COLUMBUS, Ind. — For artist and Keywords Co. owner Jenni Kiesler, the birth of her small business began with a literal birth.
After Kiesler delivered her third child, she started creating chalkboard signs to record the growth of her newborn.
From there, she began selling similar creations to her friends. She later used Etsy and Instagram as platforms for selling her work, which began to include more hand-lettered signs and outside chalkboard art.
Kiesler officially founded Keywords Co. in 2016 and now works on a variety of commercial and event projects. Keywords’ offerings include customized typography, chalk art, digital lettering and painted murals.
Her work has included murals for Ramen Alley, Texas Roadhouse, Schmitt Elementary, Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln and Pure Barre, as well as signage for the Kidscommons Carnivale and various weddings. She’s also worked on menu art for Lucabe Coffee Co., Bear Wallow Distillery and Donut Central.
One of Donut Central’s co-owners, Norma McLeod, said that she first knew Kiesler as a somewhat regular customer at the shop. Then, one day, some of Kiesler’s art caught McLeod’s eye when she saw it at a friend’s wedding, so she asked whose handiwork it was. Now Kiesler updates the Donut Central’s chalkboard menu about four times a year.
“It looks really nice,” McLeod said. “She does a great job, and she’s extremely professional. … She works her schedule around the business and, you know, what our needs are. She accommodates, and she’s just phenomenal.”
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
