Meet Alishia

Artist · Engraver · Calligrapher · Gift Giver

Alishia Nastas, owner of Heirloom Ink Studio and St. Louis live event calligrapher and engraver.

Hi there! I’m Alishia, the artist behind Heirloom Ink Studio. I started this business because I love creating beautiful things with my hands and building something meaningful from the ground up. I specialize in hand engraving, calligraphy, and heat foiling for weddings, celebrations, and live events across the United States.

Custom hand engraved Moroccanoil Lumière du Jour perfume bottles in full and travel sizes, personalized for a fragrance launch and user-generated content collaboration

I’ve always been drawn to thoughtful gifts and beautiful details. I’m the person who spends extra time choosing wrapping paper, who photographs everything, and who believes the smallest touches often become the most memorable.

When I discovered calligraphy, I found an art form that combined creativity with precision. Later, engraving and heat foiling opened entirely new ways to create keepsakes that people could actually use, display, and enjoy for years.

What started as a creative outlet quickly became a business built around helping clients celebrate special occasions through thoughtfully personalized gifts.

Hand-lettered genuine leather luggage tag personalized with the name Natalia in silver foil.
Custom calligraphy place cards hand-lettered in black ink with a traditional dip pen on textured white paper.

Nothing is added to my collection or offered as a service until I’ve spent significant time testing it.

Before I introduce a new keepsake or personalization technique, I dedicate time to understanding how it performs. That means experimenting with materials, refining layouts, and making adjustments until I’m absolutely confident I can deliver the level of quality my clients expect. Even then, the learning doesn’t stop. I’m always refining my techniques because I believe craftsmanship is something you continue to improve, not simply master.

Custom black compact mirrors personalized with hand-engraved calligraphy.
Custom hand engraved Tiffany and Co. wedding cake cutting set, inscribed with couple's names and wedding date in an elegant calligraphy style.

Beyond the Studio

When I’m not engraving, you’ll probably find me with a cup of coffee, planning my next trip, or buying another book before I’ve finished the last one.

I love photography almost as much as I love engraving, which probably explains why my camera roll is overflowing with keepsakes, travel memories, family moments, and our incredibly photogenic cat, Abby.

If you’ve followed me for a while over on Instagram, you've probably noticed my signature Ferrari red nails. They’ve become part of my brand, and I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon!

Alishia Nastas, artist and owner of Heirloom Ink Studio, wearing her signature Ferrari red nails.
A bridge over the ocean with a hillside on the left, spanning from the foreground to the foggy horizon, with yellow flowers in the foreground.
Close-up of a tabby cat's face showing green eyes, patterned fur, and white whiskers.

Along the Way

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of personalizing keepsakes for thousands of clients, partnering with national brands, and seeing my work featured in publications I admire. I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity that’s helped shaped Heirloom Ink Studio into what it is today.

Personalized Kayali perfume bottle, customized and hand engraved on-site at Sephora at Kohl's Mother's Day brand activation

By the Numbers

  • 1,800+ personalized orders completed

  • 500+ five-star Etsy reviews received

  • Personalized keepsakes created for clients nationwide

  • Collaborations with nationally recognized brands

  • Featured by The Wed, Wed Vibes, and Alabama Weddings

Trusted by Brands, Retailers, and Event Planners

The Best Part

One of my favorite parts of this work is getting to see, and many times hear about, the reaction to something I’ve created. Whether it’s a bride writing to tell me how much she loved the cake cutting set I engraved for her wedding, or a guest excitedly watching as I engrave their name at a live event, those moments never get old.

Helping people celebrate life’s milestones in a meaningful way is what inspires me to keep learning, refining my craft, and creating work that will be treasured long after the celebration ends.

Alishia Nastas, St. Louis-based artist and owner of Heirloom Ink Studio, demonstrating custom engraving services for live events and brand activations.
Alishia Nastas, St. Louis-based artist and owner of Heirloom Ink Studio, demonstrating custom engraving services for live events and brand activations.

Looking for a Way to Make it Personal?

Whether you’re planning an event or have a special keepsake in mind, I’d love to help you make it personal! Here are a couple of ways we can work together: