Beauty on Paper
For some people, creating their business is a long and hard process… but for others, it can just happen by accident. For Katrina Centeno, it was just that, her beautiful penmanship was noticed, now she has created her own calligraphy company that services Southern California and beyond. Services include beautiful hand written invitations, menu cards, programs and much more. Katrina provided in her own words the highlights of her company.
How it all began…
“It started about 2 and half years ago, when one of my friends started thinking about her wedding invitations. She started talking to me about having a calligrapher work on her invitations and asked me if I could do it for her when she saw me writing some notes on a notepad. She was a bride full of ideas and from this energy I soon realized there were much more out there in this industry. After much coaxing, I was convinced to get an email address for my “calligraphy business”. I was skeptical, of course. I was 19 years old college student and writing letters for a living was the last thing on my mind. My bride friend posted my very first review on Project Wedding and brides started to follow suit. It was even a little comical, because my first portfolio was made out of my high school folder and a few envelopes I wrote for my grandmother and random cardstock I got from my mother’s card box. Slowly but surely, as I got more calls and inquiries, I started expanding my knowledge in this craft and ultimately dedicating my whole life to it.”
Services offered…
“Definitely everything stationary and of course, calligraphy. … Sure, we will line envelopes and assemble your invitation sets but we’re oh-so-much-more than that! … . I write on other mediums such as wood, ceramic, and thanks to a fashionable bride, even on giant mirrors. During the holiday season, I can also do a house call wrapping presents. I’m very open to ideas so asking me won’t hurt at all!”
Cost of services…
“I believe in reachable quality, especially during these tough times. I keep my prices very low, but still offer quality materials for my stationery and a choice of fonts for calligraphy. … As a courtesy for choosing us to be your stationer, I offer the handwritten calligraphy addressing for a discounted price.”
Establishing relationships…
“We make this process as easy as we could, so we offer different options. … For all of these cases, I personally make a mock up for them before I start my work. Either in front of the client themselves or send a proof via email. They can let me know their preferences in color and the fonts can be chosen from our website.”
Something special about Calligraphy Katrina…
“I’ll be more than happy to help out. If you need suggestions, recommendations, or advise, I would most likely have something to say, with honesty and the best of intentions. I understand that planning your event may be terrifying, confusing, or just simply overwhelming; but that’s why I am here to help out and do my part to keep you happy. … I would like to let you all know that I will always be here if you need anything. There are times when I have to play mini-planner or shrink, but that’s always the fun part. If you let me know you’re dilemma, I am here to be of service. I am not your quintessential calligrapher; I am your friend and confidant-who will be here for you every step of the way. “
To learn more about Calligraphy Katrina
Post Published on June 2, 2010.