Live and in-studio artistry, thoughtfully tailored to every occasion
my services
Created for brands, agencies, event planners, and private clients, our live and in-studio services bring thoughtful personalization to events, gifting, and everyday objects—turning each piece into a lasting keepsake.
From brand activations, retail pop-ups, and product launches to corporate events, weddings, private celebrations, and seasonal occasions, each service is tailored to create a thoughtful and memorable guest experience.
Live Event Calligraphy & Hand Lettering
Place Cards, Love letters, Menu, Holiday Cards, Gift tags,
Canvas Tote Bags, Greeting Cards, Product Packaging
Live calligraphy and hand lettering offer a versatile way to personalize paper goods, product packaging and a wide variety of objects in real time. Each piece is lettered on-site using traditional calligraphy tools, ink or specialty paint pens selected for the item’s particular surface.
This service can include writing guests’ names on menus and place cards, personalizing product packaging, lettering canvas tote bags, or creating handwritten notes and seasonal cards. For Valentine’s Day activations, guests might receive custom love letters; during holiday events, personalized cards and gift tags can be written while they shop. Every detail is created by hand, giving guests both an interactive experience and a meaningful keepsake.
For paper and non-paper items, advance testing may be recommended to confirm that the selected ink or paint adheres properly and dries cleanly on the surface.
Ink colors can be selected to complement the product, brand or overall event design.
Live Hand Engraving
Live hand engraving creates permanent personalization on glass, metal, ceramic, and other suitable surfaces. Using a handheld tool, each name, initial, date, or short message is engraved in calligraphy while guests watch. This service is especially suited to fragrance, beauty, jewelry, home, and lifestyle products. When appropriate, engraving can be finished with gold or silver color fill for added visibility.
The setup is compact, portable, and requires only a small tabletop workspace—typically without access to an electrical outlet. The engraving tool produces a noticeable buzzing sound, though it can generally be accommodated within most event environments. For quieter programs involving speeches or presentations, we can arrange separate placement or pause engraving during important moments.
Carbonated or pressurized bottles cannot be engraved due to safety concerns. Certain materials and finishes may also require advance testing to confirm compatibility.
Fragrances, Candle Vessels, Glassware, Compact Mirrors, Beauty Products (Makeup Brushes, Gua Shas, Skincare/Makeup Bottles, Hairbrushes, Combs), Metal Accessories, Jewelry Pieces, Watch Casebacks, Ceramic Items
Live Hot Foiling
Hot foiling is a personalization technique in which each name, initial, or short phrase is applied to leather goods and other suitable materials using foil and a specialized heated tool. Once the foil is peeled away, elegant metallic lettering is revealed.
Because leather varies in texture, finish, and heat tolerance, advance testing is required before an event or larger project. An in-studio sample allows me to confirm that the surface can safely withstand the heat and that the foil transfers cleanly.
If an item is unsuitable for hot foiling, we can explore an alternative technique, such as hand lettering with specialty paint pens.
Gold and silver are the most requested foil colors, though additional colors may be available to coordinate with the product, brand, or event design.
Leather Luggage Tags, Journals, Passport Holders, Card Cases, Leather Trays, Keychains, Pouches, Other Compatible Leather Goods
In-Studio Commissions
Not every project happens on-site. In-studio commissions allow calligraphy, engraving and hot foiling to be completed in advance for special occasions, weddings, brand campaigns, corporate gifting and personalized product orders. Projects can range from a single meaningful keepsake to larger quantities prepared for an event, launch or mailing.
Turnaround times are based on the quantity, complexity and chosen personalization method. Once completed, each piece is carefully packaged and returned through an agreed-upon pickup, courier or shipping method.
In-studio commissions are especially well suited for place cards and paper details, handwritten notes, VIP gifting, influencer mailers, bulk engraving, bulk hot foiling and projects that need to be completed before an event, launch or campaign.
If you have an idea that doesn’t quite fit into a box, I’d love to hear it. Some of my favorite projects have started with a unique request.
Place Cards, Menus, Handwritten Notes, Bulk Engraving, Bulk Hot Foiling, Corporate Gifts, Personalized Product Orders
Planning Your Experience
Product Suitability
Materials and finishes can vary, so products may require a sample and testing before the event to confirm the most suitable customization method.
What to Share
Tell us your event date, location, timing, estimated guest count, service of interest, and the item you would like personalized.
What Happens Next
You’ll receive availability, personalized recommendations, and a tailored proposal based on your event and customization needs.
Every event is unique, and so is every surface.
One of the things I love most about what I do is finding creative ways to personalize materials that aren't always expected. While many artists specialize in just one technique, I offer expertise across multiple personalization methods, including calligraphy, engraving, hot foiling, debossing, and custom applications.
That means we can choose the right process for your products, your guests, and your overall vision, instead of trying to make one technique fit every event.
I approach every piece with care and intention. Before your event, I'll test materials, troubleshoot logistics, and make sure everything runs as seamlessly as possible so you can simply enjoy the experience.
"Highly recommend!"
"It was an absolute pleasure working with Thariha for our event! Communication leading up to the event was seamless, and her engraving work is exquisite. I highly recommend Lettered by Riha and will gladly work with her again!"
— Alessandra Leone, Senior Producer, Event Lead at M+C Saatchi SSK
"Incredible from start to finish."
"We had the absolute pleasure of working with Thariha for our brand event, and she was incredible from start to finish. She was professional, detail-oriented, and went above and beyond by providing sample calligraphy and engraving options ahead of time to ensure everything aligned perfectly with our vision. Watching her engrave each guest’s name in real time was such a special touch — our guests were in awe and loved leaving with a personalized keepsake."
— Ashley Colon, Influencer & Affiliate Marketing Assistant Manager at Grande Cosmetics
"Each guest could not stop sharing how much they loved their personal brush from Riha ."
"We partnered with Riha for our Volumising Holiday event. Riha's expertise and attention to detail engraving our boar bristle brushes were such an authentic touch to the experience. Each guest could not stop sharing how much they loved their personal brush from Riha and it really felt like they got it out of a Parisian haircare boutique!"
— Mollie Blank, Brand Activation Manager at The Hut Group
frequently asked questions
Absolutely! While I'm based in New Jersey with New York City at the heart of my business, I'm always happy to travel for the right event. If you're planning something outside the area, just let me know the details and I'll put together a custom quote.
Capacity depends on the personalization technique, event duration, complexity, and guest flow. Most names or initials take approximately two to three minutes per item. For larger guest counts or higher-volume events, additional artists may be recommended.
The earlier, the better—especially during the busy holiday event season. For in-studio projects, turnaround time is typically two to three weeks depending on the scope and volume. Rush projects can often be accommodated, subject to availability and an additional rush fee.
Clients typically provide the products being personalized, although sourcing may be available for select projects. I always recommend contacting me before purchasing in bulk, as certain materials and finishes may require advance testing to confirm compatibility.
Every event and project is quoted individually based on the service, duration, location, quantity, materials, and number of artists required. Please share as many details as possible through the inquiry form to receive a custom quote.
