Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Cheaib.
Mariah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Mariah. I’m a luxury calligrapher and engraver based in Clearwater/St.Pete, Florida. I launched my business, Inked Intuition, just under a year ago (it’ll be one year old in June– Whoop whoop!). I started calligraphy as a hobby about 9 years ago simply because of failed attempts at writing beautifully on a picture I had drawn. I had thought to myself, “Hmmm well that didn’t work, I’m gonna learn calligraphy!” and that’s where it all began. This lighthearted approach was just what I needed as someone who struggled with perfectionism. It is because of this lighthearted approach that I was able to turn off that inner critic in my mind and practice freely, explore new styles and techniques, and truly appreciate the growth I was making. And as I reflected back on my artistic journey and growth, I realized that a lot of my best work, both in calligraphy and other hobbies, stemmed from a place of instinctual artistry. So, I embraced a meditative approach to my work and let my intuition lead the way.
What had begun as a hobby, unexpectedly blossomed into a fulfilling career path. Before starting my business, I had been going to school full time, taking care of my great-grandmother full time, and essentially trying to help everyone to the best of my abilities, but in the end, I overlooked my own limits which ultimately led to burnout. Being in this state made me slow down and reflect on the parts of myself that had been quietly waiting to be nurtured. It made me realize that the decision to start a business was a deeply aligned move, leading me down a path toward rebuilding trust with myself and fully trusting that God has given me everything within that I need. That’s how I came up with the name Inked Intuition– it reflects both the creative process and the inner guidance that shape my work and my business. While I never imagined pursuing calligraphy professionally, this venture came into my life at the perfect time.
My journey with calligraphy may have begun lightheartedly, but it has had a deep and profound impact on my life. I am forever grateful to calligraphy for gifting me with the ability to believe that I can create and to feel and experience life in a new and deeper way that I’ve never known before.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s hard for me to say whether or not it’s been a smooth road since I am just getting started and am still paving my own pathway. I guess the biggest challenges I face are related to the creative side of my work. Sometimes I really struggle with letting go and feeling completely confident in what I create. I also find myself struggling at times to clearly express my thoughts and feelings in relation to my services. I really want to make meaningful content that resonates with people. I am actually working on that now and will hopefully have an updated website (and possibly a blog) at some point this year.
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 offer services as an event calligrapher, specializing in on-site calligraphy and engraving for luxury brands. I also take on in-studio commissions for personalized items needed prior to an event—perfect for VIP gifting or custom pre-event details. Whether the event is a product launch, PR/influencer event, or a branded pop-up, to name a few, live-event calligraphy and engraving adds to that deeper layer of connection and engagement. (And if you’re there, you’ll likely find me helping bring that to life.)
I’m best known for being conscientious and thorough. I am wholeheartedly keen on providing high-quality work, and equally as important, ensuring the process feels effortless and seamless—for both the brand and their clientele. That way, they can focus on enjoying the event, confident that the message they want to convey will shine through brightly, is felt deeply, and leaves guests feeling seen, valued, and inspired. There is something truly beautiful and fulfilling about hosting an event or sharing a thoughtful gift in a way that feels meaningful and sincere for others, yet also remains authentic to who you are and aligned to your brand and values. I’m truly grateful to play a part in bringing that to life.
I think I’m most proud of the fact that I had the idea and opportunity to start a business, a creative one at that, and followed through. I typically don’t have a problem following through with what I want to do in life, but when it comes to the more emotional or creative side of myself, I definitely tend to hesitate and contemplate on whether I want to make the decision to show that part of me. I really took a chance and a leap of faith with this creative endeavor, and I have no regrets.
Honestly, I don’t think much about what sets me apart from others. I just write intuitively, and sometimes find that my work naturally adapts to and evolves with what I create for a specific project or that it sometimes stylistically looks like a culmination of everything that I have learned or admired. I think this aspect of my calligraphy really gives me the flexibility to write in a way that is tailored specifically to the spirit of each client’s project. Overall, I just try my best to never settle for mediocrity or become lazy with my work, but most importantly, I focus on being sincere in what I create and how I interact with my clients. I truly want to help people to the best of my abilities and hope it translates as so.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a very inquisitive, sensitive natured person. I didn’t really like being away from my family or around new people– It often took me a while to warm up to new people and environments. Though I never outwardly expressed it, I always felt anxious at school, but I really loved to learn. I loved nature (or at least learning about it since I didn’t travel much). I loved culture and seeing how people lived around the world and viewed life. I was also very spiritual as well. I always thought about God and thought deeply about the world and our connection to it. I also remember trying to find a creative outlet that felt truly mine, and was constantly in search of “my talent” or “thing”. Always asking myself, “What makes me special?” I think because I was always praised for being so smart and associated intelligence with doing well in school, I thought I wasn’t talented or good at anything outside of school. I guess my little heart just wanted to feel creative and not just smart haha. But because of that, I was able to try out different hobbies. So, I found myself drawing a little, singing a little, dancing a little, playing an instrument, learning a language, etc. These are the memories that stand out most. Overall, I felt and thought very deeply, and I still do.
Pricing:
- Live Event Calligraphy: $150 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
- Live Event Engraving: $200 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
- In-Studio Commission pricing varies depending on your project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inkedintuition.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkedintuitioncalligraphy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InkedIntuition
