We recently connected with Susana Lai and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Susana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

A question I often hear at events is, “Do you do this full-time?” When I share that I’m also a Speech-Language Pathologist, it’s met with surprise—after all, calligraphy and speech-language pathology don’t seem to be a natural pairing. While I don’t work full-time in the field of speech-language pathology, I can honestly say that, after establishing my business, the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship has made me realize I could never go back to the structure of a traditional 9-to-5 job.

In my previous role in the medical field, the workdays typically consisted of 8-hour shifts, and sometimes even more. After the birth of my daughter, I yearned for greater flexibility in my schedule, prompting my gradual transition from my 9-to-5 job to my current position working with babies and toddlers ranging from 0-3 years old.

What began as a simple passion for hand-lettering and calligraphy has since blossomed into a thriving business. Coupled with my role as a speech-language pathologist, this creative venture gives me not only a fulfilling outlet for my artistry but also the flexibility to balance and pursue what I truly love.

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

Calligraphy by Susana began as more of a necessity than a hobby—specifically, a way for me to be “bougie on a budget” for my wedding. I envisioned everything—seating charts, signage, a custom wedding invitation suite complete with silk ribbons and wax seals, all with handwritten addressing. With over a year and a half to plan, I figured I had more than enough time to tackle it all. Time was on my side, but what I didn’t anticipate was just how much effort it would take to make everything look presentable. I quickly learned that calligraphy is a true art form, one that requires patience, practice, and skill—not something you can master in just a few months, or even weeks.

When it came time to execute everything, I burned through so much material, making countless mistakes. There were many moments when I’d look at something and think, “That doesn’t look right, but I’m not sure why.” It was clear I hadn’t yet built a solid foundation in the basic techniques that make calligraphy truly shine.

After the wedding, it’s safe to say I set my writing tools down for a while. But before officially establishing my business in 2022, there was a lot of starting and stopping. However, I soon realized that in order for this “hobby” to turn into something more, I needed to invest in myself. I took classes to strengthen my foundation in calligraphy, experimented with different tools and mediums, and sought guidance from a business coach. That was a pivotal moment—when I understood that this passion could transform into more than just a personal interest.

What I never could have predicted, however, was that my journey into calligraphy for my wedding would eventually lead me to collaborate with some of the most prestigious luxury brands, including Cartier, David Yurman, Prada, Gucci, MiuMiu, and even Mattel for Barbie! It has taken me beyond my local community to travel to different states, promoting brands, and working alongside incredibly talented artists, influencers, and even celebrities at brand activations. The path I’m on today is one I never imagined when I first picked up my pen, but I’m grateful every day that I took the leap.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a calligrapher and artist is seeing guests’ reactions when they see their personalizations. Calligraphy isn’t just about creating beautiful letters, it’s about creating something that feels unique and personal to each event and audience. I strongly believe that personalization is key in the world of brand activations because it allows brands (and myself) connect with the clientele in an intimate and memorable way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

For a long time, I downplayed my business as just a “side hustle.” The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was that it wasn’t just a side project, that it was, and is, an actual business. The time, effort, and dedication I’ve put into honing my skills, establishing my brand, and continuously growing my business no longer fit under the “side hustle” label. What began as a passion has evolved into something much bigger, one that requires significant time, effort, and patience to nurture and expand. So, although it may not fit the category of a “side hustle” anymore, I am incredibly proud to call it a small business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calligraphybysusana.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calligraphybysusana