Calligraphy artist owns flourishing business, works with companies like Cartier, Estée Lauder, Kendra Scott STORY BY CHRISTINE BROUSSARD ’10 / PHOTOS BY HARDY MEREDITH ’81 RISTARA LYNCH SCHNIPPERT ’08 enjoys a good challenge. Coated in well-worn chalkboard paint, the very walls of her high-ceiling Houston calligraphy studio invite creative risk. Mementos of all the artistic challenges she’s willingly taken on dangle from metal wiring running the length of her entry hallway wall. Vibrant floral patterns surrounding delicate pink lettering invite the reader to so-and-so’s wedding. Bold, golden flourishes announce the birth of a new family member. A Christmas card stamped with the prestigious Cartier logo wishes recipients a happy holiday season. Schnippert has rarely uttered the word “no” since starting her calligraphy business nearly six years ago, and that willingness has allowed her to make quite a name for herself. A quick review of past clients might leave anyone reeling — Jimmy Choo, Kendra Scott, David Yurman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Estée Lauder, Ray-Ban, West Elm, lululemon. The list goes on. 18
SAWDUST / SPRING 2020
