CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- “I watched a few YouTube videos, after that I kind of just ran with it.”
Many of us have taken up new hobbies during the coronavirus pandemic, but Bartlett resident Nicole Calaustro went a step further and started a small business: Sweet Letters Calligraphy.
“I actually kind of just began writing out cards and letters during the pandemic, I would send out to my family members," she said.
From wedding signage to customized mugs, the 24-year-old artist started an Instagram page to showcase her modern lettering.
“I went into this small business thinking I wanted to focus on the wedding industry. I love doing place cards for guests, seating charts, and then as I progressed I loved doing products so I sell personalized campfire mugs, wine glasses and stuff like that," Calaustro said.
Her business, and font size, grew when Sweet Letters Calligraphy was commissioned to paint storefront windows at local restaurants shifting from dine-in to take out.
“Since a lot of customers aren’t allowed inside, and it’s mainly in the storefront for curbside pickup they really wanted to display that they are open and their new hours," she said.
She hopes 2021 will bring more business clientele and onsite lettering opportunities.
“I love interacting with others and taking clients’ visions and seeing how I can create that in-person as a physical thing," Calaustro said.
Calaustro’s products and services can be found on Facebook or on Instagram.
Sweet Letters Calligraphy; penned in a stroke of brilliance. Made in Chicago.