Caligrapher Q & A : the Very Talented Charlotte Chan

The Books Calligraphy is Just Stunning in Every Way – Thank You So Much Charlotte for Your Contribution to Flutterby Baby, Forever in Our Hearts.

Beautiful calligraphy with meaning – writing from the heart. xo

Q & A with the Very Talented Charlotte Chan, A Brisbane-Based Creative Bringing Personalisation to Her Craft

Charlotte, how did you feel when Rachael reached out to you to discuss the project and what her vision was for the personalised calligraphy component?

I felt so special to be involved when Rachael reached out to me.

You have read the book before the launch, what is your thoughts and feedback on how the book will hopefully make a difference and help families who have been through a similar journey to Rachael?

This needs to be talked about and shared, so the other families going through the same thing won’t feel alone and knowing that there is support out there. For them to know that support is available with charity’s like Pink Elephants Support and reaching out if they want to get help. There are some wonderful resources that families can access.

You might not have experienced miscarriage as a mum yourself, but you have shared that you know of other women who sadly have, how helpful do you think that the book will be for them?

Getting to know there are others experiencing the same feelings as theirs, the similar situations would definitely make the reader (the mums who have miscarriage) feeling a little relieved. Especially these days social media always talk about how life is beautiful, hair is great, body is great….but back to reality, feelings are real, we have to talk about it, we have to addressed it and learn to embrace it and let it go (there’s that chapter the book talk about).

Do you think more women sharing their stories of loss will help continue the conversation of raising awareness for miscarriage in the community?

Yes, I didn’t know this is so common until my friends around me started talking more about the topic.

So starting to know more facts about it is good, getting the idea in mind of how many women go through miscarriage. The statistics say that one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage.

We would love to learn more about your passion and your business. What is your background and how did you found Pixiedust Calligraphy. Your business name is really lovely, with an elegant, beautiful. Is there a special meaning behind your name and the magical reference to ‘Pixie-dust?’

I started my business with passion and helping my friend. I had little idea of teaching workshops, nor running a business. It was my beautiful friend that gave me courage to try. I am a lucky girl in the industry, I am forever grateful meeting all of the best clients, wedding planners, all the way through and having lots of opportunities after starting it. I started with teaching calligraphy and soon Customs House (where Rachael and Brenton also got married for their wedding reception), listed me as their wedding partner. I was also kindly mentioned in several magazines, as one of the best workshops in Brisbane, and then shopping centers and brands started engaging me for their on-site functions and activations.

Pixie-dust really comes from a favorite character of my childhood – Tinkerbell, I want to have magical moments all the time, every day if possible, haha, (don’t we all dream of that in life!), so I put this wish into my business, hoping that the students that join my workshops; and the clients that work with me will be feeling the same too.

What advice what you give to someone who is hoping to follow their dreams in life? Would you say that they should trust their gut and give it their all? You only get the one life after all.

Just do it, don’t be intimidated. And be confident in yourself, put out into the world what you want to be creating! Only if you put it out and do the test ride, people will add value and social proof to your idea. Reach out to them. If you don’t at ask the question, there is no way you can know if somebody might say yes. You will learn a lot from there, so don’t be scared to just start – nothing is permanent! Just do it! Rachael the book’s editor did just that. It was her reaching out that connected me to the project.

What is the biggest part of your business. Do you do a lot of special event calligraphy, as well as corporate work, with special commission jobs also?

I am not sure hey, everything just come ups and surprises me every day.  I have workshops (both public and corporate), wedding stationery clients, event calligraphy, lettering, engraving… every time is a new theme and new idea coming from collaboration of myself and my clients. And I loving the surprise element in it all so far. Do you have a particular favourite part of your role? Favorite part will be keeping me busy haha, since I am the accountant, the marketing team, the design team and procurement…most of the time when I am not with my kid, I am basically occupied and I love the feeling of having the to-do list and the self-satisfaction and fulfillment of ticking them off.

Has the book been your first official published book that you have been a part of?

Yes, my very first, and still feeling grateful and magical how I e-met Rachael.

Do you have some other exciting currently in the works at the moment? Our followers and blog readers would love to learn more if you are happy to share your sneak peak plans for the coming months and year ahead.

I’m planning to be holding more types of workshop next year, I am wanting to bring in different art in the calligraphy space to Brisbane or other kinds over Australia as well. My goal is to deliver the workshops nationwide, so hopefully saying hi to Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide, etc. More information on the kind of events for 2020 and beyond will be available over on our newly launched website: https://pixiedustland.com/.

Here at Flutterby Baby Book, we are so very grateful for how much support you gave to the book. You went above and beyond to help with ensuring that all of the finishing touches were made, right up until going to print. How did you enjoy the creative process, working with Rachael and the Flutterby Baby Book team?

I would say a big thank you to Rachael, she is the one who has been amazing and supportive all the way through, keeping me in the loop, even I am unable to attend all meetings. Being included in this meaningful project, is something I wouldn’t have ever thought about. I’m so very grateful to have had the opportunity and wish the project all the very best.

Are there any words of comfort which you would like to offer to mums on their journey of loss and for mums who purchase the book, or are gifted the book by a loved one or friend?

We can go through together, but only if you let us. Don’t be afraid to open up, because we are all learning each and every day. Also, big hugs, love and support from me.

A very big thank you again Charlotte for all of your wonderful support, it has truly meant the world to our Author, Rachael and the entire creative team that has helped bring the book to life.

With Love, Tickner Publishing. xo