Ouachita Stories

Many college students have struggled with time management when it comes to school, sports and other extracurricular activities. For Mallorie Warner, a freshman Christian ministries/missions and graphic design double major from Benton, Ark., this included running a full-time business.

What started as a hobby in the seventh grade – calligraphy – became a full time-business for Warner. In 10th grade, she needed to fund a mission trip to Ecuador, and that is when her love for calligraphy really began to take off. She creates and sells custom wedding signage and day-of details, including acrylic and welcome signs, seating charts and place cards.

“I funded my way to a mission trip in Ecuador in 10th grade by selling art prints, t-shirts, stickers and canvas paintings,” Warner said. “Gradually, I started doing wedding signs for friends and family. I loved it and have chased that full force ever since.”

In her journey of creating a business, Warner was featured in Arkansas Bride, the biggest bridal magazine in the state.

“It was one of my 2021 goals for my business, so having it actually happen was amazing,” Warner said. “I participated in several styled shoots this year in hopes of being featured and expanding my portfolio, so to be in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue was exciting. I made many connections with wedding vendors all over the state now that were made possible through putting my work out there and getting involved in styled shoots with wedding photographers.”

While Warner made strides in her business, she also struggled juggling it with being a full-time college student. On the weekends, she made local deliveries to keep up with the upcoming fall weddings.

“Time management is difficult, especially as a college student,” Warner said. “A specific struggle in my business is outsourcing materials. Finding quality acrylic for signs was harder than expected.”

Warner’s plans after college include continuing and expanding her business after graduating with a graphic design major. She has plans to expand her services to include invitation suites and other paper goods for weddings and events.

“I love this business because it combines all of my passions,” Warner said. “I can be creative and serve others. My favorite part is sitting down with brides to talk about their wedding and love story. I love hearing how God has worked through the couple’s lives and seeing it all come together for their wedding day.”

“I’m expectant and excited for what God has for me post graduating, whether that is continuing my Mallorie LaRue wedding signs business or something else,” Warner added. “Open hands, eager expectancy.”

Photo by Levi Dade

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