We “met” on Instagram a year or two back, we both had far smaller followings and a similar desire to connect with creatives. The funny thing? When you start commenting on someone’s posts, you give them a chance to know you and know your heart. The truth was, I instantly connected to Alyssa and Laura. I knew that they were passionate about what they were doing, pushing to take their business to the next level, dedicated to hustling hard, and inspired to create new and beautiful things. Yesterday, we made our friendship real when we got to hug it out, spend a few hours together, and connect in real life. Over the last year we have collaborated on multiple pieces together, sent snail mail (more Laura than me, I stink at mail) and exchanged the longest chains of emails on the planet. We’ve chatted, connected, schemed, and dreamed together all over the world wide web. We have expanded our businesses, watched our followings grow, and cheered one another on along the way.
There’s something to be said about the real relationships that can be created and fostered online. While it might not be the ideal way to make girlfriends, the truth is, a lot of us artists are just wanting to connect with people who get it. When I say “it” I am referring to: the weeks on end where you barely leave the house, the long nights wrapping up one project just so you can dive into the next, the fact that you are owning an online persona that might feel anything but ideal on some of the tough entrepreneurial days, and the reality that we are all juggling the million things that us business owners do. I was so humbled and honored to not only be taught by Laura and Alyssa but also getting to document them in action at their Chicago calligraphy workshop (let’s just say I need a lot of practice!) As artists it’s so important to step out of our comfort zones, to try new things, to do something we might not be great at, and to put ourselves out there every once in awhile. I sat along with 23 other amazing women and learned the alphabet, how to attempt beautiful script, the how’s and why’s behind calligraphy, and a lemon bar to boot! What an amazing day!
To see more of Laura Hooper’s workshops, click here!
Special thanks to: Workshop – LH Calligraphy // Venue – Workshop Chicago // Desserts – Elysia Root Cakes // Florals – Fleur Inc
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