Wendy Graves, partner at Make It Happen Signage Academy, a 2025 Printing United Expo All Star, and Women in Print Alliance member, joins Her Imprint to share her inspiring journey from healthcare to print. What started as a supportive leap into her husband's sign business turned into a passionate career path that now helps others thrive through hands-on training and mentorship.
In this episode, Wendy opens up about building a business alongside her spouse, creating a safe space for women in signage, and how her career shift taught her the power of adaptability. She dives into the value of industry training—not just for skills but for confidence—and why mentorship, especially for women navigating male-dominated sectors, is key to long-term growth. From launching a Facebook group for women in signs to becoming a voice for collaborative learning, Wendy brings authenticity, wisdom, and a dose of humor to this powerful conversation.
00:00 – Intro and Wendy’s role at Make It Happen Signage Academy
01:38 – How a podcast led to a global partnership
02:12 – Experience as a 2025 Printing United Expo All Star
04:16 – Starting in signage via family business
06:21 – From x-ray tech to signage pro
08:26 – Passion for training and empowering newcomers
10:30 – Thoughts on AI in signage and business
15:13 – Mentorship, networking, and women supporting women
22:32 – Advice on finding and maintaining professional connections
26:48 – The power of training and hands-on experience
32:28 – Career advice for women entering signage today
35:29 – Final thoughts and wrap-up





