Advertise on podcast: Cultivé

As 2025 comes to a close, we sit down with Aileen of Plume Calligraphy to reflect on a year of growth, hard lessons, and meaningful shifts within our respective businesses. In this episode, we take an honest look at what worked, what didn’t, and how the wedding and events industry continues to evolve - requiring us to evolve with it.

From velvet papers and silk ribbons to vintage art prints and wax seals, these are the gorgeous details that make luxury stationery unforgettable. In this episode, we’re opening up our personal vendor list and sharing our favorite sources for the materials we love most. If you’ve ever wondered "where did they find that?" this episode is for you! Come discover the shops, makers, and hidden gems that keep our designs inspired and extraordinary.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the numbers behind your business—covering everything from custom vs. semi-custom pricing, determining your rates, setting minimums, and making sure your pricing reflects your value. We’ll also dive into the importance of knowing your numbers, understanding your revenue versus profit, and ensuring you’re setting aside enough for taxes. Plus, we’ll be introducing a brand-new tool designed to take the guesswork out of your finances: the Cultive Finance Tracker. This simple yet powerful tool helps you track your income, calculate profit per client, and ensure you're financially prepared for tax season. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your money management systems, this episode will give you the confidence to take control of your business. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you handle your finances!

As a calligrapher and stationer, choosing the right clients and planners is just as important as creating beautiful designs. In this episode, Mikyla of Ink & Press Co. is diving into the top red flags she watches for when booking a project—from unrealistic budgets and indecisive clients to planners who undervalue stationery. Join her in the conversation as she shares cautionary tales and gives tips on setting boundaries with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned stationer or just starting, this episode will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your projects align with your creative vision.

In this solo Q&A episode, Shasta Bell answers questions submitted by the Cultivé audience. Join in the conversation as she shares expert insights on proposals, packaging, and favorite suppliers, as well as expert tips and tricks for Dubsado, Illustrator, and much more. Links & Resources Mentioned: https://gogopak.com/rigid-set-up-stationers-presentation-boxes-12-x-9-x-2-1-2-white-gloss-20-boxes-pack/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3shl2OyLzlo https://help.dubsado.com/en/articles/1698660-custom-fields https://suchgoodsupply.com/ https://rospins.com/collections/ink-press-co https://noissue.co/

In our last episode, we explored the moral implications of copying and how it can negatively affect your business, from damaging your reputation to straining industry relationships. This week, we’re joined by Magi Fisher of The Artist’s Lawyer to discuss the legal side of copying. From understanding copyright laws to protecting your intellectual property, Magi shares invaluable insights and actionable steps for creative entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this essential conversation on safeguarding your work and navigating the legal landscape of the industry.

Our mini series covered our personal experiences with copying, and here we continue the conversation. Copying is a sensitive issue but we believe it's time to have an open, honest conversation about it. Join us as we discuss the moral implications of copying designs and the impact it has on creatives. We're not ones to shy away from the tough conversations and this is one about integrity, originality, and respect within our craft. Stay tuned, because next episode, we'll be bringing in a legal expert to delve into the legal side of this discussion.

This episode is 2 of 2 short stories in preparation for our upcoming episode on the topic of copying. This fall we will be interviewing Magi Fisher of The Artist's Lawyer, but first... we have a few experiences to share. In this mini-episode, Mikyla dives into three experiences she's had being copied. The outcome of each situation varied - with one ending in the best possible outcome and two involving legal action. Tune in to hear the details of each scenario, how they were handled, and the lessons learned.

This episode is 1 of 2 short stories in preparation for our upcoming episode on the topic of copying. This fall we will be interviewing Magi Fisher of The Artist's Lawyer, but first... we have a few experiences to share. In this mini-episode, Shasta dives into the details of her worst client ever. It was a situation where she was not copied herself, but rather asked to copy another stationer by her client. Tune in to hear how she navigated this tricky situation, the ways it changed her business, and how she grew personally from this experience.

In this episode we share our journey of juggling the demands of being creative entrepreneurs while navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. From managing schedules to finding work-life balance, we share candid insights and practical tips as working moms pursuing their passion in the arts. Whether you're in the wedding industry or simply balancing career and family, this episode offers inspiring perspectives and encouragement for every listener.

In this episode, we are joined by our dear friend, Aileen Fretz of Plume Calligraphy! To us, Aileen Fretz is one of the original fine art stationers who trailblazed the way for many to come. Aileen is incredibly talented and known throughout the wedding industry for her unique calligraphy script and romantic style. We chat with Aileen about her journey from her early days of Plume Calligraphy and creating one of the industry's first semi-custom collections, to launching products like The Stationer's Mockup, Plume font, and more. Join us for this heart-to-heart conversation among three friends!

If there is one thing every stationer is familiar with, it's the stress of rushed projects! In our latest episode we dive into timelines discussing everything from how to establish and communicate them, to rush fees and day-of turnarounds. In addition, as we reveal the innovative Timeline Calculator - a game-changing tool designed to revolutionize project planning for wedding stationers. We dive into the features of this calculator, how it benefits stationers, and why it is essential for efficient project management.

Paper, prints, and proofs - oh my! When it comes to building a semi-custom collection it can quickly become overwhelming. In this episode we walk you through step-by-step how to create a semi-custom collection. From the varying methods and approaches to our own experiences with semi-custom suites, we spare no detail on what it takes to start building your own collection today.

With the new year at hand, we are excited to share what's next for the Cultivé podcast. Introducing... our new subscription format! Subscribers to the Cultivé podcast will receive exclusive access to all episodes to come - including insightful discussions on pricing strategies, sourcing design inspiration, navigating contracts, managing challenging clients, and more. But that's not all, our subscribers will also be treated to special discount codes for all upcoming podcast materials. Get ready to embark on this exciting journey with us!

We get it, vintage stamps can be confusing! For this episode, we welcome our first guest - Gracie Cote of Enfield Post. Trained as an art historian and writer, Gracie was fascinated with vintage postage stamps which led to the creation of Enfield Post over seven years ago. She was immediately drawn to helping people have better access to them, and in this episode shares everything you need to know about working with them! Join us as we dive into all things vintage postage stamps answering questions like where to source, how to price, curating beautiful sets, and more.