We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Racheal Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Racheal below.
Hi Racheal, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I took in my business was stepping into engraving without any prior experience—I just decided to go for it.
I had been doing modern calligraphy and signage for a while, but I started seeing other calligraphers online engraving perfume bottles, wine glasses, and luxury gifts. Something about it fascinated me. I thought, I can do that. But I had no formal training, no expensive tools—just the belief that I could figure it out.
So, I went to Hobby Lobby, found an engraving machine, and bought it. No plan, no mentor—just curiosity. I started practicing right away, testing it on different materials and figuring things out as I went. One day, I posted a video of myself engraving, just sharing my progress. I had no idea that simple post would change everything.
Not long after, I got a message from a retailer I used to work for. They had seen my video and wanted me to engrave live for a Mother’s Day event with Creed Fragrance. It was my first-ever engraving event, and it was a lot of pressure; personalizing luxury perfume bottles in real time, in front of customers. I could have said no, thinking I wasn’t ready. Instead, I said yes.
That event was a turning point. It proved to me that sometimes, you don’t wait until you feel 100% prepared—you take the leap and learn as you go. What started as a random trip to Hobby Lobby turned into a major part of my business, and now I engrave for high-end brands at luxury events. That risk, that first “yes,” set everything in motion.
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’m Racheal Smith, the calligrapher and engraving artist behind Racheal Lynn Letters. My work blends modern calligraphy, hand lettering, and luxury engraving to create unique, personalized experiences for clients and brands. I specialize in custom calligraphy for events, signage, and engraving, often working with luxury brands like Creed and Jo Malone to provide live, on-site personalization experiences.
How I Got Started
My journey into calligraphy started in 2017 after the birth of my oldest son. I was drawn to the beauty of hand lettering and quickly became obsessed with the art of modern calligraphy. What started as a creative outlet soon turned into a business as people began requesting custom pieces. Over time, I expanded from working on paper to creating chalkboard signage, acrylic art, and event calligraphy.
Engraving was an unexpected but exciting leap for me. I saw calligraphers online engraving perfume bottles, wine glasses, and luxury gifts, and I thought, I can do that! So, I went to Hobby Lobby, bought my first engraving machine, and started practicing. I posted a video of my progress, and that single post led to my first live engraving event—Mother’s Day engraving for Creed Fragrance. From there, engraving became one of the most exciting parts of my business, allowing me to work with high-end brands and offer something truly special to clients.
What I Offer
Through Racheal Lynn Letters, I offer:
• Luxury Hand Engraving – Personalizing perfume bottles, wine glasses, candles, and more for special gifts and brand activations.
• Custom Calligraphy & Signage – Designing elegant place cards, seating charts, chalkboard signs, and event decor.
• Calligraphy Workshops & Private Lessons – Teaching modern calligraphy, from beginners learning the basics to students exploring their own styles. I also instruct through Sip & Script, hosting public and private lettering classes.
What Sets Me Apart
One of the things that makes my brand unique is my commitment to creating an experience, not just a product. Whether it’s engraving a luxury fragrance bottle at a live event or designing a custom piece for a wedding, I focus on making the moment special for my clients. I love the personal connection that comes with my work—watching someone’s face light up as they see their name beautifully engraved on a keepsake or helping a student discover their love for lettering.
I also bring a high level of artistry and attention to detail to every project. My background in modern calligraphy allows me to create elegant, hand-crafted lettering that feels personal and unique. Plus, my experience working onsite for luxury brands means I understand how to elevate an event with interactive, high-end personalization.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the risks I’ve taken to grow my business. From investing in myself as an artist to saying yes to my first engraving event before I felt “ready,” every leap of faith has led me to new opportunities. I’m also incredibly proud of the community I’ve built—students who have found joy in calligraphy, clients who trust me with their special moments, and brands that continue to bring me in to enhance their customer experience.
What I Want People to Know
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind calligraphy, engraving, or a fun and engaging lettering experience, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re a brand looking to elevate an event, a bride searching for elegant signage, or someone who just wants to learn the art of beautiful lettering, I’m here to bring your vision to life.
You can find me at events in Memphis and beyond, and I’m always open to new collaborations. If you want to add a touch of artistry to your next event or gift, let’s connect!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to honor God by using the gift He has given me—to create, inspire, and share my love of calligraphy and engraving with others. Through my work, I strive to bring beauty, joy, and a sense of connection to those I serve, whether through personalized lettering, luxury engraving, or teaching others the art of calligraphy. Every stroke, every engraving, and every interaction is an opportunity to reflect His creativity and grace.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my business was stepping into teaching and hosting calligraphy classes.
When I first started Racheal Lynn Letters, my focus was on creating—custom calligraphy pieces, signage, and eventually engraving. I loved the artistry and the personal connection that came with each project. Teaching wasn’t something I had planned on doing. In fact, the idea of standing in front of a group, guiding them through a skill I had developed over years, felt a little intimidating.
But then, I got the opportunity to teach my first calligraphy class, and everything changed. I realized how much joy I found in sharing my love for lettering with others—helping them go from shaky strokes to confident letters, watching their excitement as they created something beautiful with their own hands. That experience showed me that my gift wasn’t just about creating for others—it was also about inspiring and equipping others to create for themselves.
That first class led to more, and soon, teaching became a huge part of my business. Joining Sip & Script allowed me to expand even further, bringing calligraphy workshops to more people in a fun, interactive setting. Now, my classes are not just about learning a skill; they’re about building confidence, fostering creativity, and giving people a space to slow down and enjoy the process.
This pivot wasn’t something I saw coming, but it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Teaching has deepened my love for calligraphy, expanded my business in ways I never expected, and allowed me to connect with so many amazing people. Looking back, I realize that sometimes the best opportunities come when you step outside your comfort zone and say yes to something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.racheallynnletters.com
- Instagram: @racheallynnletters
