We had the good fortune of connecting with Sidney Petitgout and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sidney, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance can be a tricky thing to manage. When first starting this business I believed that in order to be successful I had to work around the clock. Whether I was completing orders, messaging clients or coming up with new signage ideas I felt every extra hour was so crucial in growing a business. After doing that routine for a couple of months I began to feel as though it was hurting my business rather then helping it grow. Deciding to take a step back and set boundaries for myself has been life changing. I have felt more motivated and focused then ever before. While there may be a never ending list of things that need to be completed I have found that making a “priority” list can help with time management. Being a business owner it is hard to find a time where you aren’t thinking about the business so setting these dates/times where you are “off” from work can be important. This time can be used to relax and reset so that every client gets the attention they deserve and you avoid burnout.

What should our readers know about your business?
Signatures By Sidney is a calligraphy business I started in September of 2020. Instagram and Etsy are the two platforms for which I take orders through making it easily accessible to people all around the US. Something that sets me apart from others is that although 80% of my revenue comes from creating wedding signage, I am able to letter on a variety of things! Some examples clients have ordered in the past include, champagne bottles, wooden home decor signs, masks and even mirrors. After moving home and graduating from college, I was stuck on what to do next in life. My major in college was something that I was not rather excited or passionate about, leaving me feeling lost with no direction. I have always loved art from a young age but never new if I could make a career out of it. I decided to randomly create an instagram page to try and sell some signage I had done around my house for fun. I thought of it as a hobby rather then a business at this point. From there I began to mostly sell custom and home decor signage for people in or around the area that I lived. As time went on I discovered my love for weddings as well as wedding signage and after a few months, I decided to take my hobby to Etsy. I will never forget my first sale and being so excited while later finding out that it had broke in the mail. From that point on there were many lessons that I had to learn which helped shape the business to what it is today. I feel comfortable and happy with the growth I have made over the last year and a half and I couldn’t be more grateful. Without the support and encouragement of those around me, this business wouldn’t have even crossed my mind as something that I was capable of doing. The brides that I have had the privilege to collaborate with have pushed me out of my comfort zone and led this business to where it is today. I am excited for what this next wedding season will bring and all of the fun people I will have the chance to work with!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To start a fun itinerary I would go to a place called bluebird diner in North liberty. This place has endless hot coffee as well as amazing breakfast options. After we would check out big grove for laid back afternoon on the patio – they have my all time favorite in house IPA which is an easy eddy. As it gets darker and the temperature goes down, they turn on the fire pit which is always so relaxing and fun. Another place worth paying a visit to is the new extreme arena where the heartlanders hockey team plays – this always calls for a great time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Without their constant support and encouragement, I would be nowhere near where I am today. They have been there to support me from the start, allowing me to live with them for the time being as well as take over the kitchen and office for creating and managing my business.

Instagram: @signaturesbysidney

Facebook: @signaturesbysidney

Other: Etsy: Signatures By Sidney Co

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.