Community Highlights: Meet Elizabeth Sieger of Sketch + Sentiment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Sieger. 

Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a penchant for creating goods by hand. My mom taught me to sew at a young age; a skill that turned into a hobby, which turned into a Bachelor of Science in fashion design from the University of Cincinnati, while studying at their college of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, I had the opportunity to work with several small businesses for my co-op internships. When the recession limited the availability of paid internships in 2010, I used that experience to begin my entrepreneurial journey, teaching myself how to run a handmade accessories business. Upon graduation, I accepted an offer from Fossil and moved to Dallas, TX, to continue my career in accessories design. 

When I married an Army officer in 2016, the concept of working remotely was not quite as popular as it is in recent times. I had to leave my role with a home goods company and move 3 hours away to Fort Hood. I sent my husband an endless amount of mail during his deployment, but I struggled to find postcards or imagery of the many small towns I visited while he was away. Fashion design jobs in this army town were lacking, so I took this as an opportunity to strike out on my own. Inspired by Fort Hood itself, and its slogan “the great place,” I illustrated various military bases to create collectible posters. Sketch + Sentiment was born. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There is a lot of uncertainty in entrepreneurship, and even more so as a military spouse entrepreneur. A year into my business, my husband completed his service in the Army, and our life, including my business, was packed in boxes for several months as we determined where our lives would take us geographically. 

The pandemic certainly put a strain on all aspects of my small business. In 2020, we moved across the country, and, once more, my business was packed into boxes. I ran my business in pieces, split between a basement office and a storage unit for 6 months. Meanwhile, there were extensive delays and shortages from my material suppliers. It definitely made me get creative and pivot into other strategies. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Sketch + Sentiment. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sketch + Sentiment turns illustrations into meaningful handmade goods. We strive to honor each client’s unique journey through illustrated posters, home decor, and accessories. Sketch + Sentiment is best known for its faith-based gifts and military artwork. 

I am most proud of the way my brand helps to spread positivity towards self and others, inspiring our clients in their faith journey, and honoring our clients’ oath to service. We hope each client feels especially cared for, as each product is just an email away from being uniquely customized. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
There are two characteristics I feel are most important to success: adaptability and perseverance. A successful entrepreneur has to be quick on her feet to both adapt and persevere when difficulties arise. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spouse-ly.com/store/sketchandsentiment
• Instagram: instagram.com/sketchandsentiment
• Facebook: facebook.com/sketchandsentiment

Image Credits
Alex Morgan