Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindy Perez.
Lindy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My business started out as something personal. Signs with inspiring words and quotes have always draw my eye. Most of the time, I loved what the sign said but wished the colors were more vibrant and bold. I felt myself drawn to quotes because I was going through a rough time in college. I got to a point where I wasn’t happy and no matter how much I tried, nothing was coming out as planned.
Creativity has always been an escape for me. As much as I loved the challenge of academics, I couldn’t ever be without my art. Most of my life growing up was spend drawing, painting, doodling, hand lettering, and making ceramics. To put it in perspective, I won the award for most creative with crayons in preschool. I even managed to be Grand Champion for my watercolor submission to the Travis County Youth Fair & Rodeo in 8th grade. So when I say being creative is a huge part of who I am, I mean it.
I didn’t ever have artist or maker as a career path but as the stress of college life mounted, I started painting. As long as my colors were vibrant that the words had meaning, I could put brush to canvas and paint until I felt better. Painting after painting went up in my house. The words reminded me of my strength and of my sassy personality. With positive mantras lining the walls inside my home there was nothing I couldn’t do.
Over time I had friends and family commission pieces of their own. Keeping with the theme of using meaningful quotes and sassy sayings, I found my art going to people who appreciated what I was doing. After a lot of encouragement from family Sassy Since Birth was formed! With every item sold, I gain a little more knowledge and insight into who I am as a person and what I have to offer to others.
It’s been an incredible journey and seeing it grow into what it is now is worth all the struggle. I’ve used every bit of my college experience to grow my business. I didn’t end up in law school but in the end, I gained more than I ever could imagine and find myself happy with where life has taken me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road! My very first pop up market was in a dusty bar parking lot in Downtown San Antonio. Alamo Street Eats Bar was a simple bar who used their parking lot to host vendors. The booth fees went to the local elementary for activities. Sometimes I wonder how I survived that parking lot during summertime in Texas. We would be out there from 4 pm until after midnight. Hoping for a crowd of shoppers.
My first Market was a definite group effort. One cousin found me my connection to Alamo Street Bar, another cousin let me borrow tables and my uncle gave me a tent to use that was more than beat up. Off I went chasing my dream! That parking lot was the beginning of everything. The bar might be gone but the connections and friendships I’ve made during the early years are something I will forever treasure. Many of the people I met in that parking lot are still in my life today!
Having a small handmade business is a challenge in itself. As the only maker in my business, I have to try and be as efficient as I can be. Keeping up with inventory and custom work as my business grows means late nights working as much as I can. I find having a loving and caring support system means having help when I need it. My Mom has been on this journey with me every step of the way. She only now tells me how crazy she thought I was in the beginning. She helps me schedule my events and for that, I’m grateful. Having her take on the business side when I need her frees me up to focus on creating inventory.
In the last two years, my business has reached a new level. I’m able to work as a calligrapher creating beautiful hand-lettered signs as well as creating unique one of a kind abstract art pieces. As I grow my brand, I always use my struggles as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how far I still want to take it. Having a handmade business isn’t easy when you are competing with big box stores that can do what you do cheaper and faster. I’m grateful for all the customers I’ve had over the years for supporting my business!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sassy Since Birth – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sassy Since Birth is known for bright, bold colors and sassy sayings! The words I put on canvas are more than just quotes they are mantras meant to get you through your toughest day.
As a calligrapher, I’m able to create pieces that are pretty but edgy. One of my favorites is “conquer your inner hater,” mostly because I believe that fear is the biggest dream killer. We can talk ourselves out of just about anything. So if I can provide that little push to keep someone going, I’ve done my job.
Aside from my canvas art, I’m known for my fluid artwork. I create one of a kind abstract pieces. My best sellers are my Texas cutouts. With its beautiful shape, it’s an eye-catching piece. As a Texan, I have to say it’s definitely a must-have item.
What I’m most proud of when it comes to my business is that I have the opportunity to meet some really amazing people with even more amazing stories. Helping to choose the perfect piece either for them or someone else can take a little time. Sometimes people feel that connection and they know immediately they have to have it a specific item. For others, it takes talking about what they are going through or what a friend/family member is going through to find the right one. My work has gotten to be part of so many milestones for so many people, which makes me happy. Bringing positivity, empowerment, and self-confidence has always been the goal even when I was creating just for myself.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me, is the opportunity to continue to share what I do with others while growing my audience!
Pricing:
- Hand Lettered Canvas Art $10 – $100
- Alcohol Ink Coasters $35
- Texas Fluid Art $45-$125
- Hand Lettered Doormats $40-$50
- Hand Lettered Coffee Mugs $15
Contact Info:
- Email: sassybylindy@gmail.com
- Instagram: LindyOriginal
- Facebook: LindyOriginal
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
