“JUST START. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”
- Nikki Reif, Founder of Lamplight Lettering & Design
Hi! My name is Nikki Reif (that's pronounced RYF, I have a handsome German Hubby ;). Lamplight started out of a need for a creative outlet. I am a busy mom of four, and while I love and find great joy in that role, I found myself struggling with residual PPD and anxiety.
I decided to reconnect with my love of lettering that I inherited from my father, a very talented Sign Painter and Artist. I started lettering in my Journaling Bible and finding peace and comfort hand lettering bible verses and worship songs. Friends and family would ask me to make signs and prints for them, and it has grown pretty organically from there.
What is the mission behind Lamplight Lettering & Design?
I suppose my mantra for Lamplight is "Let the light in." Light is a representation of Christ. It represents faith, hope and truth. I want everything I do for this business to glorify God and be a light to those around me. I put this on my website and give each student a print at my workshops. It is sort of a prayer I suppose for us to open our hearts to the light of His love. I want to show love and encouragement through beautiful lettering and sharing what I have learned along the way in my journey. His light brought me out of a dark place and I want the work I do to be an extension of that.
What is your key bible verse, either business or personal, and why?
I love Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven." I love the image of light that Jesus uses to show us that by loving and serving others, the world will see God in and through you.
What prompted you to create a faith-based business?
I want to share what God has given me and be an encouragement to others. So many of my students have shared that they too were looking for an outlet to express themselves and climb out of a rough season. I get a lot of feedback of how therapeutic learning Calligraphy is. I love that, and it makes me want to share it more!
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find myself inspired by my dad's work, the old lettering books I have that were his, and from other artist I have developed connections with on Instagram. I am inspired through the Bible, music, books, nature...really honest or funny things people say as well as other forms of art. I love photography and sketching and often take breaks from lettering to find inspiration through other art mediums.
How do you bring God’s Word into your products?
My favorite way to bring God's Word into my work is through hand lettering bible verses, inspiring quotes or worship lyrics. Not all of my work is strictly "faith based" as I do provide custom services and commissions, but I like to share it as often as I can. Sometimes I will share something I feel God has spoken to me or done in my life through captions
on my Instagram.
What is the biggest lesson God has taught you through your business?
I feel like starting this business God has shown me that even in my lowest, darkest season, He can use me. I have stepped out trusting Him time after time, feeling completely unqualified, insecure and inadequate...yet He has met me every step. I remember dreaming...'wow, I would love to teach workshops but where do I even start? I'm just a tired, broken mommy...what do I have to give...?"
Each step of faith, no matter how weak you feel, leads to another and another. My confidence has grown – I know that He is the one who enables and qualifies me for great things.
What encouragement can you share with our readers?
Something that I find myself sharing a lot is JUST START. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. Its a quote I have seen floating around online...it has encouraged me greatly in my own journey.
Lamplight Lettering & Design, founded January 2016, offers modern and fine art Calligraphy services for weddings, events and
gifts such as envelope calligraphy, place cards, seating charts, wood/chalkboard signs and fabric banners for backdrops or home decor. Nikki also also creates custom hand lettered prints, vows, and teach beginner brush calligraphy classes.
Shop the Intentional Word Collaboration Print here: Intentional Word
Visit Nikki's website here: www.lamplightlettering.com
Instagram: @lamplight_lettering / Facebook: /lamplightlettering
We love to see people using their gifts to glorify Him with their businesses! How are you using your gifts? We want to CELEBRATE you! Connect with us for a chance to be featured.
The master was full of praise:
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
Matthew 25:21
