We recently connected with Cresia Murphy and have shared our conversation below.

Cresia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission of Sign Gypsies is deeply meaningful to me because it aligns with my passion for creating lasting memories through personalized experiences. I believe that celebrations and milestones are worth commemorating in unique and thoughtful ways, and Sign Gypsies allows me to do just that. By crafting custom yard greetings tailored specifically to each recipient, I can help make moments even more special, bringing joy and smiles to families and friends. I take great pride in ensuring that every greeting is not only personalized but also beautifully displayed, making each memory unforgettable.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m a first-generation college graduate who pursued higher education and earned a doctorate degree, which has shaped my work ethic and determination. Along the way, I discovered a deep passion for crafts and a strong desire to make others smile, which naturally led me to become a Sign Gypsies franchisee. My journey into the world of yard greetings was a bit serendipitous—I initially got the idea from a close friend who had shown interest in the franchise, and after inquiring, I received a call from the previous owner, who was looking to sell. That conversation changed everything for me and was truly a blessing. My motivation behind becoming a franchisee was to help fund my daughter’s college education, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to achieve that and so much more.

What sets Sign Gypsies NLR apart from others is simple yet powerful:
1. **Quality** – I take great pride in offering a high-quality product that stands out and truly makes an impact.
2. **Customer Service** – I genuinely appreciate every customer, and their satisfaction is my top priority. I’m committed to going above and beyond to make every greeting perfect.
3. **Affordability** – Despite offering premium service and products, my prices remain very reasonable, ensuring that my customers get the best value for their investment.

I’m most proud of the continued success and growth of Sign Gypsies NLR since I took over in 2020. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear from my customers about how my greetings have brightened their loved ones’ days—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Though I operate as a one-person show (while juggling three jobs!), my commitment to providing excellent service never wavers. I want both new and returning customers to know that I am dedicated to making their occasions extra special. I do this work not just for the business but for the loyal, supportive people who have trusted me to help celebrate their milestones. It’s my mission to deliver the best experience possible, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to do so.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the toughest lessons I had to unlearn was not taking things to heart—especially when dealing with unhappy customers. As the sole owner and operator of Sign Gypsies NLR, I juggle multiple roles, including working two other jobs. This means I’m often balancing numerous tasks and, occasionally, things slip through the cracks. I might miss an email or text, or even worse, a customer’s order request might land in my spam folder. I used to take these moments personally and would feel defeated when a customer expressed frustration, particularly about communication delays.

There’s one instance that really stands out. A customer placed an order, but as I mentioned, it went to my spam folder. On the day of the installation, I received a call from her—she was upset and demanded that I fulfill her request immediately. I could feel the heat of her frustration, and for a moment, I was overwhelmed. I took a deep breath, stepped back, and gathered myself. I didn’t want to let the harshness of the situation dictate how I responded.

I calmly explained the situation to her, letting her know that I had found her order and could still complete the installation, though it would be a bit later in the evening due to the short notice. I got to work, making sure everything was perfect, and when the installation was finished, the customer seemed satisfied—at least, that’s what I took from the interaction.

Looking back, I realize that lesson was a turning point. It taught me to put my feelings aside and not let a customer’s frustration get the best of me. It’s important to respond with grace and professionalism, even when things don’t go as planned. Not every customer will understand the circumstances, but what matters is how I handle it. Since then, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and not let those difficult moments define my self-worth or my business.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, trial, and error. When I first started, I didn’t have a clear strategy, but I knew one thing: I needed to be visible and engaging. I realized that the key to growing my presence was simply to post consistently. Whether it was showcasing a recent installation, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, or even highlighting customer testimonials, I made sure to stay active and keep the Sign Gypsies NLR name in front of people. While I have admittedly been slacking on this lately.

The most successful way I’ve found to build a solid social media presence is by posting at least once a week. It’s not just about frequency, though; the posts need to be captivating. If you want to draw people in, you need to give them something that makes them stop scrolling. A vibrant photo of a yard greeting, a heartfelt message from a customer, or even a sneak peek into a special custom order can catch people’s attention. The key is to tell a story or highlight something unique that shows why your service stands out.

For those just starting to build a social media presence, my advice would be to focus on consistency and authenticity. Start small if you need to, but aim to post regularly. Even if you’re not sure what content will work best, experiment with different types of posts—photos, videos, polls, and stories—and pay attention to what resonates most with your audience. Don’t be afraid to show the human side of your business; people love to connect with the person behind the brand.

Also, interact with your followers. Reply to comments, answer questions, and engage with others in your industry. Social media is a two-way street, and building relationships is just as important as posting content. Lastly, don’t stress over perfection. Over time, you’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t, and your audience will appreciate the authenticity you bring to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.signgypsies.com
• Instagram: signgypsiesofnlr
• Facebook: Sign Gypsies-North Little Rock

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