The smell of paint and the sound of a steady brushstroke are the backdrop of my childhood.
Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my mom’s business, and as I look at the calendar and realize it’s International Women’s Day, the timing feels like more than just a coincidence. It feels like a tribute.
The View from the Front Yard
My earliest memories are of playing in the front yard while my mom worked nearby. I can still imagine her standing next to massive furniture trucks, her hand steady and focused. In those days, there were no digital printers or vinyl wraps. Every letter, every logo, and every fine detail was painted by hand.
I was just a small child, watching a woman command a space in a primarily male-dominated field. She didn’t just enter that world; she carved her name into it, one brushstroke at a time.
Growing Up in the Shop
I didn’t just visit the shop; I grew up there. I spent most of my childhood working and evolving alongside the business. It wasn’t always easy being the child of an entrepreneur. There were long days, hard work, and the unique pressure that comes when your mom’s heart is tied to a company.
But within those walls, I saw something beautiful. I saw employees become family. I saw a community form around my mom’s vision. And most importantly, I saw her adapt.
The Art of the Pivot
The world of sign production has changed almost beyond recognition since those days of hand-painted furniture trucks. I watched my mom navigate the massive shift to modern technology, refusing to be left behind. She didn’t just survive the digital revolution; she stayed curious and kept learning.
Watching her never give up was like watching someone plant a seed and tend to it through every season—the storms, the droughts, and the harvest.
The Lessons I Carry
The work ethic I hold today in my own coaching practice didn’t come from a book; it came from watching her.
Resilience: I saw firsthand that a dream doesn’t grow unless you’re willing to put in the work when no one is watching.
Adaptability: She taught me that success isn’t about staying the same; it’s about having the courage to learn something new.
Integrity: Seeing the crowd of people who showed up yesterday to support her was the greatest testament to her determination. She didn’t just build a business; she built a legacy of respect.
To my mom: Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be a pioneer. Happy International Women’s Day to the woman who taught me that with enough grit and a steady hand, you can paint your own future.
To all the women out there today who are currently in the “hand-painting” stage of their dreams—keep going. The world is waiting to see what you grow.
Rooting for your growth,
Kaila Allen