t until the age of 28 that I began to consider a career in art as a real possibility. That year, I found solace in creativity during a time of loss, discovering a passion that would reshape my life. After my aunt lost her battle with leukemia in December 2019, I felt the need to do something with my hands, and so I turned to watercolor painting for comfort; it immediately felt like balm to my soul. I began selling watercolor cards on Etsy in 2020, and I was so encouraged by every sell and kind word that it spurred me to continue.

It wasn’t long before watercolor painting led me to calligraphy, which was as challenging as it was rewarding. Learning from fellow calligraphers fostered invaluable friendships and bolstered my confidence. Artists really are the kindest people! In a relatively short amount of time, I went from being a tenured Spanish teacher to a full time artist. Putting that in writing, it still feels surreal.

Today, my focus is on creating custom calligraphy pieces, engravings, watercolor paintings, and signage, as well as offering live calligraphy, engraving, and bottle painting services. The excitement of working live events in and brand promotions for companies like Nordstrom and Dior, combined with the tranquility of studio projects, creates the perfect balance for me. But what I enjoy most is seeing the delight on my customers’ faces when they see what I have created for them. My mission is to create timeless keepsakes that resonate deeply with my clients and to make the entire experience as enjoyable as the final product.

Above all, I most want my customers and clients to feel that I deeply value and appreciate their trust in me, whether it’s to honor their loved ones, create cherished memories, or simply add beauty to their lives.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Over the past few years, I have developed a strong passion for birds and protection of their habitats. Birds are the very picture of perseverance, and they inspire me every day to do just that — both in my business and for the conservation of nature as a whole. I have my desk set up right in front of a window that overlooks my bird feeders, and whenever my eyes or hands need a break, I take a moment to watch them, and it brings me joy unlike anything else. I will forever be their advocate, and that often shows in my artwork.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Networking with other artists and supporting their businesses has hands-down been the most beneficial thing for my business and mental wellness. Without support from my calligra-friends, I would been completely lost. Being a business owner is a constant learning process, and no one should do it alone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/@quillandcoffeeco
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/quillandcoffeeco
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/hannahbphillips/
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@quillandcoffeeco