Meet Katie Sandifer of Handmade Haven Sign Co. in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Sandifer.

Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I really started my sign business by accident, which I’m sure isn’t the start of a great success story. My 4 kids were all under the age of eight, my husband worked the night shift, and our life was completely chaotic. Not really the “right” time to launch a home business. But as a stay-at-home Mom who needed an outlet, I taught myself how to design, paint and build signs by watching YouTube.

I wanted SIGNS in my home because I believed (and still do) that words are powerful and I wanted the walls of our home to be covered in godly, uplifting messages that would feed our souls. Plus, learning to use power tools and create art from plywood was somehow therapeutic and grounding for me in this difficult season of my life.

After I filled up my own walls, friends started asking me to make signs for them, then their friends asked, and soon I was getting orders from complete strangers. From there, I started a Facebook page, then Instagram, then finally branches out to Etsy after I learned how to manage the shipping part. Every step of my journey has been a learning process for me, but God has been good and faithful through it all.

I came up with “Handmade Haven Sign Co.” as a way to reflect what I’m about: building a haven for my family with my own hands, strengthened by God. My prayer, that I pray over all my signs as they leave my hands and ship out all over the country, is that God would bless the sign’s new home and make Himself known to those living there. This is my ministry and I’m blessed by God to share His words through simple wood and paint.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it has been a smooth journey, with a few exceptions that I’m sure are common to any new small business owner. In my former life before motherhood, I was a Registered Nurse and we don’t usually take business classes! So I’ve learned basics of business through trial and error and have made through it this far by God’s Grace and sheer determination.

I think the largest obstacle we’ve had to overcome so far has been safely and cost-effectively shipping large signs! In the beginning, a few large signed arrived broken (and therefore my heart broke as well). Since then, we’ve perfected it and no other signs have arrived broken (knock on wood)!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Handmade Haven Sign Co. – what should we know?
We make hand-cut, hand-painted, hand-built CUSTOM all-wood signs. I like to think what sets us apart is the CONTENT we put on our signs. Words are powerful. We choose uplifting, soul-feeding messages to display. From classic literature, Bible passages, love songs, to humorous quotes, we choose quality messages to reflect our quality built signs.

Although I’m especially of the quality of content we display, I’m most passionate about what the business allows us to DO. A portion of our proceeds allows us to financially support orphans in India, Swaziland and help support a local ministry providing for single mothers. We are also able to visit one of the orphans we sponsor on our upcoming mission trip to India!

I believe God has a plan for our little business, and we are excited to see what more He does with it!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband, David, has been my biggest supporter. From picking up wood in his pick up truck to helping me build signs when I’m in a pinch, he’s ready to help with whatever is needed. But more than the physical help, his emotional support is by far his greatest contribution—he encourages me when I’m down and reminds me that he believes in me and what I’m doing.

Also, my friend Hayley Smith, an Instagram influencer with A House With Books, has helped immensely to get my name out there! She has continued to ask for collaborations and always gives me glowing reviews!

Our parents and siblings have also worked to help with childcare, odd jobs, sign building, set up/take down at shows, etc…that allow me to pursue this venture! Thanks, Mom, Sharon and Karen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeHavenSignCo?ref=search_shop_redirect
• Phone: 240-315-7332
• Email: handmadehavensignco@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Jessica Bailey Photography

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