Meet Emily Meekhof | Calligrapher & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Meekhof and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
After spending my teen years being told that having success in an artistic career was few and far between, I became used to the idea that I would have to give up creating to have this “ideal” life. I gave up hobbies and the love of creating to focus on what everyone else was. I started in real estate soon after graduation in assisting roles, and felt like nothing was truly fulfilling. I would come home after a full day and wonder, “why isn’t what every one told me was the right way, making me feel like I’m taking ten steps back?” and then when I started calligraphy just for fun the feeling of fulfillment or at least that this was my path finally clicked. It never felt like work – it felt exciting and although the late nights weren’t easy, the job of creating and being authentic came second nature. I started Emily Grace Creates to help that feeling of emptiness, anxiety, lack of direction and never believed it would turn into what it did! I think the pursuit of an artistic career is never ending because there’s so much change and uncertainty that comes with it – but for me it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever gone after.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started EGC in the height of the pandemic when I was bored and didn’t want to spend $50 on a pretty door hanger for our apartment door. I went to the craft store not knowing anything and just bought what I thought would work. After making more stuff, learning what worked and what didn’t, I would post on Facebook marketplace or groups and got way more orders than I would have ever thought. I spent my nights home from my 9-5 cutting wood on our 650 sqft apartment balcony and fitting a cheap plastic table in the living room to work on. From then I just started meeting amazing people in our community that supported me and wanted me to make more, which was so weird to think they wanted what I made in their homes or given to their loved ones! My weekend were suddenly filled with dropping off orders, answering emails, creating, and a bunch of business stuff I had no idea was a thing. From then, I started becoming more active on social media and met some amazing wedding creatives that led me to where I am now. Having never been to a wedding myself ever, I learned so much about industry and started creating pieces for Brides and their special day. It’s still so weird to me that people want me to write things for them, or teach them how to do it, but I love having such a small part in peoples lives! I’ve never felt more connected to my community than I do now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely the stockyards or downtown Fort Worth! Grand Cru Wine Bar on Magnolia, Ampersand Coffee, Concrete Cowboy, Heim BBQ, and of course if they’ve never been to Texas, Whataburger.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
DeeAnn Moore – Moore Real Estate Most inspiring boss I’ve ever had!

Website: https://sipandscript.com/organizer/emily-walker/

Instagram: instagram.com/emilygracecreates.co

Facebook: facebook.com/emilygracecreates.co

Image Credits
Kaitlin Hays Photography