Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
A sign is more than a way to display a name or an address. It tells a story that pulls people in. Feathered Fedora Creative, owned by Heather Eby, creates unique hand painted signs and gold leaf gilded window graphics for storefronts and offices that make your business sing.
Feathered Fedora Creative is in the business of attracting attention in a way that makes people curious and want to learn more. Their approach to traditional hand painted processes and top-quality materials is designed to be as unique as you are and is limited only by your imagination.
A custom sign made by Heather is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. It’s yours to make your own distinctive statement instead of being lost in a world of sameness among a sea of vinyl, printed graphics generated by a machine.
Read on through the Q+A to learn more about Heather and, her hopes for the future through the 2022 Starter Company Plus cohort run by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia!
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favorite part of being an entrepreneur is being able to experiment, try out new products and techniques, and explore new ideas. I like having the ability to be selfish and create things that bring me joy and hope that others like it too.
What inspired you to start a business?
I was inspired by other signwriters and gilders to follow my passion. I was not happy in my previous job. I was feeling increasingly frustrated, both creatively and professionally, and decided it was time to follow my heart and do something I am truly passionate about. I am happiest when it’s just me and my paint brushes.
What products or services do you offer?
My focus is hand painted and gold leaf signage, boat lettering, and artwork.
Sometimes I need a creative distraction though. In these times, I make bracelets and purses.
What is your goal with painting?
My goal is to do my part in preserving the art of traditional signwriting.
I would also love to get my hands on a beautiful classic timber boat or create a stunning painted and gilded window graphic for a tattoo parlour.
How did you come up with your business name?
Well, “Feather” rhymes with “Heather” and we named our son after the Rat Pack (Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin) and you cannot think of the Rat Pack without picturing a fedora. So “Feathered Fedora” came to be. I threw in “Creative” because it is a creative business.
What inspires your style of painting / artistic nature?
There are so many things that inspire me! The Art Nouveau era, classic cars, pinstripers, old-style fonts, ancient Egypt, Greek and Asian art, and other signwriters around the globe.
What is unique about your business?
I strive to create signage using traditional signwriting methods. By creating and painting my signage by hand, I can offer my customers a truly unique piece of art. I also offer gold leaf (gilding) services. There are not many local shops that offer this service.
What is your best advice for other artists or new artists?
Just try and keep trying. There are going to be days where your ideas just flow and the work you create is awesome! And then there are other days where you will be endlessly frustrated and hate everything you create. The important thing is to come back after those days and try again. Never stop learning!
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
Well, I wouldn’t call it crazy, but I want to learn the Upright Bass. I also want to go up the Northwest Territories and see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory!
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I want to learn how to better sell myself. I am not very comfortable networking or pushing myself or my products. I am hoping to gain some confidence by better understanding sales and marketing strategies. And to get a better grip on cash flow and basic bookkeeping. And let’s be honest, the grant wouldn’t hurt either!
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Browse the Feathered Fedora Creative’s current offerings or order your custom sign today.
Website: Custom Signs | The Feathered Fedora Creative (square.site)