Conversations with Nikki Lynch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Lynch.

Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had been wanting to start a sign company for many years. Having three generations of sign makers in my family. It was important for me to keep the legacy going strong. With my scrollsaw sitting in the dust, I had paralysis of analysis getting in my way. When a friend came to me and asked me to create a nursery sign for her daughter, I decided to take the leap and create. The orders started and haven’t stopped since. I absolutely love what I do and this will be my forever career. I’ve grown so much as an artist and in myself. I can’t wait to see how much more I learn and take on in the future as a 4th generation sign maker.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been easy? Absolutely not. There has literally been so much blood, sweat and tears poured into my work. Mistakes along the way range from cutting the wrong sized wood, having to recut an intricate design because it fell on the ground and broke, and repainting because a pesky bug flew on the paint job. The list could go on. Although I’m mainly self-taught, I’ve been so fortunate enough to have the help of other wonderful makers during the struggles. We all make mistakes, right? I don’t let mistakes stop me from growing, I take what I can get and learn from them. Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to this type of art.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a wood sign maker specializing in 3D hand-cut wood signs as well as laser engraved gifts such as keychains, jewelry, journals, coasters, and cutting boards, you name it! I’m known for my signs. They range from nurseries, weddings, portraits, and last names to even logos.

I’m most proud of my accomplishments and how well-known I’ve become in Fort Collins and surrounding areas. I have created many business logo signs and they’re in over 15 brick-and-mortar locations locally, this doesn’t include other states. It’s not easy starting a business and getting your name out there. The referrals are on point and I’m so grateful.

What sets me apart from others, I’d have to say is my style. As a maker, I strive on creating designs and making signs that are my own. If an idea is brought to me, I turn it around to make it different using my own creativity.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
This is a hard question. I lost my older sister when I was eight which then I became an only child. It would be hard for me to choose one favorite childhood memory, I would have to say any memory with my sister regardless of the good and bad I cherish them all. She wanted to become a teacher for kids with special needs so we practiced her teaching skills with old school papers she’d bring home from her teacher at that time and of course I was her respectful student. She was such a sweet, fun, loving, energetic individual. Though there were times I was a brute, okay maybe most of the time but still, I looked up to her, she was my best friend. I loved the sparkle in her eye and the glow of her smile, you could definitely tell she had such a beautiful and pure soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thecozygrain.com
• Instagram:  thecozygrain
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecozygrain 

Image Credits
Debirae photography