The Art of Letter Writing: A Conversation with Kay Collier

Hello everyone, I’m your host of Talk Commerce Today, and I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kay Collier, also known as Kathryn Hastings. Kay is an artist and the proud owner of a stationery and wax seal business, Kathryn Hastings & Company. Our conversation was filled with laughter, insights, and a shared interest in handwritten letters. Let’s dive into the details.

The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company

Kay’s journey into the world of stationery and wax seals is a fascinating one. She has always been a letter writer, with a deep love for historic letters and objects. Her studies in art history and studio art further fueled her passion for history and art. About a decade ago, she discovered antique seals and the rich history behind them.

During the pandemic, she decided to share her collection and thus, Kathryn Hastings & Company was born. Here, she sells handmade seals and designs her own modern seals. She believes that these objects are meant to be used and even offers a free course on using and caring for antique seals.

The Dichotomy of Being an Artist and an Entrepreneur

One of the interesting topics we discussed was the dichotomy between being an artist and an entrepreneur. Kay explained that while they are different, they can coexist. She also shared her interest in antique typewriters and how they fit into the handwritten genre. She owns a beautiful Smith Corona typewriter from the 1930s and knows a calligrapher friend who also uses a typewriter. The choice between handwriting and typewriters, she believes, depends on the individual’s personal preferences and the time period they are inspired by.

Monetizing Passion: The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company

Kay’s journey of monetizing her business is inspiring. She applied for an entrepreneur contest by Birchbox in 2019, and although she didn’t win, it planted the seed of starting her own business. She spent a year planning and in March 2020, she started sharing her seals and letters. The timing coincided with the pandemic, and many people were looking for a way to connect with others and have a break from technology.

Platforms for Sharing Passion

Kay uses various platforms to share her passion for letter writing and antique seals. She has an Instagram account where she shares her artwork and teaches about antique seals and letter-writing techniques. She also has a weekly podcast that explores interesting historical topics through the lens of letters. Additionally, Kay has a newsletter called “The Epistolary” that delves into contemplative ideas on living a more connected life.

The Importance of Handwriting

Our conversation also touched on the importance of handwriting. Kay emphasized the uniqueness and personal expression that handwriting represents, encouraging people to embrace their own style. She also mentioned the importance of cursive writing for brain development and suggested that handwriting can be a relaxing and mindful practice.

The Role of AI in Letter Writing

We also discussed the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in letter writing. Kay believes that while AI can make us more efficient and thoughtful, it’s important to know when to use the tool and when not to. She advises considering the recipient’s preferences and what you want to share with them when using AI for letter writing.

The Personal Touch of Handwritten Letters

In closing, Kay encouraged listeners to subscribe to her newsletter for practical letter writing tools and to take the time to write and send letters to deepen their relationships with others. Our conversation highlighted the benefits and limitations of using AI tools for letter writing and emphasized the personal touch and thoughtfulness of handwritten letters.

In a world where digital communication is the norm, Kay Collier reminds us of the beauty and personal touch of handwritten letters. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the art of letter writing, there’s a lot to learn from Kay’s journey and insights.

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