Meet Amanda Gainey | Calligrapher & Live Event Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Gainey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I never intended on starting a business when I first started learning calligraphy back in 2016. I always wanted to learn the art of writing beautiful, and started practicing and learning new techniques. As time went by, I realized I really, really enjoyed the process from start to finish. After creating Christmas ornaments 2-3 years in a row, I slowly started to think this might be able to be a business. A bit more time passed and I decided to go for it! No one in my family has their own business, so this was new territory for me! I didn’t even know it was possible for ME to own my own business. I have learned a lot over the past few years and really enjoy being able to run my own business! I love creating for others and seeing the joy it brings them.

While I still definitely work with planners and brides to create pieces for events and weddings (envelope calligraphy, place cards, day of signage, etc), I also now added the unique experience of Live Events/On-site calligrapher! This is where I will go on-site to an event, brand activation or private event and customize items in front of guests and clients! This has been a really fun addition and I hope to really grow this in the Nashville area! People love seeing something made specifically for them right in front of them. It gives an extra level of luxury to event and brands and it’s really been something I’ve enjoyed doing over the past year and a half!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I hope what sets me apart is my particular style and the interactions I have with my clients. I really love working with a variety of people and events and love creating new connections with others and giving kindness wherever I go! I always want to leave people or an event with more kindness and love than when I arrived!

Getting to this point in my business was not easy, in fact, more than once I asked myself if this was worth it or if I was good enough! Imposter syndrome, anyone?! haha! There is always going to be someone to compare yourself to, so I’ve learned to focus in on what *I* am doing and how I can add value to my clients’ events. I’ve also learned that having a business isn’t for the faint of heart! As someone who HATES making mistakes, I’ve had to learn that I’m human and mistakes will be made, but trusting in yourself that you’re doing everything in your power to do what is right and in the best interest of everyone.

I hope that when people think of me and my brand, that they will know I’ll always work from a place of love and kindness to everyone! I want my interactions with people, as well as my work, to bring joy to others. The world is a hard place to exist in sometimes, and if I can brighten someone’s day with how I treat them or with my art, I will call that a success!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, as I tried to come up with this list, I have realized I maybe need to get out and explore more! haha!
A few places that came to mind are:

For the downtown experience:
– Ryman for a concert
– 5th & Broad for some views of downtown and a bite to eat at either Slim & Huskeys or Sixty Vines (and Jeni’s!)
Followed up with dropping into Pushing Daisy’s

– Shipley’s donuts (in Donelson) is a must!
– We love being outside, so a beautiful hike at Radnor Lake or a day on go out on the boat at Percy Priest!
– Southside Grill in south Nashville is a gem for brunch or dinner!
– Emmy Squared in the Gulch for some lunch or dinner one night
– We’d definitely go out to Arrington Vineyards one afternoon/evening for the wine, views and music!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes!
First, my family and friends have been SO great at encouraging, supporting, and sharing my business!

Amanda Arneill: The first class I was able to find when I first started learning was with Amanda Arneill (@AmandaArneill). I learned the basics of lettering and composition techniques. Her course and feedback were so helpful for me getting a basis and starting my lettering journey!

As my business started to grow (and turn into an official business), I’ve had 3 very helpful mentors and coaches along the way to guide and lead me as I’ve pivoted and changed my business in the last couple of years.

– Shaochen (@Monstera.gold) : helped me learn the ropes in the wedding calligraphy industry.
– Irene (@curatedtocreate) : my mentor and coach on breaking into the live events industry. And answering my 100’s of questions! haha!
– Alane (@writeprettyforme) : is my business mentor who helped me really organize the back end of my business and get my processes in order. I’m so much more organized and able to offer my clients a better value while working with me!

Website: https://www.AmandaScripts.com

Instagram: @AmandaScriptsCalligraphy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gainey-74622a212/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandascripts

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amandascripts-calligraphy-nashville

Image Credits
Photo 1 (me holding envelopes) : @_crystalstephens_
Photo 3: Place card: @gabriellevonkeyking
Photo: 4: writing on blue bag : @Mariagloerphotography
Photo 5: mirror seating chart : @nykandcali
Photo 8: envelopes : @Mckenzie.leephotography