12 New Chapters & 365 New Chances - "My Year of Vision"

January 1st is always a new chapter for any single person or business wanting to improve one’s self from the previous year.

So, I received the most treasured gift over the holidays. This gift has given me an entire different perspective of my creative journey intertwined with my calligraphy business as a whole. Now, take note, I’ve read this book (In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney) from front to back in less than a month. Hence, my mama, who is my other half to my business or of better words, my “Momager” hit the nail on the head with this vision of reading. How did she know the moment I was tearing the delicate and festive wrapping paper away, tears would begin to roll down my cheeks with such joy? Isn’t that what mothers do, though? Mothers are the ones that have raised us and supported us into the successful women they’ve always believed we could be.

After finishing my reading, I thought to myself, "Brittany, flip through the pages. Every time you land on a new page, choose a question that sticks out to you the most. Now, apply those questions to yourself and be as honest as you can be when answering them." So, what began as a reference guide for like-minded women such as myself, turned into a very enlightening writing excerise.

What does Vision mean to me?

Vision to me is an insight into each one of my client’s mind when I meet with them. It’s relating to one memorable moment in the past or present that they want me to bring to life. It's creating a tangible piece for them to cherish for years to come. Vision to me is a collaboration with like-minded women. They are women within different roles throughout the industry that truly believe in one achieved look. The best feeling is when we all can make the look come alive in such a cohesive piece that each client will relate it within their own personal way.

What did I want to be when I was a child?

I wanted to be a singer. I had the same name as Britney Spears! Now, I know I’m aging myself, but I looked up to her. Her name was Britney...Different spelling, but still had the name Brittany. If she could do it, why wouldn’t I be able to do the same thing? Fast forward to junior high days - I entered the academic olympics....Penmanship and Choir. Two things I know I enjoyed. I knew I loved my handwriting, but when it came to choir, I wasn’t able to read music; I didn’t expect that two years in a row I'd win first place in Penmanship. Now, not being able to read music, I heard all the notes and sang by ear. So my childhood dream of being like Britney Spears was out. Did I ever think fourteen years down the road I would believe that penmanship would become my business? Absolutely, NOT!

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is having that overwhelming feeling of tears roll down my cheeks when I deliver a piece to my client. My handwriting is where they're able to see my heart and passion. It’s an indescribable feeling to have it overcome my heart and emotions. Success in that form is something only one can truly feel. There isn’t any better reward.

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?

After this past year, adversity has been an entire new meaning of learning how to cope with hardship. I have been able to doubt myself more times than feeling strong and confident. But that hasn’t held me back from knowing what I am capable of accomplishing in times such as these. If something has me down and doubting my abilities, the drive to continue on and deliver my designs...That’s what drives me even more.

What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday?

A brand new Sharpie marker and a single piece of paper. But, I will always be the one to innovate the attempt to write on a new surface with a different medium.

Name your greatest success (or something you’re most proud of) in your business experiences.

I believe it’s the challenge when I’m given very few details and in my vision I can picture the completion. I'm proud of being able to alleviate the stress from my client's shoulders when it comes to the tiniest of details. As for my greatest success would most definitely being able to let go of things I cannot control and move forward.

What is your personal or professional motto?

It’s a bible verse that I created within a watercolor before I was drawn to my true purpose.

“Perhaps this is the moment for which I’ve been created.”

-Ester 4:14

I’d be lying if self-doubt didn’t overcome me in the past year but my true business venture and creative vision has changed.

I have 12 New Chapters and 365 New Chances. Here’s to a New and Improved Penned Designs by Brittany.

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