The company Grace Graffiti of Brunswick is one of the five ‘Stars.’

Whitney and David Herndon first visited Brunswick, they didn’t know the port city would eventually become not only their home but a place to expand their passions, create a business, and help the community grow, according to GDEcD.

Whitney founded Grace Graffiti in 2010 when she couldn’t find the products she wanted to see in stores. She designs and makes functional wooden home décor items such as cutting boards, wall art, coasters, placemats, “smart” (not lazy) susans, and much more. The company’s name embraces the idea that creative, colorful, and functional products can bring grace to the home and help to create community.

“Working with wood runs in my family and we both became pretty handy renovating our 1890 home. We love the idea of the old working with the new.  Wood just plays to that so well,” said co-owner David. “It was a hobby for us but soon became a side hustle, and then became a full-time, woman-owned business.”

She later moved the business out of their house and into a real studio on Newcastle Street.

This small, woman-owned business in small town Georgia with ​​four full-time employees has a global presence. The company sells 80% of its goods wholesale and is in 250 to 300 retail stores, mostly locally run independent shops, throughout 50 states. It ships internationally through the ports of Savannah and Brunswick.

Grace Graffiti has benefited from various state resources throughout its growth. Whitney recommends the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center for their assistance, the local Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA), as well as the Downtown Development Authority of Brunswick (DDA). The company has grown thanks to grants from both the GIDA and the DDA.  Georgia’s TV and film industry hasn’t hurt Grace Graffiti either – the storefront has been used in several productions.

The 2024 Small Business ROCK STARS, in order of spotlight date, are:

Seeds II Seams in Swainsboro, Emanuel County

Muscadine Products Corporation in Wray, Irwin County

Grace Graffiti in Brunswick, Glynn County

West Georgia Cornhole in Villa Rica, Carroll, and Douglas counties

KEH Camera in Smyrna, Cobb County

“Georgia’s small businesses are the bedrock of Georgia’s economy and communities,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “From Georgia Grown products on grocery shelves to popular hobbies, this year’s Small Business ROCK STARS demonstrate the diverse ways small businesses touch our everyday lives. Congratulations to the 2024 Small Business ROCK STARS and the communities they reflect!”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development, along with the Georgia Economic Developers Association, created the Small Business ROCK STAR awards as a way to salute the innovations, outreach, and impact of the state’s small businesses. Each of this year’s winners have fewer than 300 full-time employees, are involved in charitable programs in their communities, and were founded in the State of Georgia.

“As economic developers, we value the impact and participation of the small businesses in our local communities. They help make up the culture of each community,” said GEDA President and CEO Grant Cagle. “Lucky for us, we have many different businesses and industries to celebrate all across Georgia. From metro to rural to coastal, congratulations to the 2024 Small Business ROCK STARS!”