Today we’d like to introduce you to Noemi Sandoval.
Noemi, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Dear Heart Signs began about 3.5 years ago when I lost my job due to severe anxiety. Since I was a young girl, I’ve lived with Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It’s kind of crazy when I look back and think about all that was going on at the time and how it all led up to that moment of sheer will power to keep moving forward and create something out of nothing.
My now husband and I were engaged to be married, I was finishing up my finance degree, and I was working at a very stressful holiday decor company in Orange County. I’ve always been known to be a workaholic and perfectionist, but looking back at it all, I’m not surprised that my anxiety spiraled out of control to the point where I couldn’t function as a normal human being. I became so sick that I had to step back big time. I didn’t register for classes in the fall, and I lost my job.
Tim and I were planning our wedding that summer, so a lot of those plans had to be changed completely since I no longer had an income. He was pretty amazing in the fact that he took up a lot of responsibility in the wedding planning and had me focus completely on getting better.
When there is no money, you are forced to get pretty creative. Our family helped us create a lot of the decor, and the entire wedding was filled with DIY. We created signs, centerpieces, a backdrop, and even a cute marquee LOVE sign. It was truly a special day.
Following the wedding, with no job, we had an idea. Our friends loved our decor, so we thought to ourselves that maybe we should start an Etsy shop! We set up an Instagram account to display our signs and would promote others to visit our shop online. I’ll never forget our first sale; a custom order for a sign that said: “it’s always better when we’re together.” We were crazy excited, Tim had missed so much work from taking care of me, that he boldly decided “we are doing this, I’m quitting my job.” It was crazy, I was scared, but it was the best decision we’ve ever made.
We dedicated ourselves day and night to growing our little business. People started sharing our work, and the sales did not stop coming. Now three years later, our small business has flourished into so much more. We now also offer laser cut signage and rentals, and are currently working on ideas to help others turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I think words are beautiful. When we first started, we created wedding signs and eventually started creating farmhouse style signage. Then out of nowhere, we picked up a scroll saw and started experimenting by cutting out words, phrases, and names. We were in love, and so were our followers! I think the reason why is personalization. We can create the same “design” over and over, but not one piece is ever exactly the same. I think that’s amazing!
On our end, we focus on all the nitty-gritty details like making sure the cuts are perfect, the paint job is of the highest quality, and that everything is packaged perfectly so that you receive your sign in perfect condition. We’ve also invested right back into our business by upgrading to a laser machine and other tools to provide the best product possible. However, what matters to us most is when the sign is turned over to our clients. It becomes something so much more, almost magical. It becomes a part of their story and expression of their love or grief. That is why we do what we do. Everyone has a story worth sharing, and we love being part of that.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
Thankfully, we now live in a time where opportunity is literally staring at us right in the face. We have our phones, technology, and social media. I believe the biggest challenge facing artists today is the insecurity of putting ourselves out there. I still struggle with this myself! My craft today did not look this way when I first began, but I had to start somewhere and not be afraid to share our journey with our followers.
Creating your art is only the first step. In order to be seen or heard you need to 1) put yourself out there, 2) engage with your community. Many artists are currently struggling with Instagram’s algorithm changes, but you can still get past this. How? Don’t just post and wait for the likes to come. Get out there, engage with your followers, engage with people who might be interested in your work, and collaborate with other creatives in your industry. Some people are blessed and find a large following right away, but if this isn’t you don’t be discouraged by that and just keep engaging and sharing.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can find us online at www.dearheartsigns.com.
We are currently on Etsy, but we are so excited to be launching our own website very soon! It will include a blog, tutorials, and resources for brides, moms, and creative entrepreneurs!
In addition to that, we would love for you to follow us on Instagram: @dearheartsigns.
Even if you can’t buy from us, your shares, likes, and comments are a big way to support our work and help us to be seen in social media!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dearheartsigns.com
- Phone: 657-333-0921
- Email: hello@dearheartsigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dearheartsigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dearheartsigns
Image Credit:
Dear Heart Moments
Tiffany Amber Photography
Corin Jones Photo
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
