Success Was in the Signs

by Ian Halperin

Teaching today is certainly a fulltime job, especially in Wylie ISD where clubs and extra-curricular activities often keep teachers (and students) on campus after the school day has ended. But that doesn’t keep some industrious staff members from finding ways to work a “side hustle” to supplement their income.

For Wylie East’s Kristie Smoot, that opportunity comes in the form of owning and running Yard Card Queen – Wylie. When COVID closed down schools in the spring of 2020, Kristie was looking for a way to supplement her income. As a single mom with a son about to reach driving age, her goal was relatively simple: pay for a more reliable vehicle.

And of course, it started with a Zoom call.

“I had a colleague in education who had just started a yard sign business, and this was an opportunity to get on the ground floor with her,” said Kristie. “So I sort of fell into it, but it just exploded. It really was a blessing.” Yard Card Queen now has 113 affiliates in 25 states including Hawaii.

With an initial investment of $2,200 she purchased enough letters to spell “Happy Birthday” in three colors and 30 graphics. The average display costs $95 and is posted for 24 hours. She now has 500 individual letters in various colors and fonts and more than 1,000 graphics.

Growing her business has taught her new skills like managing inventory and product investment and, as a marketing and principles of business teacher, the lessons she’s learned translate directly into her classroom. “When we talk about entrepreneurship and the pros and cons of running your own small business, I share my firsthand experience from Yard Card Queen -Wylie,” Kristie added.

She averages 20 signs per month and usually does her sign placement in the evenings. Her busiest time is around graduation when her requests can be up to nine a day. To keep up, she works both before and after school. She also brings her son on as a freelance employee to help with setups and pickups.

Kristie said she is very careful to avoid any conflict of interest between her business and her duty to Wylie ISD.

As an employee of the district, she cannot be an approved vendor; however, she is able to book jobs through booster clubs and PTAs. She doesn’t advertise, relying on word of mouth and social media from clients to help grow her business.

Kristie offers some advice to other teachers (or anyone) considering a side hustle:

1. Set an income goal each month. Be realistic and make sure it doesn’t interfere with your teaching.

2. Determine how much time you are willing to devote to it. It has to stay a side job.

3. Be OK with turning down business if needed. It’s OK to say “no”to a job if it conflicts with #1 and #2.

4. Have fun! Be EXTRA!

Although Kristie stresses the importance of remembering that the side hustle is just that – a side job that doesn’t interfere with your “real job” – it can be a great way to earn additional income, support a hobby, or chase a dream. •