Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanta Carroll.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lanta. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a love for hand lettering, and started at a young age. I’d watch my mom doodle on paper and practice her craft of calligraphy as a child! Lettering quickly became a fun creative outlet for me as I decorated my notes in school, created cheerleading locker signs, sorority banners, and personalized notes for friends. After grad school, I realized I’d lost touch with this creative part of myself and got back into the practice of lettering.
About a year later, my church was looking for a few more artists for our annual artist market. I took a gamble and signed up. I spent maybe $40 and stained some old wooden bed slats to create wood signs and prints for my first booth in December 2015 and Letters by Lanta was born! The booth was a hit and by the end of the month I was filling local holiday orders and working with a few brides for envelope addressing services. I’m still blown away by how quickly I got started!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think the biggest struggle for me has been trusting myself along this journey. I have two masters degrees, but neither one of them is in business! There have been TONS of learning curves. I often ask, “what do I really know about owning a business?” And the truth is I didn’t know much at all when I got started. Trusting what I’ve learned, not being afraid to ask for help, and staying deeply rooted in the passion I have for my business have been important and consistent reminders for me.
After all, I believe we each have permission to take up space in this world. Why not live in the pursuit of doing something you love?
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Letters by Lanta story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a modern lettering artist passionate about celebrating people’s stories and inspiring authenticity. I specialize in custom lettering projects that mark important milestones.
People are constantly looking for ways to celebrate special events that highlight moments that matter. As both a licensed counselor and ordained minister, I’m passionate about hearing these stories and helping celebrate them in meaningful ways! My lettering is an expression of this passion, helping bring your words to life.
Our wood signs are sanded and stained in-house (I have to give a shout out to my husband, Matt, who sands and stains each piece of wood)! Every piece of work is individually lettered by hand; it’s just me and a pen! In a world so driven by technology, I could easily choose to use technology to speed up the process for my work. Instead, I choose to focus on each individual piece one at a time, freehanded, and I rarely use digital files (logo designs and custom invitation designs are the only exceptions here)!
This is what I love about my work-it’s sort of like adult coloring in that it’s a practice of mindfulness and self-care for me just as much as it is creating a unique hand lettered gift for someone else!
A lot of my work is also focused on mental health advocacy (I mean, I’m also a licensed therapist, so it’s going to show through somewhere). Many quotes in the shop are words that inspire me, like empowering words from Maya Angelou, Brene Brown, and Dodinsky. These are words that empower us to live out our stories in genuine, truthful ways that point us toward compassion and courage. Doesn’t the world need more authenticity, kindness and justice? I hope my work in some way, points us towards these truths.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel very fortunate to have such a large support system for my small business, this helps more people learn about and see my work in fresh and inspiring ways. I’ve definitely had unlucky moments, there’s a lot of risk-taking that goes into this work!
Being aware of what’s at risk helps me stay mentally focused on the next steps after seasons of bad luck and keeps me motivated to keep moving forward! At the end of the day, no amount of bad luck will ever keep me from loving what I do, this passion is my drive.
Pricing:
- Custom Home Drawings on Espresso Stained Wood Signs, $40
- Hand Painted Doormats, $40
- Individually Hand lettered Prints, $14
- Wedding Envelope Addressing, $2/envelope
- Custom Wedding Signage starts at $30
Contact Info:
- Website: lettersbylanta.com
- Email: lettersbylanta@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lettersbylanta
- Facebook: facebook.com/lettersbylanta
Image Credit:
Mandi Mitchell Photo, Christina Marie Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
