Hopeful Mama Foundation in collaboration with Lovely Little Light recently held, “Fostering Hope,” a coping calligraphy workshop hosted by Goldfinch in Marion, IA. During that afternoon, women came together to learn a new skill while having the opportunity to truly slow down and create new connections.
The event saw a heartwarming turnout of women who had the opportunity to learn the basics of calligraphy from Ana, the owner of Lovely Little Light. Learn a little more about her:
Hi, I am Ana: a full-time teacher and business owner.
“If you’re familiar with my business, then you know my love for lettering + design runs deep. Not only do I love creating for others, but as a middle school teacher, I love to learn and I want to share all that I have learned about lettering with you.
In fact, I’ve taught calligraphy to over 750 individuals via in-person and online calligraphy workshops. I do not want you to make the same mistakes that I made or leave you to learn solely on your own so I want to give you all the tips and tricks that I know. I love the personal touch lettering creates and even more the wonderful creative outlet that it is. Lettering has brought so much fun and relaxation to my life and I can’t wait to share it with you.
If you have tried out brush lettering with some frustration or have been too scared to try I will walk you through it step-by-step. All you need is a desire to learn and I will teach you the rest!”
One of the highlights during the event was the ability to practice the hand lettering skill throughout the afternoon. One attendee shared, “It was relaxed, but still fast paced enough to hold interest. The lessons were taught well and there was still fun and enjoyment while we practiced!”
One of the hardest parts of infertility can be dealing with the emotional ups and downs. Caring for your emotional health throughout your journey is equally as important as your physical health. Finding positive outlets to express your feelings, or take a break from thinking about them, will help lower your stress level.
“It was such a great event for the general community, as well as, the infertility community. Even though many people came alone, everyone talked and shared the experience of of learning a new skill together! Everyone mingled with their neighbors and encouraged one another. As a member of the infertility community, it was touching to see so many people out supporting the Hopeful Mama Foundation.” -Anna C.
This event raised $600 for the Hopeful Mama Foundation!
This day would not have been possible without the generous support of Lovely Little Light and Goldfinch. We also want to thank Hello Digital for filming our workshop footage. Erin from Thomas + Co Photography shared her time with us and captured our moments together perfectly. To each of you, thank you!
Take a look below at the wonderful afternoon we shared together.
Images by: Thomas + Co Photography
Written by Jennifer Hamdorf, Community Outreach + Event Coordinator
Jennifer Hamdorf is the Director of Contracts & Legal Operations at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, as well as an avid champion of Hopeful Mama Foundation. Jennifer and her husband, Ryan, experienced the grief of unexplained infertility for years. They never gave up hope—and after multiple failed transfers, welcomed their son, Wells, via IVF in April 2021.
In her free time, Jennifer is likely attending a local event with her family, listening to her favorite podcasts, or hiking with her two large rescue pups, Goose & Banksy.