Home LifestyleCareer Hoboken Girl of the Week: Alane Gianetti of Write Pretty for Me

Hoboken Girl of the Week: Alane Gianetti of Write Pretty for Me

by Briana
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You might recognize our Hoboken Girl of the Week by her gorgeous handwriting on cards, signs, invitations — the works. But if you haven’t, meet Alane Gianetti, the face behind Write Pretty for Me. Write Pretty for Me is a modern calligraphy company based right in Hoboken, and HG had the privilege of chatting with this calligraphy-queen. Read on to learn all about her, her business, and some Hoboken and Jersey City favorites:

alane write pretty for me

About Alane + Her Business, According to Alane

I’m a modern calligrapher and owner of Write Pretty for Me, a calligraphy and design studio that creates hand-lettered pieces for your special event or your home. From custom stationery and hand addressed envelopes to a welcome sign for your wedding to a doormat for your new home, I love taking the traditional art form of calligraphy and putting a modern spin on it through my writing style, the tools I use and the surfaces I write on. I’m here to write pretty on anything and everything that you can think of and one of my favorite compliments to receive is “I can’t believe you wrote that by hand!”

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On Her Inspirations

My family is a huge source of inspiration for me. They have always encouraged me to chase my dreams and to live life with no regrets. When I told them that I was taking the risky move of leaving my corporate job to pursue my business full time, they stood behind me, 100% in support of my decision. I’m also constantly inspired by the many creatives and small business owners that I’ve met on this journey. They always have such positive energy and after talking with them, my head is always buzzing with new ideas!

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What Motivates Her

My amazing clients, past, present, and future, are a huge motivator for me. I love thinking of new ways to wow them, whether it be with a new product, a great design, or excellent customer service. My clients are my number one priority and I always want to create the most special items and the very best experience for them.

Hobbs Inc

Goals + Passions

One of my goals for this year is to connect more with the local creative community here in Hoboken and Jersey City. I’ve met some really awesome and talented people since starting my business and many of them have turned into friends. I would love to expand that community even more in the next year and spread awareness about the small businesses in our area that thrive on the support of the local community. I envision a welcoming group for creative entrepreneurs where we can talk business, bounce ideas off of one another, give each other referrals, and enjoy a happy hour drink all together!

I’m passionate about creating. My goal in life has always been to create and I feel so lucky that I’ve found something that I love and can make a living off of and that I’m able to use my hands to make something every single day.

alane write pretty for me

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READ: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Jen Gonzalez of Doody Free Girl

A Typical Day in the Life

I usually wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 am and either take a work out class (current favorite studio is Jane DO) or answer emails over coffee. I do most of my admin work (emails, accounting, social media posts) in the mornings and then move on to creative work in the afternoons. Most days, I’m sitting in front of a large mirror or piece of acrylic making wedding signs.

The Highs + Lows

Working out of my apartment can sometimes be a low. Space is always a challenge, but working where you live also means that it can be hard to turn off every day. Being a solo business owner can be lonely at times and I sometimes struggle with confidence and knowing your worth, but that’s another reason why I’m so thankful for the community that I’ve found in Hoboken and Jersey City — they help me feel less alone and less crazy!

Despite the lows, the highs of my job make it all worth it! I love that I’m my own boss and can set my own schedule, that I can work in yoga pants, and that I get to create every single day. I love that I’m able to put all of my focus and energy into something that is completely mine and that I’m able to determine how this business grows and when I succeed it’s because of my hard work and when I fail or make a mistake, I only have myself to blame and I take it as a learning experience.

The Highlight of Her Career {So Far}

Whenever someone comes to me and says “I’ve been following you and love your work and I have these ideas,” my heart literally skips a beat. I sometimes still can’t believe that people who don’t even know me like the products that I’m putting out into the world and trust me enough to bring their visions to life. When I first started, all of my clients were friends and family. The day that I got my first paying client who had absolutely no connection to me was huge! That’s when I thought that maybe this could actually be something. And I still get a buzz every single time I receive a new inquiry. I can’t wait to see what ideas people have and I’m always so excited about meeting new clients.

This feature is definitely a career high! I’ve been following Hoboken Girl since I moved here 5 years ago. Being a “Hoboken Girl of the Week” alongside other female business owners that I respect and admire is such an honor!

alane write pretty for me

One of the most rewarding things is seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they receive their signs, envelopes or whatever it was that we created together. And it’s even more rewarding when they come back to me for friends’ weddings, baby showers, and baptisms. I love that I’m able to be a part of these special and intimate moments!

What a Day Off is Like

I love grabbing a book and going up to the water to read in the sun and take in the city view. That’s definitely my “me” time. I also enjoy catching up with friends, trying new restaurants, and going to see live music.

Advice to Someone Trying to Pursue the Same Career Path

Don’t be afraid to start. If you have an idea or something that you’re interested in, run with it, explore the crap out of it, because you never know where it might take you. I’ve also found that if something scares me, that usually means I’m on the right path. Fear hits when we step out of our comfort zone, but outside of that zone is usually where the most amazing things happen. I was terrified to leave my corporate job and benefits, but I knew that taking that leap would only help me grow as a person and as a business owner.

Talk to people in your industry or who are doing what you want to do. When I first started my business, I talked to everyone from calligraphers to entrepreneurs and took in all of the advice I could possibly get my hands on. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are there to raise you up and support you is so incredibly helpful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the fellow creatives and business owners that I’ve met along the way.

Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites

What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken? JC?

Sushi House is always a go-to since it’s BYOB. I also love Anthony David’s, Satis Bistro (which I just discovered) and Hamilton Pork (best tacos!) in Jersey City.

What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken? JC?

Hudson Paperie is definitely my favorite Hoboken shop! They always have the best gifts and the cutest greeting cards.

What do you love most about Hoboken?

I love the fact that it’s a stone’s throw away from New York City and that we have the very best views on the waterfront. I also love the community here and how everyone seems to want to support one another. The Hoboken/Jersey City community has shown incredible support for my small biz and its because of them that I’ve been able to pursue my passion full time. Whether it’s been a Hoboken bride who wants to use local vendors and support the community or other business owners who have been open to connecting, I’m so incredibly grateful for the community here!

What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?

I love hanging out with my friends, especially those who have a backyard, enjoying each other’s company over a bottle of wine.

How long have you lived and/or worked in Hoboken?

I’ve lived in Hoboken for five going on six years! Time flies!

What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken/JC?

I love grabbing a book and a coffee and heading up to Pier C. I find myself a nice patch of grass and can sit there for hours reading or people watching. If I’m meeting friends for outdoor drinks, I’m a fan of Lutze and Porta’s rooftop in Jersey City. I’m a sucker for any place that house outdoor seating – I try to spend as much time as possible outside in the warm months!

What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?

The classes at Jane DO and Work it Out are awesome. They kick my butt every time.

Where do you go out with friends in the area?

Grand Vin tends to be our go-to place for wine nights. If we’re feeling a BYOB spot, it’s usually Sushi House. Dull Boy in Jersey City is great for cocktails and Cork City is my favorite beer bar (plus they let dogs in, which makes everything better).

See More: Hoboken Girl{s} of the Week: Jordan + Joelle {of the HG Team!}

alane write pretty for me

Thanks for chatting with us, Alane! Stay tuned to see who we feature next week <3

Want to be featured or nominate someone as an upcoming Hoboken Girl of the Week?

Email hello@hobokengirl.com about your/her story.

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