Today we’d like to introduce you to Giselle Roca Da Silva.
Hi Giselle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everyone has a starting point in their creative journey, and I would say mine began at a young age. I was a very hands-on kid who loved drawing, painting, coloring, and creating anything I could. Always had a big imagination!
My interest in calligraphy started with watching my mom’s handwriting. Her penmanship always caught my attention, and as a child, I would try to imitate it. As I got older, I began researching calligraphy on YouTube, buying books, and learning from various social media platforms. Most importantly, I practiced—a lot.
Practice was, and still is, the key to getting where I am today. It can be frustrating at times, but it’s necessary if you want to master a craft, or at least get as close to mastery as possible.
I definitely would not be where I am without the support of my family, close friends, and the kind strangers who have appreciated and supported my work along the way. There have been difficult periods and times when I stepped away from creating, but I have always found my way back to it.
Today, I have new goals I want to achieve. They may be ambitious, but I believe I can reach them. More often than not, the biggest obstacle standing in our way is ourselves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not describe this journey as smooth, there have definitely been bumps along the way. As a small business owner, it’s impossible not to encounter challenges. I’ve had experiences with customers who haven’t always been easy to work with, and I’ve learned that not everyone understands the time, skill, and effort that goes into creating handmade work. Some people see what I do as simple and don’t always expect to be charged accordingly.
There have also been times when a custom project didn’t go as planned. Sometimes the materials I carefully selected didn’t work the way I expected, or I found myself struggling with a design a customer requested. In those situations, I’ve learned the importance of being honest and transparent. If I’m having difficulty bringing a vision to life, I communicate that with the customer and discuss possible modifications. If needed, I’m also willing to recommend another artist who may be better suited for the project.
Working with people also means occasionally encountering individuals who may not treat you or your business with respect. Through those experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to be firm while remaining professional. Respect goes both ways, and protecting the value of my work and my business is essential.
Another challenge has been expanding my services and trying new things. Not everything turns out perfectly on the first attempt, which is why research, preparation, and practice are so important. At the same time, I’ve learned to give myself grace and accept that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Despite the challenges, I truly love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable and has helped me grow both as an artist and as a business owner.
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 self-taught calligrapher who started my small business in Miami. A little over a year ago, I got married and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where I continue to grow my business and pursue my passion for lettering. I still travel between Florida and Massachusetts for different job opportunities and to be with my parents of course.
For those unfamiliar with calligraphy, it is the art of decorative handwriting created using specialized tools, inks, and techniques. Calligraphers transform words into works of art on a variety of surfaces and materials. I am best known for my unique lettering on seating charts, signage, place cards, and other custom event pieces.
There are countless details that go into events, especially weddings, and I love being able to contribute to such meaningful occasions through my art. Whether it’s hand-lettering each guest’s name on an oyster shell, a flower stem, or another unexpected surface, I enjoy finding creative ways to make each event feel personal and memorable. I am always excited to take on new challenges, and I have had the privilege of working with incredible event planners who have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Recently, I have also begun exploring engraving, which has given me a new and exciting way to express my lettering and creativity. Discovering this art form has opened up even more possibilities for custom work and personalization.
What sets me apart is my commitment to making the experience of working with me both personal and enjoyable. I want my clients to feel comfortable sharing their ideas, making special requests, and collaborating throughout the creative process. At the same time, I provide thoughtful guidance based on my experience to help bring their vision to life in the best possible way.
My work reflects a deep appreciation for detail. Even something as subtle as the shape of a single letter can make a significant difference. That attention to detail is at the heart of everything I create, and it’s something my clients consistently value and appreciate.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to be patient with yourself and trust the process. It’s easy to compare your work to artists who have been practicing for years, but every creative journey starts somewhere. Focus on improving a little bit each day rather than striving for perfection right away.
I also cannot emphasize enough the importance of practice. Talent can help, but consistency is what truly helps you grow. There were many times when I felt frustrated because my work wasn’t turning out the way I wanted, but every hour spent practicing taught me something valuable. When I would complete a project and sit back, it would make me appreciate what my hands can really do.
If you’re interested in turning your craft into a business, don’t be afraid to put your work out there. Sharing your creations can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to connect with potential clients and build confidence in your abilities. Not everyone will be your customer, and that’s okay. Focus on finding the people who appreciate your style and the value of your work. Also, don’t doubt your skills or your pricing!
One thing I wish I had known when I was starting out is that it’s okay to say no. Not every project is the right fit, and not every opportunity is worth taking. Learning to set boundaries and value your time is just as important as developing your skills.
Most importantly, don’t let fear of making mistakes stop you from trying new things. Some of my greatest lessons came from projects that didn’t go exactly as planned. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, improve, and become more confident in your craft.
Stay curious, keep creating, and remember why you started in the first place. Passion, persistence, and patience will take you farther than perfection ever could.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tangledwordscreativestudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067149245624
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giselle-roca-da-silva-b37a53271
