Meet Erin Daly | Artist & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Erin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always loved design and words. I graduated University with a Journalism diploma and a Communications Degree wanting to write for publications, but also wanting to be artistically creative. Hand making signs began when I was a stay at home mom and needed an outlet for my creativity and desire to do something entirely different and rewarding for myself. The joy of making signs for me, comes from the collaboration of home design and words with meaning.

It has been a long process of trial and error and learning how to create quality products from the comfort of home. I grew my business by going to craft shows, markets, offering sign making classes, hosting my own small markets in my home, and learning how to showcase my work on social media. The idea that I started making signs in my kitchen for a few neighbors to shipping signs globally still amazes me.

Creating signs that have meaning to others is such an amazing feeling. Not only do people want signs in their home for decor, but they want to be able to walk past a sign everyday that gives them hope, makes them laugh, allows them to remember a special moment, person or feeling. And I get to let their walls tell their story.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other sign makers is the quality of my products, my designs, and the fact that everything is hand painted. I don’t use large machines, or vinyl or even laser printers to print the image on the wood. Every sign I make is painted, framed, stained, and created by myself. I also make and create the signs in small batches so the quality is high and my focus is on the little details.

I am most proud of my persistence and growth in a very saturated market. I am continuously excited every time I receive an order and I’m always so thankful for the continued support. I’m very proud that I was able to create a small business that creates inspirational art for others and also allows me to give back to my community and donate to charities in a meaningful way.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. And the growth that I want for my business will also not be easy, but I am up for the challenge. There still are a lot of late nights trying to figure out how to own a successful small business and maintain a work/life balance. There were many times that I wanted to quit and get a 9-5 job out of the home. But being persistent, patient and having trust in myself and my abilities, continues to give me the motivation to keep going.

I have learned so many lessons along the way. I think the first lesson and most important for me, was to not compare myself to others in my niche. It can be so hard to not compare yourself to other small businesses, especially on social media. Comparing likes, follows, photos, and products, can take the joy out of your creative process and leave you wanting to stop creating. I have learned that you are your own beautiful, unique story and people will support you when you are true to yourself and love what you do.

I have also learned to trust the process. Some days are hard and overwhelming where you feel stuck, and other days are so fun and creative and filled with joy. So you take each day at a time and understand that these are the days we all experience. Other small businesses might skip steps and reach their goals faster than I do, but understanding that my experience is different and unique to me is okay. Always strive to do your best…and then do better than that.

I want people to know that I create more than just wood signs. I want to be the outlet for people to tell their stories and bring meaning and beauty to their home.
To The Moon & Back started as a simple hobby that has turned into a growing business that provides quality handmade signs to people around the world.
I hope I also inspire people to not only shop handmade products and support small businesses, but also help to give back to their communities and get involved with non profit organizations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am very lucky to live in Canada, especially the beautiful areas that I live near. Also taking part in many handmade markets has given me the opportunity to meet extremely talented people with the most amazing small shops. So if my best friend was visiting me for the week, we would have a lot to do!

One of my very favorite places near me is Canmore, Alberta. The mountains and the beautiful lakes are so picturesque and tranquil that I would want to stay there the entire time! We would stay at the Grand Rockies Resort and maybe enjoy the spa and then go to the beautiful Iron Goat Pub & Grill for lunch.

On our way back home, we would definitely stop near Sylvan Lake and shop at the beautiful Sweet Home on the Lake. We would enjoy their specialty desserts, coffee and do a lot of shopping!

I love to decorate, so we would have to stop into Simone & Ivy in Edmonton and Sweet Jolie for home decor and more clothes shopping! If my bestie had never been to Edmonton, than West Edmonton Mall would be the one and only attraction they would need to see! Everything and more under one roof! One of the biggest malls in the world! But I’m lucky enough to know a lot of amazing makers, so I would likely do a lot of my shopping in the small boutiques around town that I love so much, including Lit Candles, ShopTheSkinny, Towne Goods and Twig.

I also love coffee, so we would go from coffee shop to coffee shop enjoying it all! My favorite spa in the city is Bliss Spa, so we would definitely need a full day there to get pampered.

This is sounding like the perfect week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When you are a small business everyone who supports you, recommends you to others, shares your business on social media deserves recognition.

The very first customer who liked my product and gave me a chance deserves the biggest thank you.
The customers who continue to purchase signs from me and fill their homes with signs deserve my gratitude.

The love and encouragement I get from my family is what allows me to continue to do what I love. They are my cheerleaders when I make a sale, when I reach a goal, when I feel overwhelmed and need support and when I need a helping hand.

The love of friends simply sharing my posts continuously or recommending me to their friends is what continues to grow my small business. The small boutiques that love what I do and want to have my work showcased in their shops is a true honor.

It is the thoughtfulness of people who want you to succeed that I am forever grateful for.

Website: www.moonandbacksigns.com

Instagram: @moonandbacksigns

Facebook: www.facebook.com/moonandbackdistressedsigns

Other: www.etsy.com/shop/tothemoonsigns

Image Credits
Naomi Marina Photography Caitlin Hunt Erin Daly