We were lucky to catch up with Stacy Terry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stacy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From the days of my childhood, creativity was my second nature. Thinking back to 11-year-old me, running a mini-business at school, selling homemade pillows. I even had a menu showcasing fabric samples and different sizes. Some of my teachers became my first customers, and in that moment, I felt like a true business owner.

Art class was my favorite, and my love for all things design kept growing. My teenage years were filled with pottery, drawing, and penning down poetry.

But the real turning point? 2017. That’s when my desire to pursue a professional creative path started when I was asked to learn Illustrator by my best friend. With my second child on the way, I yearned for a profession that allowed me to be present for my family while fueling my creative spirit. Especially since we didn’t have family nearby.

My best friend, Alix, was building a graphic tee e-commerce store and wanted me to create all the designs. I dived deep into the realm of graphic design, and fell absolutely in love. Days turned into nights, and meals became afterthoughts. I was hooked!

Soon after, I wore the hat as Creative Director for Alix’s branding agency, crafting brands for inspiring women entrepreneurs. In 2018, I invested in a hand lettering course, but time was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Then, 2020 happened with the world in chaos and my dear grandmother battling lymphoma, I took a pause.

But every cloud has a silver lining. 2021 rolled in, and with it, a realization. I had the tools, the passion, and the course to venture into font design. Thought I was late to the party, but the universe whispered otherwise. Everywhere I looked, signs pointed towards this new journey. And here I am, believing that every twist and turn has led me to this very moment, right where I’m meant to be.

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

I’m Stacy Terry, the heart and soul behind Blanc Salváge. Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, I’m a mother to two wonderful kids and a sign-seeking enthusiast, which you’ll see sprinkled throughout my work.

Fun fact: My brand typeface is named “Eleven Eleven”! My mom is my confidante and my best friend. And then there’s my boyfriend, my unwavering pillar of support, who believes in me even on days I doubt myself.

My journey into font design has been one of continuous growth and learning. Just in the past year, I’ve immersed myself in five font courses, another in Procreate, an Instagram course, and a marketing and email outreach course. I’m a firm believer that there’s always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to discover.

At Blanc Salváge, I craft luxury typefaces that cater to both seasoned designers and those just dipping their toes into the world of design. But it’s not just about fonts. I also create realistic mockups, allowing creators to showcase their designs in the best light. My mission? To arm small business owners with the design tools they need to shine. Every typeface, every mockup, every design is a testament to my commitment to elevating the world of design, one creation at a time.

I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling through design. As a font designer, I take pride in helping small business owners create a brand experience that is not only beautiful but also timeless. My fonts and mockups are designed to inspire and help you showcase your design concepts in the best way possible. Whether you’re looking for your next captivating font or stunning mockups for your next project, my goal is to provide you with the perfect assets to help your business stand out. I’m here to help you create a brand that will leave a lasting impression on your clients.

One of the core problems I aim to solve for my clients is the challenge of conveying a timeless and elegant brand experience. In today’s saturated market, standing out is more crucial than ever. With my curated collection of exquisite fonts and design resources, I empower small business owners to elevate their brand presence, ensuring they resonate with their audience in a meaningful and lasting way.

What truly sets me apart is the genuine connection I strive to establish with every individual I collaborate with. Whether it’s through my fonts, mockups, or even a casual chat over social media, I’m here to share, guide, and inspire. My commitment goes beyond just delivering a product; it’s about fostering a community where we all thrive together.

When you choose to purchase from my Blanc Salváge shop, you’re not just getting a product like a font. You’re embracing a story, a piece of my heart and soul.

With every design, I pour in my passion, my experiences, and my essence — you get all of me.

I’m a firm believer in going above and beyond for my community and my customers. Whether you’re a buyer or just someone seeking guidance, I’m here to help. From assisting creators in refining their social accounts to sharing insights on font designs, I’m an open book. My knowledge is yours to tap into, with no strings attached. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about lifting each other up and growing together.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Every step of my journey into font design felt like a dance with destiny. It’s as if the Universe laid out a path, sprinkled with signs coming in from every direction since the very first thought of pursuing font design, guiding me towards my passion.

But, like any dance, there were moments of pause, of reflection. There was a time when I had to step back from my design aspirations. Life threw its challenges, from the global chaos of 2020 to personal trials like supporting my dear grandmother through her health battles. It felt like a prolonged intermission in my design symphony.

Yet, the Universe, in its mysterious ways, kept sending signs. These nudges, combined with my innate passion, reignited the fire within. I decided to bet it all on my dream, to retake the stage with even more vigor. The path that once seemed clear now had its hurdles, but overcoming each one only fortified my resilience.

Sure, there were bumps along the way, but the ease with which everything fell into place was almost magical. This effortless alignment is what fuels my resilience. I trust the journey, knowing that the Universe has my back, and I embrace every opportunity that comes my way.

Every morning, I wake up with a zest to dive into my craft. The freedom to design on my own terms, to let my creativity flow without boundaries, is exhilarating. And the best part? I get to blend my dream job with the joys of being with my family. Long hours, late nights, and working weekends might sound daunting, but when you’re doing what you love, it feels like a delightful dance rather than a duty. The flexibility to pack up my laptop, whisk my family away on a spontaneous trip, and work from anywhere is the cherry on top. It’s not just about creating designs; it’s about crafting a life of freedom and fulfillment.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I was in the middle of taking the hand lettering course, I was unsure but eager to join the social conversation. I knew I had to put myself out there even though I didn’t have any products yet. So I started with a simple question to my instructor: “Which platform should I start with?” Her answer? Instagram.

Now, I must admit, my knowledge of Instagram was, well, limited. I knew about the rule of thumb to include 30 hashtags, but beyond that? It was uncharted territory. So, I enrolled in an Instagram course. Every spare moment, whether it was during school runs or design breaks, was dedicated to mastering Instagram.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t just looking for followers; I was seeking genuine connections. I’ve always been someone who thrives on social interactions, so I approached Instagram with the same focus.

I changed my personal account into a creator’s space, retaining a core group of followers, and began my journey of authentic engagement. Fast forward a year, and I’ve nurtured a community of 1861 amazing souls, all organically.

The beauty of it all? The stories. The connections. The shared experiences.

I’ve had heartwarming conversations with designers from every corner of the globe, delving into their lives, their dreams, and their passions. It’s not just about numbers for me; it’s about the heartbeats behind each profile picture. I engage constantly, leaving meaningful comments and going the extra mile to reach them on DM to get more personal. Obviously, not right away (that’d be weird), but after corresponding back and forth for a while. And now, with my website, I’ve opened up a space for casual calls. No sales pitches, just two creatives sharing a virtual cocktail and a chat about everything under the sun. We chat about all things: creative blocks, what projects we are working on, world news, the weather — it’s like going to lunch with your friend and breaking away from the hustle and bustle for a minute

So, for anyone looking to carve their niche in the social media realm, here’s my two cents: Be genuine. Cherish every connection. Build relationships with purpose and heart. And remember, engagement is a two-way street. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about seeing others and truly connecting. After all, isn’t that what friendship is all about?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blancsalvage.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blancsalvage/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/blancsalvage/, https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlancSalvage

Image Credits
Javier Reyes, Valerie Elash, my personal photos (brand shoot) by Lauren Hill