When Whitney and David Herndon first visited Brunswick, Georgia, 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.

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. 

Why wooden products?  

“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.”

The products span a large range of styles and are inspired by everyday life. The common thread is that the items are all wooden, hand-crafted, and have a contemporary yet rustic look. 

“Our products at Grace Graffiti can stand alone or mesh seamlessly with other design aesthetics,” said Whitney. 

When it came time to move the business out of the house and into a real studio, Newcastle Street was a “no-brainer” according to the husband-and-wife team.  

Newcastle thrives as the heart of this vibrant historic waterfront community with its array of quaint shops, restaurants and boutiques following along the East River and famous Marshes of Glynn, but there wasn’t much activity when the Herndons relocated there.  Inspired by the character of the 100-year-old-plus buildings in the historic downtown, the couple could see the potential and revitalization efforts already taking place – and they wanted to be a part of it.  Now, Whitney is chair of the Brunswick Downtown Development Authority and participates in the Authority’s events as well as welcoming new businesses downtown.   

Participating in revitalization is part of Grace Graffiti’s community spirit.  

“It’s a very vibrant, entrepreneur-friendly community,” David said. “Whitney is one of many pioneers – she believed in the town. Now, every time a new business opens, we try to support it.” 

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.

“We are incredibly proud to know that there is a little bit of Brunswick, Georgia, around the world,” Whitney said.

Whitney is also enthusiastic about the College of Coastal Georgia’s Art & Lindee Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship, which builds opportunities for students and entrepreneurs through mentorships, workshops, coaching, pitch competitions, college courses, events, and more.

“I am inspired by the ambition and young energy that our college students bring to the table," she said. “Their perspective is incredibly valuable, and I love how involved the college is in our business community.” 

The company is also involved in encouraging the next generation of the workforce, educating local students about business, and participating in an on-the-job training program for special education students from Glynn Academy’s Community Based Learning Program. 

Grace Graffiti was recently certified as a Georgia Made™ company  by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Georgia Made ™ builds awareness of products manufactured in Georgia, providing networking and connections to facilitate logistics, innovation, and exporting needs.   

“Everything we send out has the Georgia Made sticker on it,” says Whitney. We’re honored to receive the Small Business Rock Star award and consider it not just ours, but a testament to the Brunswick community that has supported us so strongly.” 

Every year in honor of Georgia Small Business Week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) team up to present a few outstanding small businesses with the title of Small Business ROCK STARS. The awards salute the risks taken, innovations, outreach, and impact of the state’s small businesses. Each of this year’s winners has fewer than 300 full-time employees, makes a positive impact in their community, and was founded in the State of Georgia. Learn more about the program and the rest of the 2024 ROCK STARS.