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An Inspired Chat with Rachelle Austria of Carson!

Rachelle Austria shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Rachelle , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
My business is purely based on custom pieces. Although we carry items that are made with a design already, most items are customizable- from drinkware, to color, to even the font on a sign.

The possibilities are endless!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Lettering by Rachelle is a business that specializes in personalized gifts and event signage. Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend or want a helping hand to create the welcome sign of your dreams or whatever it may be, you can count on me to curate that for you! We have worked with many materials (which you can see in some of the photos) and just love working with brides to bring their vision to life! From baby showers, party favors, and even ornaments — we’ve got you covered!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was during a piano recital when I was in 6th grade. I had practiced for months — pouring everything into making sure each note was right, each transition smooth.

When I stepped on stage, I was nervous, but the moment I started playing, something shifted. I felt completely in my zone, like the music was moving through me, and I was exactly where I was meant to be.
After the performance, I was recognized as one of the top players. I still remember how proud I felt — not just because of the recognition, but because I knew I had earned that moment. It was the first time I truly felt the power of showing up fully, trusting myself, and being seen for something I had created through effort and heart. That experience taught me that there’s real power in preparation, passion, and pushing through fear.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of being judged — especially when it comes to sharing the things that matter most to me. I’ve always cared deeply about what I put out into the world, so opening up creatively feels a bit risky. I’d find myself second-guessing: What if people don’t get it? What if they don’t get me?

That fear made me hesitate, even when I felt strongly about something. I’ve learned that when you create or live from a real place, not everyone will connect with it — and that’s okay. The right people will. I’m learning to care less about being understood by everyone, and more about being true to myself. So even if something isn’t trending or if I think it was cool, I’ll still share it as a post because I’m sure someone will resonate with it.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say I’m most alive when I’m creating. When I’m working on something I believe in, I pour my whole heart into it. I get completely in the zone—focused, energized, and excited to bring a vision to life. That creative process lights me up, and I think they see how much joy and purpose it brings me.

They’d also say I deeply value quality time with the people I love. Family means everything to me, and I’m someone who cherishes shared experiences over material things. I’ve never been someone who needs a lot of ‘stuff’—I’d much rather create memories, have meaningful conversations, and just be present with the people who matter most.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace during quiet moments of reflection, when I’m able to fully disconnect from the noise of the outside world and turn inward. For me, this usually happens after a long day and my social battery is almost empty. I put my noise-cancelling headphones on & I’ll often sit with a boba drink or my emotional support Owala, just taking a few minutes to breathe and center myself.

I might meditate or journal a bit. It’s in these moments that I can really listen to myself, check in with how I’m feeling, and set my intentions for my next tasks..
I’ve found that these moments of solitude are essential for maintaining a sense of balance, especially when life gets chaotic. It’s not about doing anything in particular—it’s about giving myself the space to be still, let go of distractions, and just be present with my thoughts.

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