Podcast
Creative Business Real Talk
Hosted by Shinah Chang · EN
A weekly kick-in-the-pants to go after your creative dreams. From a former Harvard corporate lawyer who built a million-dollar calligraphy education business… and then scaled it down intentionally to create a life full of creativity and freedom. Every week, I share a tactical business lesson + powerful brain reframe that will help you get unstuck. The perfect mix of strategy and warmth that never shies away from the truth. Welcome to Creative Business Real Talk - Shinah, Founder of Crooked Calligraphy
42episodes
Episodes
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155: From Beginner to Business - stop waiting for perfection and start now
Jan 700:18:55Tap to summarizeFREE Calligraphy Classes start 1/19/2026 --> crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge--Still waiting for your craft to be “perfect” before launching your biz? Big mistake.I’m busting the myth that you need flawless technique to start making money as a creative.When I launched Crooked Calligraphy, I’d only been practicing for three months. THREE. But I didn’t wait to be perfect. I shared my imperfect, beginner calligraphy and built a real, thriving business by learning in real life.Here’s what we’ll cover:Why waiting to “perfect” your craft is setting you back YEARSThe real reason people buy your work… and it’s not just about skillA practical “Beta Business” strategy that lets you earn while you learnHow starting imperfectly builds resilience, confidence, and incomeThe truth about the calligraphy industry ecosystem - and where you can fit right nowWhether you're dreaming of side income, full-time creative freedom, or just want to stop waiting, this episode will help you see the real value of starting before you feel ready.FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →154: My huge FAIL of 2025 (and how it'll help YOU get over your fear of failure)
Dec 3100:20:40Tap to summarizeFailure isn't the end! It’s a -requirement- for success.But no one taught us that in school, right?Most people don’t quit because they fail once…They quit because they decide that failure means something is wrong with them.In this episode, I’m breaking down why failure is essential to building a thriving creative business, and how learning to fail correctly is what separates people who succeed from people who stay stuck.You’ll hear:(1:30) The fear one of my students had before joining my business course... and how she landed her first paid calligraphy job within weeks(3:05) Why school conditioned us to see failure as a stop sign instead of feedback(5:30) The truth about my journey: two failed businesses before building Crooked Calligraphy(7:50) A business mentee who believed she was a failure because her last business didn’t work — and how we reframed it as a “starter” business(11:00) The story of my most painful launch: weeks of prep, nearly 1,000 people, and only ONE sale(13:15) How that failure led to a $30K+ launch just weeks laterHere’s the key takeaway:👉 You go through failures. You are NOT a failure.Failure is only scary when you let it define you instead of teach you.If you’ve ever thought:-- “What if I try and still fail?”-- “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this”-- “I don’t trust myself to start again”This episode is for you.✨ And if you’re ready to stop letting failure hold you back, I’m opening a new challenge in January designed to help you build momentum, confidence, and clarity — even if you’ve failed before.Stay tuned. Your next step might be closer than you think.FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →150. From corporate to “artist”? How shifting identities unlocks growth.
Dec 300:13:45Tap to summarizeIf calling yourself an "artist" makes you cringe... I get you, and it doesn't always have to feel that way. In this warm n’ fuzzy episode, I’m taking you back to the exact moment one tiny click on Instagram changed the entire trajectory of my life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “creative enough,” “artistic enough,” or whether calligraphy is something you could ever actually do… this one’s for you.(0:50) Part 1: The One Instagram Click That Changed My LifeI share the true story of how, in late 2015, I stumbled into modern calligraphy during one of the lowest and most confusing seasons of my life. One curious scroll on Instagram opened a door I never expected… and it was the beginning of my entire creative career. If you’re a beginner wondering where to even start, this part is pure encouragement.(5:05) Part 2: You Called Me What?The first time someone called me an artist and what I actually felt inside (spoiler: impostor syndrome was LOUD). If you’ve ever doubted your creativity or felt like you don’t “deserve” the title of artist, you’ll feel seen and supported here.(8:40) Part 3: Why Calligraphy "Stuck" for MeCalligraphy stuck for me, not because it was my “passion” but because of my Creativity Formula: 1) Natural Interest, 2) Believing it's Doable, and 3) A Sense of Bigger Purpose. I break down why this matters for any beginner starting a new creative skill in 2026.(11:00) Part 4: What This Means for -Your- Creativity in 2026Your creative life can shift SO quickly when you follow your curiosity… and you don’t need a perfect plan. I talk about how beginners become artists, how creative confidence grows, and how calligraphy can be a joyful escape - or even the first step toward a new career or side hustle. If you’re dreaming of trying something creative next year, this episode will give you the spark you need.FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →149: Profitable Calligraphy Pathways
Nov 2600:15:55Tap to summarizeAre you trying to turn your love for calligraphy into real income - but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you need to go viral to make it work?Good news: You don’t. In this video, I’m sharing two proven calligraphy business pathways that can help you start earning - no huge audience required - and breaking them down step-by-step so it actually feels DOABLE!✨ Inside this video: (00:52) The 3 things to focus on to grow your creative business - what to focus on & what to ignore (05:38) Action plans for engraving & hosting workshops - step-by-step guides for two profitable calligraphy pathways:(5:40) Engraving roadmap(8:35) Teaching workshops roadmap (11:37) The obstacles - focus on your plan (and avoid the distractions!) (13:40) Black Friday 2025 BIG deals!Whether you're just starting or ready to finally monetize your calligraphy skills, this video gives you a clear, practical plan you can act on TODAY to start moving your business forward!BIG savings happening right here 11/24/24-11/28/25: → Beginner’s Guide to Calligraphy Engraving – 50% OFF → Teach Calligraphy Workshops Training – 50% OFFFREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →148: $1 Million with One Thing - What Most Creatives Get Wrong About Growth
Nov 1900:20:19Tap to summarizeWhat’s the secret to building a million-dollar creative business? It’s not hustle…it’s focus.In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I break down the real numbers behind my million-dollar course sales - and the sneaky way I kept sabotaging my own success. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a million directions, this is your permission to simplify, focus, and finally scale so you can start making profits!Here’s what you’ll learn:(1:07) The math behind the $1 million - how many did I actually have to sell?(6:12) The growth lesson - how sitting with the uncomfortable grows your business(8:25) What’s actually going to move the needle in your business?(9:20) Simple roadmap for calligraphers to succeed in their business - what skills really bring in revenue(17:32) How to score deep discounts on my calligraphy courses (up to 50% off)This episode is a must-listen if you’re a creative entrepreneur who’s ready to stop dragging their feet and start doubling down on what works.💡 Bonus: Stay till the end to hear all the details about my upcoming Five Days of Deals event starting Nov 24, 2025 - featuring up to 50% off some of my signature courses!FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →147: Building A $900K Calligraphy Business
Nov 1200:10:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share how I was able to scale my small calligraphy business... because I had a mentor who believed I could do it.You’ll hear:(1:30) The three things that allowed me to scale my business successfully(5:30) The pandemic - being prepared at the right time for your moment of opportunity(6:50) Why believing it’s possible is a MANDATORY step in going after your passion(8:40) How much money I'm making now in my businessStop looking at the reasons why you CAN’T. Start looking for evidence that you CAN. And surround yourself with like-minded people.Perfect for: creatives, career changers, overachievers, and anyone craving freedom over “success."-------------- **CALLIGRAPHY RESOURCES**"45 Ways to Make Money with Calligraphy" PDF: https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/money/FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →146: Burnt-Out Lawyer to Full-Time Calligraphy Business
Nov 500:18:09Tap to summarizeFrom Corporate to Creative: a 10-Year JourneyWhat if the career you worked so hard to build… turned out to be a giant soul-suck? In this episode, I share my real journey from miserable Ivy League lawyer to building a wildly successful $900K/year calligraphy business to scaling down to a leaner "enough" business. I’m breaking down my revenue, year by year, from 2016 to 2025!Inside you’ll hear: (1:00) Personal updates from the last 5 months(7:54) The unexpected moment that made me quit law with zero plan (9:49) How $5 greeting cards at a craft fair eventually led to a six-figure course (15:00) Why perfectionism KILLS creative momentum (and what to do instead) This isn’t just a business story. It’s proof that you CAN chase your creative curiosity - even if you’re currently stuck in a glass office you hate. Perfect for: creatives, career changers, overachievers, and anyone craving freedom over “success." ---ABOUT CROOKED CALLIGRAPHY Hey - I'm Shinah! A former miserable corporate lawyer turned sassy calligrapher and teacher. Ten years ago, I was WISHING I could create beautiful calligraphy but feeling really un-creative and LOST about how to achieve that... and now I truly believe that ANYONE can learn this beautiful craft - because I've already taught it to THOUSANDS of people, from all different backgrounds. Calligraphy has given me a gorgeous life. It's helped my students find PASSION, PURPOSE, and a reason to JUMP OUT OF BED each morning. What could it do for you? =) FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →145: End of Season 3 and What's Next
Jun 11, 202500:21:05Tap to summarizeDirect links to the most popular, valuable and impactful episodes of the show right here: crookedcalligraphy.com/bestof--Why I'm taking a little break from the weekly podcast and how it might be changing next season!Including:A quick business lesson on lead, nurture & sales content (and which one Podcasts are best for)Why I started this podcast and kept it going for 145 episodeWhat I'm thinking of changing for the next seasonFREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →144: Ask for Trash to Get Hired (with Biz Student Lisa Doty)
Jun 4, 202500:30:51Tap to summarizeThis inspiring interview with student Lisa Doty will fire you up! Lisa didn’t learn calligraphy from me (she studied under a traditional master calligrapher) but she still found herself stuck and scared to start her business.Then she joined our Calligraphy Biz Starter Course, and in under a year, everything shifted. She went from hiding her calligraphy in her room to confidently demoing in front of crowds and landing big gigs, like a department store grand opening. Lisa shares what helped her break through her fear, the “ask for trash” strategy she uses to connect with clients, and how this journey has transformed her confidence—not just as an artist, but as a person.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to break out of fear and take the first brave steps to grow your businessWhy investing in yourself wisely can fast-track your successHow small, consistent action can snowball into huge results✨ Ready to launch your calligraphy business this year? Join the Pro Calligrapher Bundle before enrollment closes on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and get the skills + strategy you need to book clients this holiday season. 👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/coursesFind Lisa Doty:On Instagram @fancybeecalligraphyWebsite: https://www.fancybeecalligraphy.com/FREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Transcribe →143: Your Counterintuitive Next Step Towards Pro Calligrapher
May 28, 202500:19:33Tap to summarizeRome wasn’t built in a day – and neither was any (decent) business.It was built over thousands of tiny micro-decisions, leading to compounding effects that eventually became BIG. Gorgeous buildings, architecture that has inspired masses, and historical significance spanning centuries.Likewise, when you’re establishing a business, you can’t just completely quit your job and start turning a profit if you haven’t already laid the groundwork. You have to consciously choose to show up every day and make those little movements that, over time, will set you up to take those big leaps of faith.In this episode of “The Shinah Show”, I’m breaking down the real path to becoming a professional calligrapher – and I can assure you, it’s not glamorous, it’s not linear, and it’s not BIG and dramatic. I’m sharing with you:The surprising link between babies and businesses 👶“The Compound Effect” and why a thousand tiny, brave micro-decisions can move the needle more than one big decisionThe real behind the scenes of my own journey, and how I left law one small step at a timeWhat actually gets you from hobbyist to proIf you're a perfectionist stuck waiting for the "right time" or the "picture-perfect plan"… this episode will shake that mindset loose.✨ Want to go pro this year? Join me June 3 or 4, 2025 for my live interactive workshop on how to go from hobbyist to professional calligrapher in six months. Stop waiting and start taking action! 👉 Save your spot HEREFREE WORKSHOP: “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop FOLLOW SHINAH: Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy SUBSCRIBE: Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
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