We were lucky to catch up with Katrina Rainer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katrina, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
Customer service is extremely important to me! I know that there are a ton of other calligraphers that my clients could hire, and I am honored to be chosen to create something special for them or a loved one. One of the things I adopted early on in my business is creating hand-written thank you notes to each individual client to show my gratitude and appreciation. No matter how big or small the purchase and no matter how many times you purchase an item or service from me, I will always give you a hand-written thank you note at the completion of the project. Quality service is one of the top values of my business and this is one of the many ways I am committed to serving my clients.
Katrina, 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 am a modern calligraphy artist based in Charlotte, NC. The goal of my business is to bring joy to your world through the art of calligraphy. I specialize in live event calligraphy, engraving, and calligraphy workshops.
My love for calligraphy and design started in 2015 when I fell in love with this “pretty writing” while looking for some inspiration to spice up my planner. Little did I know I would be introduced to this thing called “modern calligraphy” and immediately become OBSESSED with all things lettering and calligraphy. From that day on, I studied a ka-jillion books and tutorials and continually honed my craft by LITERALLY practicing and doodling every…single…day (and that includes whatever day it is that you’re reading this hehe). It wasn’t until about a year into my obsession that I realized that I could actually use this thing I naturally love to create uniquely beautiful gifts for my friends and family. And once it was out in the world, it kind of took off from there!
Each and every item that I design and create is made with care and love! And one of the best parts about all of this is that I find just as much joy (if not more) in creating the gift as I do when I see the joy on people’s faces when they receive it.
Whether it be for a brand activation, holiday event, or birthday party, let me help you make your next event your BEST event!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest things I had to unlearn and redefine for myself was what it meant to be an artist and entrepreneur. Initially, I found myself trapped in the stereotypical characteristics associated with being an artist. They created breathtaking paintings that were on display at fine arts galleries and museums. Or they were musical geniuses who made lots of money writing and producing songs for themselves and other artists. Or they subscribed to a more nomadic lifestyle where they traveled the globe capturing stunning images of the world. I did not fit any of these descriptions, so in my mind, how could I dare call myself an artist?
I most certainly felt like I was an artist in my soul, but I also felt a nagging need to somehow fit into my limiting definitions of an artist. Imposter syndrome is real! However, over time as I honed my craft as a calligrapher and explored other mediums of art I realized that these notions were holding me back from truly owning my identity as a calligrapher. I began unlearning these stereotypes by shedding preconceived notions of what it means to be an artist. I let go of the idea that I had to fit into a particular mold to be considered credible. Instead, I embraced the authenticity of my craft and focused on the joy it brought me. It was a transformative process, and it allowed me to give myself permission to confidently call myself an artist!
The turning point came when I allowed myself to create without constraints, without judgment. I started experimenting with different styles and techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional calligraphy. Through this process, I discovered my unique voice and expression. It was then that I realized I didn’t need to conform to any stereotypes to be a legitimate artist.
Embracing this shift in perspective opened up new possibilities for my creativity. I started to see my work not just as a form of self-expression but as a valuable skill that could be appreciated by a wider audience. By letting go of preconceived notions, I tapped into my authentic voice, creating pieces that reflected my true passion and dedication to the art of calligraphy.
In terms of entrepreneurship, unlearning these stereotypes also empowered me to present myself confidently in the business world. Owning my credibility as an artist allowed me to build a brand that genuinely reflects who I am and my purpose for creating art.
It has also empowered me to redefine success. My business motto revolves around bringing joy to your world through the art of calligraphy. It’s not just about recognition or financial gains; it’s about the joy I bring to others through my art. That joy can come from a custom gift for you or a loved one or from discovering the artist in you while participating in one of my calligraphy workshops! I encourage everyone, regardless of their skill level or position in life, to tap into their creativity fearlessly. Creativity is indeed food for the soul, and everyone deserves to savor its nourishment.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I, admittedly, was not very active in the social media community prior to starting my business. I’m generally a pretty private, low-key person, so I didn’t post a ton of content about me and my life. But as a small business owner, I knew building a social media audience was crucial for the success of my brand. To do this, I focused on a social media strategy that emphasized authenticity, engagement, and consistency rather than getting caught up in the popularity contest that often plagues social platforms.
When I started, I deliberately sought out other creators in my niche and engaged with their content genuinely. I left thoughtful comments, shared insights, and built connections with like-minded individuals. This not only helped me build my calligraphy community and learn from others but also exposed my brand to their audiences.
Consistency was another key factor in my journey. I committed to a regular posting schedule, ensuring that my audience could anticipate and look forward to my content. I also extended grace and compassion to myself if I happened to miss a day or just wasn’t inspired to post. The goal is never to be perfect, but to strive to be as consistent as possible. This consistency helped me establish a presence in my little corner of the social media world.
Instead of constantly chasing trends or trying to mimic what everyone else was doing, I focused on creating content that was authentic and aligned with my brand’s values. I shared behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal stories, and content that genuinely reflected my passion and expertise. This authenticity resonated with my audience, building a more meaningful connection.
I refrained from obsessing over numbers and likes (which is easier said than done!), understanding that building a genuine audience takes time. It’s not about the quantity but the quality of engagement. I responded to comments, asked for feedback, and fostered a community around my brand.
If you’re just starting out and you’re trying to build your social media presence, below are my 5 tips to building your brand on social media
1. Engage authentically
Connect with others in your niche by genuinely engaging with their content. Leave thoughtful comments, share your insights, and build relationships.
2. Be consistent
Create a reasonable posting schedule and stick to it to the best of your ability. Consistency helps your audience know when to expect new content from you, building trust and reliability.
3. Be yourself
Don’t be afraid to show the real you. Share personal stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and content that reflects your brand’s identity. Authenticity resonates with audiences.
4. Build a community
Foster a sense of community around your brand. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create a space where your audience feels valued and connected.
5. Don’t focus on numbers
It’s not about the quantity of followers or likes but the quality of engagement. Building a genuine audience takes time, so focus on creating meaningful connections.
Remember, building a social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay true to your brand, engage authentically, and enjoy the journey of connecting with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: klrcalligraphy.com
- Instagram: @klrcalligraphy
- Facebook: @klrcalligraphy
Image Credits
Amanda Gabrielle