LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Whether it's a birthday, retirement, or a special shoutout, Quentin Starks will spell it out for you. Starks' business "Big Ol Yard Letters" is just one of the services he offers to add some flair to your yard.
While many small business owners have struggled during the pandemic, some found unexpected success. Sparks, who started a photography business right before the pandemic began, says after shifting focus to other services his business has grown more in the last year.
Last spring, he gained attention for his school sports and graduation yard signs and banners. It was a shift he made for his photography business when the pandemic shut down shoots.
Now, running the two businesses is a full-time job. It’s something Starks says he never expected this time last year.
“I thought we would maybe do one or two yards. Maybe just friends and family, but once you post the pictures and everyone sees it and they share it on Facebook and things like that, it just kept growing and getting momentum,” said Starks.
Starks says he and his fiancé have done about 300 yards so far. He hopes to stand out among other yard sign businesses that have popped up recently by offering unique characters and designs.
“To have something that's still going during this time is just a blessing within itself,” said Starks. “As long as we can keep going and doing good business, I think we'll be fine.”
As for 2021, he hopes to get back to shooting photography for sports teams and continuing to find success in his businesses.