Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Ghazarians.
Isabella, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was drawn to art at a very young age, I was that toddler who smeared paint all over my mother’s walls! My mom took notice of the creative bug in me and enrolled me in my very first art class at the age of eight. I fell deeper in love with everything about art specifically acrylic painting and the possibility to show expression through a painting, evoke feelings in a person through brush strokes, and with the mere fact that there were little to no rules to being creative.
I kept up with art through middle school and high school, but it wasn’t until college when things sort of came to a temporary halt for me. I was plagued with the idea that you couldn’t possibly make a career as an artist, let alone generate any sort of income. So, I pursued other things and landed unfulfilling jobs. While at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I found my love for hand lettering. In between studies, I would doodle and letter different quotes and sayings as a way to decompress from the stress that is college.
My parents took notice and began asking me to address envelopes for them and before I knew it, I was getting asked by others to letter and create pieces for parties and events. However, It wasn’t until my wedding, many years later, did I realize I could turn this passion into a career. I created all the signage and calligraphy details for my wedding and there, during wedding planning, Mollybellink was born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been a bit bumpy! One of the first struggles I had to overcome was feelings of imposter syndrome. There are so many talented calligraphers and designers in the wedding and event industry that I didn’t know how I would possibly make a name for myself! But with the support of my family and husband, I was able to overcome it and confidently launch Mollybellink!
Another struggle was when I first started, I mostly imagined my time would be spent creating and making pretty things. I soon learned that it was WAY beyond that. Learning how to juggle all of the different aspects of the business has been the biggest challenge, but also one of the most rewarding ones. Every day, behind the scenes, the hustle that often people don’t see is so real. There are days when literal blood, sweat, and tears are shed, but I would not change any of it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Mollybellink specializes in modern calligraphy for weddings, events, and home goods. My style of calligraphy is a romantic and whimsical play on the traditional pointed pen calligraphy. Some of my most popular projects include signage (examples would be: welcome wedding signs, seating charts, bar signs, etc.), place cards, and various, personalized home goods.
All of my projects and products are made to order, customized, and specifically tailored to fit the client’s vision and needs. With my art background and attention to detail, I can deliver pieces that are unique to each wedding or event.
What sets me apart from others, is my attention to detail. I pour my heart into every single piece and projects I create for my clients. My ultimate goal is to generate happiness through doing what I love and through the smallest of details!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When Mollybellink launched in February 2019, we set several business goals like a one-year sales goal thinking we would just barely meet it. Six months in, we hit our one-year sales goal and are currently on track to doubling our sales goal by our one year mark! Aside from surpassing our sales goal, taking the leap of faith alone to quit my job and pursue my passion full time has been my proudest moment thus far. It took a lot of persuasion and courage for me to do so and I couldn’t be happier with where Mollybellink is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mollybellink.com/
- Email: mollybellink@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollybellink/
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