Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley McLain.
Carley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started in 2020 when we became parents in a bit of a whirlwind fashion by adopting our son, AJ. I was in the middle of a bunch of projects with my freelance videography work and had to quickly finish them so I could take some time off to welcome our son home. When it was time to go back to work, I knew I wanted something different so I could spend time at home raising him a little easier. I told my husband, Andy, about this random idea to make giant coloring banners from our house… and he said “go for it”.
The printer arrived in the next few days, and I never looked back! The first banner I ever designed was a Halloween print. Instead of passing out candy at my house – I put out a giant tub of Halloween banners and stayed up late tying my card with my info on it to every single one. It was a hit. After that, moms started buying them and sharing about us on Instagram and it has just grown from there. It has been a wild ride and I am so thankful for the new friends that I have met and the projects that have kept me busy!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have zero experience with the things I am doing now. I am great with creative-brained tasks, drawing banners, Instagram, making graphics, etc. In the logistics of starting a new business though, I have needed some help. No one teaches you how to source the cheapest paper rolls, or where to buy shipping labels in bulk.
I think a lot of it has been trial and error and relying on the advice and experience of other small business friends who can offer their expertise on certain things. I know I still have a lot to learn. I am excited to keep growing Busy Banners and prove to myself that I can do new and hard things!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Busy banners are GIANT 2ft by 6ft coloring banners that I hand draw, design, and print, right here in Fort Worth! They come wrapped and tied up with a little set of crayons so they are ready to gift! I have such a blast coming up with new designs and keeping the little ones entertained!
I think what sets Busy Banners apart from the others is the personal aspect of how we do things. Yes, you can buy a large coloring banner on Etsy, but I wanted to be more IN on the action. The fun of having a local business is supporting local things. We love donating banners to school auctions, and neighborhood events, wholesaling to local boutiques, having pop-ups with other small businesses, etc.
The main thing that sets Busy Banners apart is that we give back! Our family has been beautifully shaped by the story of adoption, so it just makes sense that we would use our business to make a bigger impact on the cause that is so close to our hearts. We donate 10% of our profits to our two favorite adoption organizations – BraveLove and Lifesong for Orphans matching grant program.
We have been directly blessed by a grant from Lifesong for Orphans so it is so fun to give back to a family just like us to help them fund their adoption. We donate to BraveLove in honor of our son’s wonderful and BRAVE birth mother – Courtney.
Adoption is just so complex, and it is often misunderstood. We love shining a light on our personal experience to give our audience a chance to see up close what they may never experience in person. As BraveLove so beautifully states – stories erase stigmas! We want our story to help do that, and that is why we love sharing it!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Sharing pictures on Instagram is one of the most helpful things you can do to spread the word about Busy Banners – a simple tag goes a long way! We love to collaborate on Instagram, so shoot us a DM!
Pricing:
- Banners are $25 each and come wrapped up with crayons – ready to gift!
- You can bundle and save if you buy 2+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.busybanners.com
- Instagram: @busybanners
Image Credits
J.Cox Photography
