What began as a handmade birthday gift for her younger brother has grown into a small business for 17-year-old Carlie Gabriel, an Oglethorpe County High School senior.
“I had been looking at some other people do banners, other people’s businesses, and I love watching them paint and everything,” she said. “So that’s how I got the idea first to do one for my brother.”
Carlie’s Signs & Designs has been commissioned to create more than 45 banners since last May.
“Some people were just interested from that one banner,” Gabriel said. “At first, I thought maybe it’s just a few people. But then once it started just adding up, I decided that I would just make it my own business and actually advertise for it.”
When a customer places an order, Gabriel said she pays attention to every detail. She creates multiple design options and collaborates with her customers to craft the perfect piece.
Her banners cost $35 each, with a $10 rush fee for orders needed within one week.
“I always send them multiple designs instead of just one, just so they have options and ideas,” Gabriel said.
Once the design is finalized, she traces it onto banner paper and then paints. Gabriel said she likes to spread out her creation process over a couple of days, so she can make the best possible product.
A banner takes about three hours to complete.
The business started with family and friends, but it has since expanded to customers she’s never met.
Encouraged by her friend Callie Bridges, a florist and fellow small business owner, Carlie developed her brand and logo, and promotes her work on Instagram.
Gabriel, who also plays volleyball and basketball for Oglethorpe County High School, said the most rewarding part of her work is making people feel special.
Pam Dennard, who has ordered four banners, said she plans to continue supporting the small business.
“Her artistry and creativity and her talent is so impressive,” Dennard said. “And everything that she does, like she adds detail, that gives her signs more depth and interest than any other that I’ve seen.”
As she nears graduation, Gabriel said she plans to continue her banner business and encourages other young entrepreneurs to stay committed.
“I know sometimes it can be discouraging when you don’t have a lot of orders, or you just kind of start out slow, but it’ll always work out if you just stick with it and keep working toward it, and just keep pushing to get your work out there.”