We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Brennan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

After making wood signs for a few years I began to see an online advertisement for a small laser cutter. I became fascinated with the idea of adding laser cutting and engraving to my business. I watched countless you tube videos and joined numerous Facebook groups trying to learn everything I could about this particular laser. I became obsessed. I saved up all of my profits and finally pulled the trigger. The laser was very easy to use especially since I had already done so much research. I quickly learned the ins and outs and realized the potential my business had. After using this laser for a few months I knew it wasn’t big or fast enough to run the business the way I wanted to. If I was going to eventually make this business my full time job, I was going to need an upgrade. I ended up purchasing a much larger laser and had to learn a whole new program and system. Looking back on that journey I believe that all of my research was essential to that learning process. The internet has a wealth of knowledge and I used that to my advantage. If I could go back in time I would skip the small laser and go straight for the big one. I was my own obstacle. I lacked self confidence even when others saw the potential. Having determination and self confidence is an essential part to running any business!

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.

I started making wood signs as a hobby years ago and quickly realized I could turn it into a side business when people starting asking for custom signs. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 7 years and this was the outlet that I needed. Over the years I have expanded my sign business and added laser cutting and engraving. I specialize in handcrafted home decor and one of a kind gifts. I strive to be unique. I am constantly coming up with new ideas and products to keep my shop fresh. I share everything on my social media pages so that my customers really get to know me. I want them to know who they are supporting when they make a purchase from me. I am so proud of how far I have come. I started by making signs and have grown into making so many other things like laser cut maps, door hangers, hat patches and much more! This year has been especially fulfilling, because I opened my very own shop at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

It all started with a simple Facebook page. I created a business Facebook page and asked my friends and family to like and share the new page. Once the page was active I started posting and sharing my work anywhere and everywhere. I joined all kinds of local Facebook groups and promoted my business whenever I could without breaking any of the rules of course. I also joined multiple networking groups and started connecting with other small business owners. I have made friends with so many other small business moms and we all help promote each other. The biggest I advice I can share when building an audience on social media is to stay active! Post every single day even if you think no one is looking. Also, don’t be afraid to show your face. People want to connect with you and they want to know who they are supporting.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started this business with only a couple hundred dollars. I used a very inexpensive vinyl cutter and a few pieces of wood to get started. It was nothing fancy. Honestly when I started doing this it was just for fun. I never really imagined having a full time business. Every penny I made I reinvested into the business. I saved all of my profits to buy my first laser cutter. I refused to buy anything unless I had the cash on hand. The first laser I bought turned out to be an amazing investment and I was able to take my profits and invest in a larger more expensive laser again without taking on any debt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.signedbycrystal.com/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SignedByCrystal
• Other: Address to shop in person: 114 E. Wilson St. Shop#10 Batavia, IL 60510