We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Pangione. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Alright, Victoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)?
I think as a business owner we know how to hustle. There are so many aspects of a business owner from the early stages of learning software or programs, fine-tuning our skills and services, and marketing and finding your ideal clients. Given my background as a fashion designer in a large corporate company, I learned a lot about working with a team, designing a collection, creating color stories, and seeing it through to the production phase. A lot of these things I can take with me to my stationery business.
After I was let go from my fashion job I knew I wanted something that I could truly make an impact 1-1 with clients and create something one of a kind for years to come. I also knew I wanted something where I could work and grow my business, but also have time to take care of my son and have the flexibility and freedom to do things on my schedule.
It wasn’t until 2020 that I put more time and effort into my business. I built my website and created all my branding, products, listings, and services. The list went on and on. I was slowly growing my business but it was in the spring of 2023 that I invested in a creative business coach. I felt like I had done everything I could on my own and needed help to see what I was missing. My husband was out of work so I knew this was the time I needed to take action or there would be no change in my business. I am so happy I got to the point on my own and learned so many aspects of the business, but having a coach and a community to support my business has been such an amazing change and so uplifting. It has turned my business around and given me so much confidence! Thank you to Rosie Chunn and the TCA Community!
Victoria , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi! I am Victoria, your go-to calligrapher based in Bergen County New Jersey, specializing in exquisite wedding invitation design, custom calligraphy commissions, and on-site calligraphy services for events. With a background in the fashion industry, my passion for calligraphy has evolved into a thriving business, creating heirloom artwork and personalized invitations for clients.
My services include complete custom wedding invitation design, calligraphy for memorable keepsakes, and the luxurious experience of on-site calligraphy and engraving. Her stationery designs feature high-quality paper, decorative prints, and unique embellishments, ensuring a touch of elegance in every piece. When it comes to calligraphy, I excels in modern, precise script using a pointed pen.
Expect meticulous attention to detail, prompt communication, and a one-of-a-kind artwork that will be cherished for generations when you collaborate with me. Make your special occasions truly unforgettable with her exquisite calligraphy touch.
If you have an On-Site Event or Activation having a calligrapher or engraver creates a memorable, personalized piece and a lasting impression.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I started my career as a Fashion Design Assistant in NYC in 2005 after I graduated from the Savannah College of Art in Design with a B.F.A. I worked my way up from Design Assistant to Senior Designer over the years and worked at different fashion houses. I met some wonderful other designers and peers throughout the years and worked hard to grow and build throughout my time in the industry. When I was let go from my position as a Designer I was devastated and confused as to where I should go next. I was ready for a change but didn’t know what that looked like for me yet. At the time I was let go, I was also in Yoga Teacher Training and just finishing up to complete the program. I tried a lot of things…Teaching yoga, building stained glass lamps, freelancing at a design fabrication shop, and honing my calligraphy skills. I knew I wanted to create something on my own but wasn’t sure where to start.
It wasn’t until 2020 that I was able to devote more time to growing my business and focus on my love of calligraphy. I built a website, bought a domain, started an Etsy shop, took online classes, and started a social media page. I tried to learn and grow a little every day and keep learning. I slowly started to get orders through my Etsy shop. Some examples were long-form custom calligraphy pieces, cards, calligraphy kits…I was so EXCITED!!! I loved getting orders and creating custom pieces for customers. I started to think that this could be my business! Flash forward to now and I have quadrupled my sales from last year working with dream clients and showing up on the first page in Google searches. It is so gratifying and I have so much joy creating artwork for others.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Yes, currently as a Calligrapher I offer a few different streams of income as services. This is the way I group them: 1) In-House Commissions. These are custom calligraphy vows, song lyrics, poems, etc. They can also be personalizing objects like candles, glassware, or perfume bottles.
2) Wedding Stationery. These include Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, Day of Wedding Paper Goods (place cards, menus, signage)
3) On-Site Events. Personalizing swag or items through corporate clients and luxury fashion clients. Examples of this are engraving perfume bottles for Bloomingdales or Nordstroms. Personalizing items raises brand awareness and is a wonderful keepsake for guests and clients.
4) I would like to teach in 2024! I currently sell a modern calligraphy kit and would love to expand to teach online or in person in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunsetscribe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetscribe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Image Credits
Peterson Design & Photography Scott Clark Photo Daniel Pangione