A Business Created Through Custom Calligraphy
Gena Larae Lettering is a small business located in Amherstview, Ontario. Owner Gena Doolan makes customizable signs, personalized cards, gift bags, and more. Her love of calligraphy inspired her to establish her own business to sell her art. Gena Larae Lettering also offers custom pieces for events or welcome pieces for homes with their signature brush letter calligraphy.
During the challenges of the pandemic, Gena’s eCommerce store was an essential tool to launch her business. Before the ShopHERE powered by Google program, the idea of launching a website without support was something foreign to Gena. Without any prior experience, building an eCommerce store can be an overwhelming process, especially for small businesses that already have so much on their plate. Luckily, with the help of her ShopHERE eCommerce Coordinator, she gained the knowledge and support she needed to build a website that suits her business' needs.
“I think the ShopHERE program such and amazing resource and support for a creative side hustler like me who lack the technical knowledge to build a website”
Gena would recommend the ShopHERE program for any businesses that need support and knowledge surrounding going digital. She sought the assistance of her Coordinator for help with many of the technological components of creating her eCommerce store. Their collaboration allowed Gena to launch her eCommerce store to the public.
“I think other businesses should use ShopHERE to get a jump start to getting there website online.”
Gena takes pride in her website's layout and professionalism. She is glad her website reflects her personality while incorporating her calligraphy style. These two elements are connected by her logo, which can be seen on the right side of her website. “Gena Larae” is presented in a calligraphic style font, and “Lettering” is displayed in a professional font. This links the personality within her brand to the professionality of her business together. The combination of the ShopHERE program, the help of her eCommerce Coordinator and Gena’s dedication made this possible.
“I think one of the biggest opportunities is that I'm able to have a lot of my products viewable online”
With the help of the ShopHERE program, Gena also learned the benefits and ways to digitally market her business. To continue building her brand awareness, she was able to learn and implement SEO within her eCommerce store. She gained a variety of skills she will be able to take beyond ShopHERE.
“The program was very beneficial and helped me with a lot of back end Tech stuff that I didn't have the knowledge or skill to launch my website without the support.”
Are you interested in a custom sign to welcome guests into your home? At Gena Larae Lettering all of your calligraphy and signage needs can be met. Click here to visit their website. To learn more about the ShopHERE powered by Google program click here.
Product photography was captured by Ariana del Mundo.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Meta, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, Lightspeed, Ebay and Canada Post.
Continued investment from the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) has allowed the ongoing expansion the Digital Main Street Platform in order to support more businesses going digital across Ontario.
