Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Castillo.
Kelsey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My business truly came out of the blue. I was an avid doodler in college — always making my notes as colorful and cursive as possible. During my freshman year, a friend back home saw a picture of my notebook and took a chance on me to be her on-site calligraphy artist for her wedding. It was seriously a DREAM! It was during that time that a found a love for, well, love. I began writing about anything and everything I could get my hands on! I reached out to all of my newly engaged friends (or newly engaged friends of friends) and offered free calligraphy in exchange for photos of my work that I could post to social media. Having an Instagram chalk-full (pun intended) of love quotes and wedding signs truly made me feel like I found my place.
Once I realized that calligraphy was something I could do as a career, I took a leap of faith and switched my field of study from Psychology to Business Marketing. I learned how to create a stellar website, how to network with people and create connections in the wedding industry, and how to market myself as a small business owner.
Fast forward to now — two years out of college and an official small business owner! I am doing calligraphy 7 days a week, and have expanded my business to everything from weddings, to birthdays, to restaurant menu signs and so much more!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’d love to say yes — but unfortunately, everything comes with some ups and downs. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a really tough journey. Money doesn’t fall from the sky, people don’t always take you seriously, and life doesn’t always hand you lemons. Being a young small business owner — a young FEMALE small business owner — is such an amazing feat. My advice to all the young women out there who are just starting out… never let your fears overcome your dreams. There have been times that I was so scared to take that extra leap of faith, not knowing what the outcome would be. Take the leap! And if you fall, get back up and try again.
Please tell us about Chalk by Kels.
I am a calligraphy artist! I’m known for creating large wedding signs (welcome signs, love quotes, his and hers drinks, etc.), but I also create wedding invitations, greeting cards, menu boards, and so much more!
I think I am most proud of my adaptability. I like to step out of my comfort zone and create exactly what is in someone’s mind or on a Pinterest board. I am not limited to one specific font — I like challenges!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I know it sounds scary, but research networking events in your area that spark an interest to you. Honestly, they don’t need even need to be relatively close to your business ideas. I love attending influencer blogging events! I just love to meet other women that are passionate about what they do, and sometimes, their tips & tricks help me with aspects of my social media presence. If you’re not much of a social butterfly, I’d recommend following successful or growing female business owners on Instagram and watching their live videos on how they got to where they are (my personal favorite is @SwellandSway — she brings successful businesswomen together every Tuesday to give 3 secrets to their growing businesses)!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chalkbykels.com
- Email: chalkbykels@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chalkbykels
Image Credit:
Kelsey Castillo
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