What do a master’s degree in architecture and an online business selling yard cards have in common? The answer is ecommerce entrepreneur Chavon Simmons.
Chavon was introduced to the world of yard signs by her then-12-year-old son, who came to her asking for “one of those yard card things.” She wasn’t sure about what he meant, so she went online to do some research. There she learned that what her son was referencing were customized signs created from individual letters and graphics that are displayed in a yard. But she thought that, with her background, she could design something better than what was out there.
So she went to work, designing a sign and putting it up in their yard. He was excited to see it for his birthday and surprised when he learned that she’d been the one to make it. And when friends, family and neighbors found out…her business (Yard Card Queen) was born.
What makes Chavon’s yard cards different?
One of the things that is unique about Chavon’s products is just how big they can be. Her architectural background has allowed her to engineer the signs to be up to three levels high, or eight feet tall, and still remain stable. That’s HUGE compared to other products on the market.
But it’s also Chavon’s approach that has made her product and her business different.
First, she designs each sign element instead of purchasing pre-made products from a wholesaler. This gives her more control over the end products and ensures that her yard cards stand out.
Second, she grew her business very conservatively. She didn’t want to invest a lot of money into creating yard cards until she knew it was something that would be successful. She created her first alphabet, then switched out names over and over.
Chavon says that her business, which started in 2020 during the pandemic, quickly snowballed. So as new orders came in as well as requests for greater customization, she began to expand available options. As yard cards are rented rather than purchased, her inventory grew exponentially.
Growing pains for this online yard card company.
Chavon is at a fantastic but difficult point in her business. Yard Card Queen has crossed the six-figure sales mark, and Chavon’s now working exclusively for her own company. She’s passionate about her products and getting to be part of her customers’ celebrations. But she’s also doing everything on her own.
During our conversation on the How to Sell Online podcast, Chavon shares her concerns about bringing on help—while also noting why she knows she needs to do just that. So we talk about everything from pricing her products to how to test prospective contractors and employees.
Takeaways from Chavon.
Chavon shares exactly what running her successful online business selling yard cards means for her and for her family. She also shares great tips for new online shop owners or for anyone thinking about starting their own ecommerce business.
Top 10 Takeways
- Listen to your kids.
- Why can yours be better?
- Use past skills to set yourself apart.
- Stay unique.
- Find your drive. Do you live for the applause?
- Passion doesn’t feel like work.
- Test products before going all in.
- Increase prices for custom products.
- Test those you want to hire.
- Confidence comes by doing the work.
Additional Resources
Shop with Chavon:
- Website: yardcardqueen.com
- Limited time offer with code becauseican for 2 yard cards for $30 with free shipping.
- Follow on Instagram: @ycqchesapeake
- Follow on Facebook: @ycqchesapeake
Connect with Alison:
- On Facebook: @alisonjprince
- On Instagram: @alisonjprince
- Learn about the 0-$100K System and how you can launch and grow your own online business here.
- Join the Print Sprint here.
