Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Levy.
Hi Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My calligraphy journey was a blessing in disguise, sparked by the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the world shut down, I was caught in a whirlwind of a demanding healthcare job and the beautiful, overwhelming challenge of raising a new baby. The pandemic forced me to make a profound choice, and I decided to leave my job to become a stay-at-home mom, choosing peace of mind over a paycheck.
It was during the quiet moments of lockdown that I found my sanctuary in modern calligraphy. With just some workbooks and brush pens, I taught myself, practicing whenever my daughter was asleep. Calligraphy became my refuge, a source of joy and a way to unplug from the world. The freedom of modern calligraphy allowed me to explore my own creativity and develop a style that felt uniquely mine.
After honing my skills for months, I started sharing my work on Instagram and creating pieces for friends. When one of them playfully asked if I had an Etsy shop, it was a lightbulb moment. “Why not?” I thought. I opened a shop, offering custom work from wedding envelopes to small wooden signs. The positive feedback and the realization that people were willing to pay for my art was incredibly validating. I began to wonder if this passion could be more than a hobby.
After a brief pause following the birth of my second child, I launched Kim Inkspired Design. My business has since expanded to include engraving on glass and metal, and my favorite niche of all: live event calligraphy. There’s nothing more exciting than creating a piece for someone in real-time and watching their face light up with joy. I’m still a full-time stay-at-home mom, and I also love sharing my craft as a calligraphy instructor with Sip & Script. This journey has been a gift, and I’m so grateful to have found a way to share my art with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is overwhelming. I didn’t feel ready, but it was a deeply personal thing for me to push myself to step out of my comfort zone- to be braver and take more risks. I’m still just figuring things out as I go. I know the road ahead won’t always be smooth, or even feel like it’s always moving forward. I’m pushing myself to chase my dream, while learning to be okay with the idea that failure isn’t an end—it’s just a lesson and a bump to navigate before I continue on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a calligrapher specializing in live event calligraphy and engraving, and a modern calligraphy instructor. My style is best described as playfully bouncy, yet elegant. My goal is to eventually focus exclusively on live events as I continue to grow my business, but right now I’m having fun with it all and also sharing my love for the craft in my classes! Aside from live event calligraphy and teaching, I also offer custom calligraphy services such as for weddings, event signage, and digital calligraphy.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Having to quit my healthcare job when the pandemic hit ended up being one of the best things that could have happened to me. Otherwise, I would still be working a stressful healthcare job that I didn’t love. But instead, I found my passion in my pen, and am able to provide joy through my art of letters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kiminkspireddesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiminkspired
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/496267940238291
- Other: https://sipandscript.com/organizer/kimberly-levy/
