Hallways and gym entrances have become a canvas for one freshman’s creativity and school spirit.
Freshman Layton Vardeman has been volunteering her time painting banners for the school.
A simple opportunity to help with school spirit events became the beginning of something much bigger.
“I originally started by volunteering to paint theme day banners for volleyball games,” Layton said. “I enjoyed it a lot and eventually turned it into a small business.”
The personalized designs have continued to bring positive reactions from people around campus.
“They are usually exciting and positive,” Layton said. “I think people like seeing something personalized for their team, and it helps build school spirit.”
The growing support has also inspired bigger goals for the future.
“I’d love to grow painting signs even more and maybe take on bigger projects in the future,” Layton said.
Each banner requires creativity, planning and attention to detail before it is finished.
“I start by getting details from the client like the theme, color and wording,” Layton said. “Then I create a mock-up on Canva,” Layton said. “Then I sketch it all out with chalk. After that, I paint it carefully and finish with small details.”
Managing school responsibilities while running a small business can sometimes be difficult for her.
“I try to plan ahead with deadlines,” Layton said. “I usually work on banners after school or on weekends. I also try not to overbook myself so I can still focus on school.”
Certain projects have become more memorable because of their creativity and popularity.
“My favorite one is probably the one I painted for the NHF pickleball tournament because I liked the theme I got to work with and it got a lot of attention,” Layton said.
Some banners, however, have required much more time and detail than others.
“The hardest one I’ve had to make was the fiesta teacher appreciation banner because it was a very detailed design,” Layton said.
Layton’s banner business has learned a lot from her experience of being a small business owner and has advice for those who want to start one.
“I’d say start small, even if it’s just volunteering at first, because it can grow into something bigger if you stay consistent and keep improving,” Layton said.