Meet Vanessa Opazo

Vanessa Opazo is an architect turned calligraphy artist who transformed her side hustle, Bondi Letters, into a full-time design business. Inspired by her love of the ocean and the mindful flow of lettering art, Vanessa invites her students to find empowerment through creativity. 

After discovering the mesmerising art of calligraphy online, Vanessa began to use brush lettering as a creative escape from the demands of her daily life. And the more she practised, the better she felt.

Vanessa now inspires creativity through lettering workshops, handmade gifts and an inclusive online community. She finds joy in encouraging her students to connect with their intuition and discover their purpose, simply by putting pen to paper. 

The first thing I ever wrote…

“Were two decorations for my home, two very simple words framed separately: "Bondi" and "Beach". I loved how it looked at my house entry. I remember one of my friends visiting with his partner. He thought that it was really good and suggested I should start an Instagram account... he said, “who knows where that might take you.” And here I am!”

I’m on a mission to…

“Help people reconnect with their inner self and intuition. I also want them to feel special and feel seen. That is why I offer workshops and products that empower them to find that connection, knowing that there's always a creative side of us wanting to speak. We just have to listen, so I'd like to think that I help hold that space for them to invite some calm into their lives so they can listen to that voice.”

When I’m writing calligraphy, I…

“Am in 'the zone'. I feel pretty calm and pretty present to everything that is happening to me right then. The smell of the ink, the touch of the paper, the movement of my breath with the strokes I make with the pen. I love it!”

Teaching others has taught me…

“To believe more in myself too. Having the ability to make someone else feel good by sharing something that you love, is incredible. If at any point in time I wonder why do I do this? Is this good enough? Am I good enough? When all of these self-doubt thoughts sometimes creep in, knowing that I can help someone else feel special just by sharing what I know with them, makes it all worth it!”