Meet Mackenzie Hendrock | Houston Calligrapher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie Hendrock, Owner and Lead Calligrapher at Hendrock Handmade Calligraphy, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, what do you attribute your success to?

Attention to detail, 100%. That is the foundation of our business within the event and wedding industry. We take clients’ mood boards, their wants and wishes and turn them into reality. By focusing on the details their guests will experience from the moment they walk through the door, we take care of everything.

Our wedding clients make up the majority of our business, but this applies to anyone throwing a party or even sending a note to a friend – it’s the details that matter because those are what people will carry with them. Whether it’s a welcome sign greeting guests at your event, a place card telling them you’re glad they’re there, or an envelope with their name perfectly curated just for them, it’s what makes them feel important. You’re telling them you thought of them and you wanted them to be with you.

I like to think the success of our company also comes from truly supporting our clients to bring their vision to life by getting to know them, setting expectations of what they can expect from us and trying to go above and beyond for everything we deliver.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Passion drives all that I do. It brings me so much joy creating memorable pieces of art for my clients’ best day of their lives. I’m proud of what I do and most importantly, my connection with my clients.

I spend time getting to know them, their vision for their wedding day and making sure to create designs that they’re in love with. It’s not just a sign that welcomes guests to their wedding, but it’s a memory they’ll hang in their home as they start their new chapter. They’ll always have a piece to look at every day and remember their love for their partner.

This passion derives from my mom, who is a graphic designer. I grew up around art, typography and design from a young age. After working a string of corporate jobs about 5 years ago, my days were packed with meetings and tasks without reprieve… and I needed a break. I picked up a calligraphy pen and haven’t put it down since. It taught me to be still among the chaos, it showed me grace when making a mistake, and it let my mind wander to create whatever I felt in that moment.

I’m so thankful to have turned a hobby into a specialized skill and a business that means the world to me. My heart is poured into every letter, word and sentence I create. When you get a product or service from me, you’re getting everything my family taught me, a design I’m passionate about, and hopefully a friendship along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There wouldn’t be enough time to take them everywhere and show them how great of a city Houston is! I love a mix of fun adventure moments to relaxing and reflective experiences. The city of Houston is the perfect balance – and my favorite places to be, eat and drink represent just that!

Breakfast:
Shipley, Snooze, Tacos a Go Go or Chiloso’s, Egg Haus, The Rustic

Lunch:
Harold’s, Gatlin’s BBQ, Canyon/Onion/Cedar Creek etc., T-Bones for crawfish, LORO

Dinner:
Coltivare, Squable, Nancy’s Hustle, Pink’s, Sao Lao, Ninfa’s, Cantina Barba, Bravery Chef Hall

Things to Do:
NASA, Museum of Fine Arts, Menil Collection, concerts downtown or at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Hermann Park Conservancy, Rent EBoards (scooter rides around the city), Rodeo (if in-season!), Rooftop Cinema Club, Post HTX

Breweries and Bars:
Eureka Heights, Great Heights Brewing, Saint Arnolds, Barbarella for a fun night of dancing, Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar, Eight Row Flint, Lei Low tiki bar

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My family! My husband has been the biggest support through this journey; he’s always encouraging me, is so understanding when nights or weekends need to be sacrificed to show up for my clients, he cares about my passions and he’s pretty helpful when I need to lift heavy signage – ha! I wouldn’t be able to do this job and have this business without him.

My mom, dad and sister are also to recognize here in opening the creative door as a young girl to explore, make and create whatever I wanted. They currently provide great feedback and celebrate my accomplishments with nothing but joy. I’d be lost without them, too!

Lastly, I’ll say the support of the calligraphy community in general is incredible to be a part of. Any job or industry has competition, but I’ve never been included in a supportive industry like the wedding industry, and specific to my other calligraphy “friendors”. I’m lucky to be where I’m at and love what I’m doing!

Website: www.hendrockhandmade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendrockhandmade/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HendrockHandmade

Other: Google My Business Reviews: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hendrock+Handmade+Calligraphy/@29.817178,-95.4012914,10z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7a800eb46a27e554!8m2!3d29.817178!4d-95.4012914

Image Credits
Black vow books: Rachel Bell Creative Black acrylic signature drinks sign: Jujuu Photography Black acrylic seating chart: Pixel Photography Mirror welcome sign: Ivan Garcia Wax seal place card: Christina Elliott Photography Bridal hangers: Pixel Photography Mirror seating chart: Mustard Seed Photography Wax seal invitations: Hendrock Handmade Headshot photo: Houston Studio