Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Chau.
Linda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a knack for arts and crafts. Starting from story illustrations in elementary school to drawing contests in middle school to crafty projects in high school. That artistic passion soon evolved into a small business when I decided to share my talent with the community.
When I had my first daughter in 2012, like many other moms, I tried to DIY everything. Invitations, decor, centerpieces, and signs. Back then I didn’t have my nifty helper, Cricut, so everything was done the old fashion way – scissors!!! Then when I started at my first corporate job, my coworker Priscilla was relocating to California so I volunteered to make her a “going away” card. Although it was my first card ever and it was extremely basic (in my opinion), it was meaningful because I made it myself and it was not the generic store bought one that anyone could buy. It was meant for her, designed for her. I made the clouds out of tissue paper for god’s sake! I have it on my Facebook and Instagram if you’d like to see it. 🙂
Before she left, one day Priscilla said to me, “Why don’t you start your own business? You do such great work! You’re so creative and it needs to be known!” and that resonated with me so much that soon after, I decided to invest in myself and start up my small business.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been as smooth as I had hoped. I, even at one point, put it on hold because just… life, you know?
Finding the time to craft and create was challenging. Between 2012 and now, I’ve had 2 different corporate jobs, sold our first house and bought a second, graduated with my bachelor’s, and had 3 kids. I just had to prioritize these life changes and put them first. I’ve always felt 24 hours was not enough in a day when you spend 8 of that sleeping, the other 10 commuting and working, the other 6 to cook, eat, spend time with family, and relax, and then do it all over again the next day. So I basically had my business in a standstill, which I was okay with because I was building or maintaining other important things in my life. So finding the time, amongst other things, is difficult but not always impossible. For that reason, I want to one day quit my day job and solely focus on my business and grow this baby to its fullest potential.
Besides that, the competition IS REAL. When so many others do what I do, or when the big box companies sell similar things I offer – it gets hard to reel in customers. Some people don’t appreciate the meaning of items being “handmade” or “handcrafted”. They don’t get that what they want to buy is not mass produced with heavy machinery in a factory. It’s most likely made in a small office or garage of that person’s house during a “labor of love”. They don’t know that when you buy from a small business, it helps them in so many aspects, not just financially.
I do a happy dance every time I get just an inquiry, not even a sell! – simply because it makes me happy that somebody wants what I can offer. It’s a very good feeling.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I started by making single greeting cards, which included birthday cards, anniversary cards, sympathy cards, etc. Then I moved on to making paper event invitations, like for birthdays, baby showers, baptisms, etc. Sometimes I was commissioned to create paper party decorations and table centerpieces. All of which I still do till this day.
Now, I’ve expanded my shop to include hand-lettered acrylic, wood, and chalkboard event signage for special events, such as weddings and birthdays. I also offer modern calligraphy services, such as envelope addressing. This is my main focus as I’m just in love with the outcome of these beautiful designs.
My husband Ramiro is my business partner, as well as my woodworker. He makes wood flags and concealment flags for any line of duty. As a fellow law enforcement officer, each piece we are commissioned to do is done with the utmost respect and gratitude.
Other items that I offer, but not limited to, are:
– custom epoxied tumblers
– grad cap toppers
– canvas painting
– personalized goodies
– custom doormats
– wood home decor
– paper party essentials, like cake and cupcake toppers, banners, etc
Soon, I will be coming out with some merch for my Khmer community. I want to be able to connect with my community and help represent the Cambodian culture in any way possible – even if it’s just a hat and shirt. I want to wear it proud and have fellow khmer people wear it proudly as well.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry that I’m in is definitely blooming and booming. I see more and more that brides-to-be and mom-to-be are incorporating the works of a hand lettering/calligraphy artist in their events! Because it adds such a beautiful touch to the overall decoration and vision of the event, I don’t see this ever stopping.
Contact Info:
- Email: imbylc.inquiries@gmail.com or infinitemomentsbylinda@gmail.com
- Instagram: @infinitemomentsbylc
- Facebook: @infinitemomentsbylc
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