We were lucky to catch up with Vivienne Walsh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vivienne , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a huge risk in 2020, and swapped hard hats and construction sites for bows, Brides, and stunning wedding venues and honestly, I’ve never been happier. Picture this: It’s 2020, the world is spinning in uncertainty, and there I am, deeply rooted in corporate America, with a solid decade in architecture and a four-year stint in construction management under my belt. Although I was established in a secure career, I always felt like something was missing. Then, in July 2020, I made a seemingly small yet pivotal purchase – a Cricut machine. And voilà – it was like uncovering the missing piece of my creative puzzle, a piece I didn’t fully realize I had lost when I transitioned from architecture to construction management back in 2016.

At first, the idea of leaving a stable career with no concrete plan seemed like jumping off a cliff without a parachute. I mean, here I was, an architect turned project manager, now exploring how to start an undefined business from ground zero, in a field where my experience in business or marketing was virtually nonexistent. My husband Anthony, was my rock, backing me up as I dove into this new adventure. He believed in me and knew I wasn’t one to sit around. I’ll never forget when he said to me “I know, know matter what you do, you are going to crush it”. I took a year off, read more books in one year than my entire life, self taught the dos and don’ts of owning a business and decided by end of 2021 to build a t-shirt business.

My entrepreneurial journey began with my first company Viv-Made, a venture focused on custom T-shirts and gear for Quincy Fire Department, in Massachusetts, along with custom gear for local businesses. My husband Anthony was my inspiration as he is a firefighter for Quincy. The business quickly grew, gaining traction with other local fire departments and Police in various towns and cities, including Boston, Abington, and others in Massachusetts and out of state.

My path continued to evolve as I dabbled in social media management and co-founded a rental photo studio space for local creatives. While the studio was short-lived due to unforeseen circumstances, it was a valuable experience in my entrepreneurial journey. I even started the beginning phases of creating a podcast about leaving your career were I have hundreds of topics I gathered over the years, which I do hope to share one day.

The most significant shift occurred when I “accidentally” ventured into the wedding industry. Starting with a custom-built welcome sign from leftover wood in my basement for my sister’s baby shower in March 2022, my work quickly gained popularity, leading to requests for baby showers, engagement parties, and eventually weddings. That is when “Signs by Viv” was born.

By the end of 2022 I had a bride who had found me on Instagram, ask me if I would deliver and set up her signage for her wedding. I jumped at the opportunity and soon realized that by offering on-site setup services, I would be able to expand into larger installations and more elaborate designs. By the end of 2022, I already had multiple weddings booked for 2023 and by May I basically had 1-3 wedding signage packages due every weekend for the rest of the year. It was a true testament to the rapid growth and demand for my services.

Although 2023 was a successful and a fulfilling year for me. It was also one of the hardest for me mentally and physically. But I always say, ‘if you’re not being challenged, then you are on the wrong path”. This transition from a structured career in construction management to running a successful creative Luxury Wedding Signage business was not just a professional shift, but a personal revelation.

While I sometimes joke about going from managing multimillion-dollar construction projects to ‘playing with stickers’, this has been the most fulfilling chapter of my life. The risk of leaving a well-established career was immense, but the joy and satisfaction I’ve found in crafting these beautiful pieces for couples and seeing their vision come to life on their special day is absolutely priceless. It showed me the importance of following one’s instincts and embracing the opportunities that come from stepping out of one’s comfort zone. In essence, it was the best decision I’ve ever made, transforming my life in ways I could never have imagined.

Vivienne , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Some facts about me, feel free to include if you’d like: Was born in Ireland, immigrated permanently to the US when I was 8, with my mom dad, bother and sister. Became a US citizen when I was 17. First of my family in the US to graduate college form the Boston Architectural College. Have lived mainly in Massachusetts. Have moved 18 times. My husband Anthony and I got married 4/13/18. We have 2 rescue pups, Shelby and Tracker. Both my parents are entrepreneurs. I get my creativity from my parents. I wouldn’t use this list word for word, but I mainly gave your team this information if you wanted to add some information about me in a description or something. Feel free to remove it if you don’t need it.

How I got into the Industry?

I became a wedding vendor supplying Custom Luxury Wedding Signage by complete accident. I believe my advantage in breaking into the Wedding Industry, despite not initially knowing where to begin, is that being creative and thinking outside the box, have always come natural to me.

I also think that having planned my entire wedding down to the very last detail (a true DIY bride) back in April 2018, gave me invaluable insight into what goes into a couples special day and just how crucial every aspect is. Once I began building my portfolio and consistently posting on Instagram, I gained traction. I began interacting with other wedding vendors’ posts. Sliding into their DM’s Introducing myself when they followed me and commenting on posts that caught my attention. Once I had my first big wedding in December of 2022, there was no turning back. I was now a Wedding Vendor, and I didn’t even realize it yet.

What I create and do?

Signs by Viv creates cohesive and beautiful wedding signage packages which can consist of a welcome entrance signs/structure, medium to x-large seating charts, table numbers, Signature Drink signs, cake toppers etc. You name it, we do it all. Many of our larger pieces are available for rent, allowing us to reuse them whenever possible. This approach not only helps our clients save time and money by eliminating the need to construct these items themselves, but it also spares them the hassle of managing these items at the end of their wedding night. Everything I provide for my clients is completely custom to them. I currently do not provide set packages as I do not believe there is a one size fits all weddings. Every venue, couple, and needs are different. Some clients come to me with a clear vision, while others are still figuring it out. That’s where I come in, ready to guide them in the right direction to fulfill their vision. My passion goes beyond merely crafting signs that guide guests to their tables. I aim to create that ‘wow’ factor, crafting moments that reflect the clients’ personalities and vision throughout the venue. I understand the amount of time and effort couples invest in their special day so I’m deeply committed to ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

What problems do I solve for my clients and their guests on their wedding day?

Custom signage and larger-scale structures are not just practical solutions for my clients and their guests on the wedding day; they also significantly enhance the event’s aesthetic appeal. For instance, a well-designed seating chart or escort cards mean no more confusion for Uncle Frank about where to sit. A clear, stylish bar sign can streamline drink orders, keeping the bar line moving swiftly and getting guests back to the dance floor sooner.

In the case of larger venues or properties hosting multiple weddings simultaneously, a personalized welcome sign can prevent guests from accidentally joining the wrong celebration. Beyond these practicalities, signage serves as striking statement pieces, offering beautiful backdrops for photo opportunities or interactive elements to engage guests during those moments when the couple is away for photographs.

But perhaps most importantly, wedding signage plays a crucial role in bringing together various elements of our clients’ special day. From coordinating colors to matching the fonts used on their invitations and menus, these signs are not just functional – they are an integral part of the wedding’s cohesive design and storytelling.

What makes me stand out?

My background in design and construction doesn’t just help me design and build beautiful things; it’s about bringing to life the visions of my brides and grooms. And while I’m always keeping an eye on the latest trends, I’m also tirelessly brainstorming ideas to create something truly groundbreaking – maybe even internet-breaking (a girl can dream, right?).

I’m a stickler for details – sometimes maybe a bit too much – but it’s in those details that I find balance. It’s about how different fonts and colors mesh, how structures and pieces come together harmoniously. I dive deep with my clients, exploring not just their likes but their dislikes too. Being reasonable and committed, I’ll go to great lengths to ensure they absolutely adore everything about their wedding signage, all while staying within their budget.

I’m all about options and revisions, as many as it takes to see that pure joy on their faces. The last thing I want is to spend our time on something they’re not thrilled about. And when it comes to working with other vendors, like florists, it’s a collaborative dance. Our installs often blend with floral arrangements, and together, we elevate the signage to a whole new level of wow.

Integrating this with my personality, I’m a people pleaser at heart, which is both a blessing and a curse. It means I genuinely care about making my clients happy, often going above and beyond to do so. As an introverted extrovert, I cherish my quiet, hermit-like moments, but I’m also the first one to hit the dance floor. I bring this energy and enthusiasm to my work and my clients– I’m not just your signage designer; I’ll be your bestfriend, cheering you on and ensuring your wedding is as vibrant and joyful as you are.

Have you ever had to pivot?

You see, just like those perfect Instagram highlight reels, what you often see is only the good stuff. One critical lesson for any business owner: don’t try to be a solo hero! You can’t juggle every role and expect to still have a balanced life, especially if you are just starting out.

Flash forward to September 2023, my busiest month to date. I was riding the high of successfully creating and installing over 27 weddings so far in just five months. Then, one of my Instagram Reels got traction, and suddenly, my inbox was overflowing with new inquiries. Overwhelmed? Absolutely. My response? I took a bold step – I announced I wouldn’t be answering any new inquiries until November.

But that wasn’t my only issue. In my eagerness to build my portfolio in 2023, I said yes to everything, not pausing to think ahead. Fast-forward to 2024, and that decision taught me a hard lesson. I vividly remember a Monday morning, breaking down on my kitchen floor, extremely overwhelmed and exhausted. It was a striking reminder of my corporate America days. I hadn’t enjoyed a single day of summer, and with 14 more weddings and events on the horizon, plus loads of open proposals and ongoing client communications, I was drowning in work.

So, I paused – albeit briefly. Then, as if by fate, an old friend, Katie Grimes (www.katiegrimes.com), who specializes in coaching business owners, reached out. Long story short, I hired her. She was a godsend, connecting me with the right people: a lawyer for my contracts, a business consultant for my proposals and payment platform, a bookkeeper, a virtual assistant, and more.

Our sessions were transformative. We talked about boundaries, finances, and reclaiming joy in life. We discovered I was undercharging and I had no choice but to make adjustments to my pricing and services. Katie helped me not just get back on track, but she pushed me to new heights. I was determined. Like the saying goes “you have to spend money to make money”. I took  all my savings and more and invested roughly $10k back into my business at the end of 2023, but it was completely necessary. Thanks to the rapid growth and demand for my services, it was essential to establish a solid foundation.

Pivoting for me meant investing money and learning to say no. It looked different than others might expect, but it was what my business needed. The growth from 400+ followers to over 5000 in six months was both a blessing and a challenge. It taught me the importance of having a strong foundation to build upon and level up in a highly sought-after, yet still relatively unsaturated market. My “Pivot” was all about laying the groundwork for a sustainable, successful future in my ever-growing business

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

About a year ago, I curiously asked my husband, “What’s my talent?”. He replied without missing a beat, “You can fully visualize an idea in your head and bring those ideas to life”. I was taken aback, “Wait! That’s not a talent?”. And he simply said, “Yes, it is, Viv.”

Then, not long after, a good friend mentioned how she couldn’t visualize things the way I could. That moment was an eye-opener for me. I had never really considered my creativity and visual thinking as a talent. I always thought I was just better with images than words.

I grew up thinking I wasn’t particularly talented. Clumsy and uncoordinated, always comparing myself, lacking any impressive party tricks, and always struggling in school as a terrible test-taker despite endless tutoring. But that conversation started a shift in my perspective. I began to realize that the way I think, the way I visualize and create, that’s my true talent. It’s something unique that I bring to the table, something that non-creatives might struggle to understand or do themselves.

For non-creatives looking to understand this aspect of a creative’s journey, it’s important to recognize that creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of seeing the world. It’s about connecting dots that might not seem related at first glance, about seeing the potential where others see the mundane. It’s not just about making things; it’s about perceiving and understanding the world in a way that’s distinct and often non-linear.

This realization helped me embrace my talent. I was put on this earth to create beautiful things, things that perhaps non-creatives can’t easily visualize or conceive. It’s not just about the end product, but about the process – the journey of taking something from a mere concept in my mind and bringing it into reality. This talent, which I once overlooked, is now the foundation of my work and my contribution to my new found career. For those who don’t naturally ‘see’ things this way, understanding and appreciating this creative process can be a step towards recognizing the diverse talents that different people bring to our shared human experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.signsbyviv.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signsbyviv/

Image Credits
Amy Mei Photography