Daily Inspiration: Meet Jennifer Sabatini

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Sabatini.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I worked in corporate America for over 25 years. In 2012 I began helping other small businesses by working for them and creating marketing programs. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the business I worked for closed its doors forever. I opened CASual Art Works for my daughter, Courtney. She was a full-time student and athlete and extremely talented with her drawing and paintings. Since a normal job didn’t work with her schedule, we began promoting and selling her artwork. Once I lost my job, I became an active creator and co-owner. We expanded into utilizing wood, metal, and glass to create custom gifts and home décor items.

We have even done quite a few pieces for businesses. Then in 2021, Courtney left for UNC Charlotte to pursue an architecture degree. I continued to keep growing the business and doubled our sales in 2020. Then in late 2022, we expanded to include custom laser cut and engraved items – increasing our sales. Additionally, we locally source as much of our materials and recycle/upcycle items to keep our costs low. We work closely with our customers and get approval at each process step. This sets us apart from other businesses similar to ours. We also try to be a part of events throughout the Triangle area. We also donate items to charity events whenever we are asked. We believe in giving back. In 2023 we will continue to grow with our product offerings. I am still the major creator of our business. Courtney creates as she has the time or upon request.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is only sometimes smooth. The biggest struggle has been the best way to get our products out in the community. We were once in 5 retail locations throughout the Triangle. This was costly and became too difficult to manage during the busy holiday season, especially as a 1 woman’s shop with many events and custom orders. The next struggle is to make sure there is a balance between business and personal time. It is a delicate balance. The final struggle has been to increase offerings and products and grow the business strategically and purposefully while still being a 1 woman’s shop.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
CASual Art Works prides itself on creating custom gifts, home décor, and business items at an affordable price. We started with 5′ Welcome signs. Most of our Welcome signs are not like those you find at stores or like others. We put a personal, creative touch on ours. We also create door and wall hangers unique to your space, colors, and purpose. We love making personalized/custom gifts. We are known for our process and communication at each step of the design and creation process, along with our affordable prices. Lastly, we are known for taking a customer’s idea and elevating it, providing them with something they or their receiver will cherish for a long time.

I am most proud of how we started and expanded this business during a global pandemic. Not only have we started it and kept it going, but we have grown it by 70-100% each year.

Our process sets us apart. We conduct an initial phone call or meeting to discuss colors, size, fonts, graphics, etc. Then, once we create, we text photos for approval at each step, from the initial paint/stain/color of the product’s base. Then when designing on the computer for the vinyl or engraving – we text for approval of font, layout, size, etc. Then once things are ready to be applied or cut/engraved, we send another photo for final approval. Then, once complete and sealed, a final photo is sent for completion confirmation and delivery/pick-up arrangements to be made. This process ensures that customers receive exactly what they want and guarantees satisfaction. While it can be time-consuming to have these many steps, it assures the customers that we care and that they feel confident about the products they receive.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My daughter, Courtney Sabatini, is less active in the business than she would like due to college demands, but she is my biggest cheerleader. She and our other daughter, Isabella, are also the people I bounce many ideas off of.

My husband, John, and I have been together since 1989 and married since 1998. He has supported the business since day 1. He always makes time to help me with larger-sized orders. He also helps me with many of the power tools/saws. He has also helped me learn how to burn the wood with a blow torch to create custom looks.

Additionally, I am part of a fabulous networking group, Women in Networking (WIN). These 25+ women have been in my corner since we started CASual Art Works. They are great about referring us to people they know and on social media when people ask for products/services we provide. I also bring new products into our group meetings to get feedback. When I need experts in Quickbooks, Google, photography, etc. – these ladies have me covered and make sure we stay on track.

Pricing:

• $50 and Up for Welcome Signs
• $65 and Up for Stove Covers
• $20 and Up for Engraved Cutting/Charcuterie Boards
• $25 and Up for Door Hangers

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CASualArtWorks.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/CASualArtWorks
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/CASualArtWorks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sabatini-36236b133/ 

Image Credits
The paintings completed by: Courtney A. Sabatini, My headshot was completed by: Fofia Studio Creations (Maria Mirabella)