Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jeffers.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with The Simple Stencil began in 2003 with a very practical goal: I was a stay-at-home mom trying to fund my daughter’s school trip to France. Having worked in the signage industry, I was comfortable with vinyl, but I had always possessed a personal ‘love affair’ with words and quotes. I started applying vinyl lettering to my own walls as decor—something that wasn’t really being done at the time—and selling a few pieces on eBay.
The response was overwhelming. I quickly realized I had tapped into a universal desire for people to be the designers of their own environments. To meet the demand, I taught myself how to build a website, eventually partnering with a talented developer in Ireland who helped me build one of the first custom ‘design-your-own’ online tools—a partnership that lasted 15 years.
Over the last two decades, through the highs of building a pioneer brand and the personal challenges of loss and divorce, the business has been my constant. I’ve intentionally kept the company small to ensure I never lose the joy of the work itself. Today, I’m proud to say that a small project started at a family ping pong table has turned into 20 years of helping people bring the power of words into their homes and workspaces.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the ‘bumps’ have often led to the most important growth. I’ve faced three major shifts that could have easily ended the business, but each one taught me something new.
First, during the recession of 2008-2009, I was surprised to see the business remain strong. I realized then that when times are tough, people don’t just want decor—they need the power of words to stay encouraged. It solidified my belief that I wasn’t just selling vinyl; I was selling inspiration.
The second major hurdle was the rise of DIY cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette. Initially, I feared my website was doomed because everyone could make their own decals. However, I pivoted by scaling my designs for markets like schools, churches, and businesses. These clients needed larger-scale professional results and valued my expertise and high-quality materials. In a strange twist, those machines actually helped me by raising global awareness for what vinyl decals were!
Finally, the explosion of competition has been a challenge. When I started, there were only two other companies doing this; now, there are thousands. Dealing with copycats who lift my original designs is disheartening, but I choose to focus on the ‘energy cycle’ I believe in. I trust that by maintaining my standards and staying true to my original mission of ‘motivating the mind, body, and spirit,’ my customers will remain loyal.
On a personal level, balancing the business through years of caretaking for my mother and a difficult divorce was a struggle. But returning to work full-force a few years ago wasn’t just about income—it was about reclaiming my identity as an originator in this industry. It’s been 20 years of learning to dance in the rain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Simple Stencil?
At its core, The Simple Stencil is a boutique design studio specializing in high-quality, removable vinyl decor that transforms environments. While we have a massive collection of curated designs, we are best known for our custom online design tools. We empower everyone—from a homeowner wanting a quote in their nursery to a high school principal needing an inspirational mural—to be the designer of their own space.
What truly sets us apart in a now-crowded market is our pedigree and our promise. Having been at the forefront of this industry for over 20 years, we don’t just sell ‘stickers.’ We provide professional-grade materials and an expertise that only comes from two decades of hands-on work.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of two things:
Our Resilience: We have evolved from a ping pong-table startup to a pioneering brand that has withstood economic shifts and technological changes.
Our Community: I am incredibly proud of our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If a customer has a glitch with an installation or a shipping issue, they don’t get a chatbot; they get a solution. My five-star ratings and the fact that I still work with some of the same clients I had decades ago are my greatest badges of honor.
I want readers to know that when they work with The Simple Stencil, they are participating in a cycle of honesty and integrity. I’ve always believed that hard work and treating people right will bear fruit. We aren’t trying to be the biggest company in the world—we’re trying to be the best partner in helping you create a space that motivates your mind, body, and spirit. We’ve kept it small by design so that every order still gets the care and energy it deserves.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Choosing a ‘favorite’ childhood memory is difficult, but the one that shaped me most happened when I was about eleven years old. My brothers and I used to walk to a local bakery almost every day to buy a turnover—a delicious, flaky pastry folded over apple or cherry filling.
One afternoon, I realized I was exactly one penny short. The baker was kind and told me not to worry about it, sending me on my way with my treat. Most kids would have just enjoyed the freebie, but I couldn’t let it go. As soon as I got home, I asked my mom for a penny, walked all the way back, and paid the baker. I’ve always been that way—I don’t like to owe anyone, not even a single cent.
The reason that is my favorite memory, though, happened a few weeks later. My father and I attended a daddy-daughter event at our church. When he got the opportunity to speak, he told that story to the whole room. I didn’t even realize he had noticed what I’d done, but hearing him express how much my integrity meant to him changed me.
That moment is likely why, to this day, I prioritize honesty and integrity above all else in my business. It’s why I have never gone into debt to expand The Simple Stencil; instead, I’ve built it from scratch in a sustainable way, only growing as I could afford it. That single penny taught me that being able to sleep at night, knowing you’ve done the right thing by everyone you encounter, is the true definition of success.
Pricing:
- I offer decals small enough for meagar budgets.
- I offer bulk and quantity discounts for larger customers
- I offer promotional discounts throughout the year
- I offer purchase order options for schools and government organizations.
- I offer custom designing to fit your budget if needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesimplestencil.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimplestencil/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimpleStencils/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-simple-stencil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/simplestencils
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/simplestencils/
- Other: https://share.google/NTtsz95H0p5uyfwwo
