Meet Trailblazer María Zamarripa

Today we’d like to introduce you to María Zamarripa.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Almost five years ago, I started writing calligraphy after my counselor suggested to find something to make with my hands to help with stress. One day, I was trying to write a quote and frame it as a gift for my daughter and I just couldn’t come up with something that I liked. So, I looked on Pinterest for ideas and that is when I found calligraphy.

The first time I wrote, it was messy and frustrating. But at the same time, I found great joy. The feeling of the pen and my hand moving on the paper was so fulfilling.

It’s been a long journey and now calligraphy is one of my passions and something that I treasure dearly as it has helped me to deal with depression, anxiety, and stress.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of my first struggles was finding the time to sit down and practice. At that time, I was going through a divorce, working full time and caring for my two children. I was usually writing at night and I was always tired however calligraphy helped me forget life’s problems, I think I wrote every day for the first year. I committed myself to post every day on Instagram and that helped me to keep the momentum to keep writing.

Other challenges have been finding my own style, the courage to post my work, stay consistent and learn how to market my services.

My advice for other women is to look deep within your heart and find your true why. Look inside of you for your motivation and not in outward ideas.

Be open to possibilities, be open to the new. Don’t try to control every step of your journey, instead, let your inner self guide you to a beautiful newness of life.

Be willing to fail; you will grow. Being brave means doing it even when you are scared.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I offer artisan calligraphy services for weddings. I help brides create their dream timeless romantic wedding stationery. My services include envelope guess addressing, bespoke wedding invitations, escort cards, personalized gifts, etc. This year, I incorporated my own name in my brand and I am focusing on a more organic style.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I get inspired by women in my community that live an authentic life according to their own values. From the Mother of 10 that has her own organic garden to the successful career woman that has a gorgeous house and spends quality time with her family too. The woman that is an empty nester and has an amazing fitness level on her fifties to the tender teacher that pours her heart out to her students.

They all inspire me so much and I look up to them!

Pricing:

• CALLIGRAPHY ON PAPER (ENVELOPES)
• Outer envelope guest addressing (up to 4 lines) $3.50 ea
• Inner envelope (names only) + $1.50 ea
• Outer & Inner envelopes $5
• Metallic inks +$1 ea

Contact Info:

• Website: www.esperanzaatelier.com
• Email: maria@esperanzaatelier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esperanza.atelier
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esperanzaateliercalligraphy
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/esperanzaatelier

Image Credit:
Sarah Kelly Photography – http://www.sarahkellyphotography.com, Darling Weddings – https://losdarling.com.mx/

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.