Setting Up Shop - Part One

This episode is 2 of 2 short stories in preparation for our upcoming episode on the topic of copying. This fall we will be interviewing Magi Fisher of The Artist's Lawyer, but first... we have a few experiences to share. In this mini-episode, Mikyla dives into three experiences she's had being copied. The outcome of each situation varied - with one ending in the best possible outcome and two involving legal action. Tune in to hear the details of each scenario, how they were handled, and the lessons learned.

This episode is 1 of 2 short stories in preparation for our upcoming episode on the topic of copying. This fall we will be interviewing Magi Fisher of The Artist's Lawyer, but first... we have a few experiences to share. In this mini-episode, Shasta dives into the details of her worst client ever. It was a situation where she was not copied herself, but rather asked to copy another stationer by her client. Tune in to hear how she navigated this tricky situation, the ways it changed her business, and how she grew personally from this experience.

With the new year at hand, we are excited to share what's next for the Cultivé podcast. Introducing... our new subscription format! Subscribers to the Cultivé podcast will receive exclusive access to all episodes to come - including insightful discussions on pricing strategies, sourcing design inspiration, navigating contracts, managing challenging clients, and more. But that's not all, our subscribers will also be treated to special discount codes for all upcoming podcast materials. Get ready to embark on this exciting journey with us!

We get it, vintage stamps can be confusing! For this episode, we welcome our first guest - Gracie Cote of Enfield Post. Trained as an art historian and writer, Gracie was fascinated with vintage postage stamps which led to the creation of Enfield Post over seven years ago. She was immediately drawn to helping people have better access to them, and in this episode shares everything you need to know about working with them! Join us as we dive into all things vintage postage stamps answering questions like where to source, how to price, curating beautiful sets, and more.

You've sent the interested client a proposal, now what? This is the second episode in our two-part series all about setting up shop. In this episode, we pick up where we left off in part one. We outline what are proposals look like and cover our workflows from the time your client books to mailing their paperie. From client agreements and invoice payments to the design process and final approvals, this episode is our blueprint guide.

Being a successful business owner means more than creating beautiful art. You also need a smooth client process and organized system to help manage your projects. In this episode, we provide a roadmap for all Cultivé episodes to come. We give the beginning overview of our workflow process and share insight on how to lay the foundation for your business. From website hosting options, different proposal approaches, and how to tackle inquiries this episode gives the framework for it all.

So you've decided to start a business... but are wondering how to find clients or patrons to support you? In this insightful episode, we dive right into finding and attracting your ideal client. We share real-life stories and proven marketing strategies that helped us build thriving businesses. We explore the power of understanding who your target audience actually is; and, the importance of knowing their pain points and desires to better so you can better resonate with those most likely to become loyal customers. Learn how we implemented these specific tactics, overcame challenges, and attracted our ideal clients to create flourishing portfolios.

In this episode of the Cultivé podcast, we explore the topics of imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the intimidating question of whether or not we are actually artists. As creatives, we often struggle with our own self-doubts and insecurities. Whether we are calligraphers, stationers, or any other type of artist, imposter syndrome can easily creep in and make us feel like we don't belong. These emotions combined with perfectionism can be paralyzing, causing us to hesitate in our art and question our skills and abilities. So, how do we push past these feelings and embrace the artist within us? Join us as we delve into the depths of imposter syndrome and perfectionism sharing honest stories from our personal experiences. Together we explore actionable tips for overcoming these struggles, why it's important to move past our fear of judgment and embrace our creative talents, and how to silence our inner critic.

Welcome to The Cultivé Podcast! In this first episode, listeners are introduced to your hosts Mikyla Marie Manu of Ink and Press Co. and Shasta Bell of Shasta Bell Calligraphy - two stationers in the fine-art wedding industry. In this episode we share our backgrounds, an overview of Cultivé, and what inspired us to launch this podcast. We are excited to join on this journey together as we share our extensive knowledge and expertise of the fine-art, luxury wedding industry. From design to industry tips and resources, the Cultivé podcast brings you valuable educational content from our years of experience as small business owners and artists. Whether you are a seasoned vendor or just starting out, Cultivé is here to help you cultivate your own skill set as a wedding professional.