Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Yustin.
Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business in 2018 when I was home with two toddlers and a one year old. As a stay at home mom with a husband in the military, I was looking for something to fill the quiet hours between nap times, especially during long work days and deployments. Anyone who has stayed home with little ones knows that cabin fever can set in pretty quickly.
I’ve always been a creative person. I went to school for cosmetology, earned a degree in fashion merchandising, and have always loved art. In high school, I was constantly doodling or creating something. So when I had the chance to channel that creativity into a business, I jumped in.
I started by making hand painted wood signs and, at the time, glittered wine glasses, which were incredibly popular. Before long, friends became customers, customers became referrals, and orders started coming in faster than I ever expected.
As the business grew, I made it a goal to reinvest in myself every year. Each new piece of equipment opened another door. What started with paint and a few basic supplies has evolved into a business that offers laser engraving, UV printing, embroidery, DTF printing, and custom products for families, small businesses, and organizations.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think that something I started simply to stay creative during nap time has grown into a full-time business that allows me to do what I love while still being present for my family. It’s been built one project, one customer, and one upgrade at a time, and I’m incredibly grateful for the journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most small business owners.
As my business grew, I made the decision to keep investing back into it. For a family living on one military income, purchasing new equipment wasn’t always easy. Every machine and every upgrade was a leap of faith, but I believed in building something that would last.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding my niche while staying creative. It can be discouraging to spend hours designing and creating something original, only to see it copied by other local businesses. I’ve learned that while people can imitate products, they can’t replicate the customer relationships, quality, and personal service that set a business apart.
Ironically, one of my busiest seasons came during COVID. People were spending more time at home, shopping online, and looking for personalized gifts. Since I offered porch pickup and shipping, my business was able to continue growing during a time when many others were struggling.
More recently, I’ve experienced how much outside factors can affect a small business. A large portion of my business comes from creating closing gifts for realtors, so when the housing market slows down or interest rates rise, I feel those changes too. It has taught me the importance of adapting, diversifying my products, and continuing to look for new opportunities instead of relying on one customer base.
Every challenge has pushed me to become more creative, more resilient, and more determined to keep growing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own Sawdust and Sangria Designs, a custom gift and personalization business that specializes in laser engraving, UV printing, embroidery, DTF apparel printing, acrylic and wood signage, 3D printing, and custom promotional products. I love taking someone’s idea, whether it’s a simple sketch or a meaningful story, and turning it into something tangible that they’ll treasure.
While I create products for all kinds of customers, I’m especially known for my work with real estate agents. I design personalized closing gifts that help them leave a lasting impression on their clients. Living in a military community has also allowed me to create meaningful gifts for military families, PCS moves, retirements, promotions, and deployments, which has become one of the most rewarding parts of my business.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any one product. It’s the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my customers have become repeat clients and friends. They trust me with some of life’s biggest milestones, from first homes and weddings to memorials, business launches, and family keepsakes. Being a small part of those moments is something I never take for granted.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m constantly learning and evolving. Every year I’ve invested in new equipment, learned new skills, and expanded what I can offer so my customers don’t have to go somewhere else. I genuinely enjoy finding creative solutions and saying, “Let’s figure out how to make that happen.”
At the heart of everything I do is customer service. I believe people remember how you made them feel just as much as the product they received. I want every customer to feel heard, valued, and excited about what we’re creating together. For me, it’s never just about making a product. It’s about creating something meaningful that tells a story and lasts long after the occasion has passed.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think one thing that surprises people is that I didn’t set out to become a business owner, and I never had formal training in most of what I do today. I’m largely self-taught. Every new machine, software program, and creative skill I’ve learned has come from countless hours of trial and error, YouTube videos, late nights, and a willingness to figure things out.
People often see the finished products, but they don’t see the research, failed attempts, and constant learning that happens behind the scenes. I genuinely love learning new skills and challenging myself. If there’s a way to create something better or offer a new service to my customers, I’m probably already trying to learn it.
Another thing people may not realize is that while I run a business that creates beautiful products, my favorite part has never been the products themselves. It’s the stories behind them. Whether I’m creating a closing gift for a family buying their first home, a military retirement gift, a memorial piece, or something to celebrate a small business milestone, I know that what I’m making often becomes part of someone’s most meaningful memories. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s what continues to inspire me every day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustandsangria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G9fxeWQH1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
