Life & Work with Macie Franklin Temples of Macon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Macie Franklin Temples

Macie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Every step of the way has been a learning experience! Growing up, I always enjoyed making things with my hands and trying new projects — selling hand stamped gift tags to family, running a lemonade stand at my dad’s store, or painting banners for school pep rallies.

My formal education is in a technical area, and I knew I needed a creative outlet. While the doodling and crafts were the basis of my creativity, I wanted to hone my skills and start practicing in a more structured manner. Before social media was really popular, I bought a hand lettering kit to learn the art of brush lettering. It came so naturally to me that I quickly started accepting envelope orders and making signs for friends and family.

It took years before I felt comfortable calling myself a “calligrapher.” The steps between lettering and calligraphy aren’t taken overnight. Lettering is fun and pretty, but calligraphy requires practice, technique, and tools that beyond the brush pens I had. I started practicing with a dip pen and ink; I finally started learning the letter forms and building muscle memory for the basic strokes.

Calligraphy is the foundation for all of the work I do today. I didn’t plan to start engraving, but I learned more about it through calligraphy groups on social media. While I no longer accept the tedious envelope orders, I focus on custom engraving and calligraphy projects for brides and brands.

In-studio work is a big portion of my projects, but I love live events! Engaging with guests and sharing the creative process feels like a performance. Whether it’s a corporate event, retail brand activation, or private event for VIP clients, live event engraving and calligraphy elevate the experience for everyone.

I believe “no surface is safe,” which allows me to personalize (almost) anything using my creative skillset. I currently offer live engraving, calligraphy, heat foiling, and painting.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know any entrepreneurs who haven’t experienced struggles along their journey. The challenges I faced in my first year of business are different than those I face today.

Macie Kendall Co is a one-woman show. I’ve learned a lot about business administration, finances, and the logistics that no one sees. Being able to create one-of-a-kind pieces for brides and brands is only a small portion of running my business.

I have learned important business skills, but I’ve also developed thicker skin. I can’t make everyone my ideal client, and I don’t strive to serve every single customer looking for a live event artist. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in realizing that there’s enough business to go around in the calligraphy space, and that my services, personality, and performance will find the right clients for me. A win-win for everyone.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in live event calligraphy and engraving, with a few other forms of personalization available. I work with clients in two capacities: in-studio commissions or live event personalization.

I believe that genuine and memorable experiences connect people with meaningful memories.

Everything I do is rooted in Southern hospitality. I grew up in a small town near Savannah, and my commitment to treating customers with the utmost care and respect is at the heart of Macie Kendall Co.

My personality is a big part of my skillset. Any artist can personalize items in their studios and create beautiful work in solitude; I am proud of my ability to “put on my game face” and step into a performer role at live events. Companies and brands hire live event artists to add an experiential element to their events, and I am equally as personable as I am professional.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There hasn’t been any luck for Macie Kendall Co. I believe my creative skillset is a God-given talent, and that’s one that I cannot ignore. My business runs lots of prayers and iced coffees.

More than luck, I’ve worked hard to develop my skills and to continue learning about the calligraphy and engraving industry. I consider myself a life-long learner, and I don’t want to be stagnant in the industry.

Networking with other small businesses, especially creatives, is critical for my business. I’ve joined business groups, attended creative women retreats, expanded my circle with digital outreach, and overall been very intentional with surrounding myself with the right people.

Everyone starts somewhere, but that’s the important thing to note: You have to start. As a perfectionist, I get caught up in procrastination because something isn’t the perfect time. To see results, learn new skills, and grow a business, you have to start somewhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maciekendallco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/maciekendallco
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/maciekendallco
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/maciekendallco/

Image Credits
B. Rose Photography