Jim Fair
Jessica McIlvenny sits atop a ladder to admire the work of here two person Dixie Signs team.
Jim Fair
Daniel Millwood puts the finishing touches on the new Rhythm & Brews signage last Friday.
Jim Fair
The Greer Drug Co. and Rexall sign will be given a facelift with its original color scheme. The building is located at 200 Trade Street.
Jim Fair
Jessica McIlvenny's first downtown project under her small business, Dixie Signs, was updating Smith & James.
The former Rexall signage above The Greer Drug Co. at 200 Trade Street is getting a facelift with its original signage featuring its blue and orange color scheme. And McIlvenny will do the honors
“We’re matching the Rexall colors with a special palette at Sherman Williams and we’ll get started as soon as that is done,” said McIlvenny, owner of Dixie Signs. Approval and permitting has been completed, she said.
Brent Jones, of Service Transport Inc., (STI) owns the building that now houses EFS Fitness Studio. He also plans to attach the original Rexall sign that hung on the side of the building to mark the downtown landmark at the corner of Trade and Victoria.
McIlvenny painted the new Rhythm & Brews signage last Friday. She also painted Smith and James signage last year.
Question: When did you start painting signs?
McIlvenny: I began at Mayfield Sign Company, working there five years, and started my own business two years ago. I have recently done all the lettering at STI.
Q: How long will it take to paint the Rexall signage?
A: I look for two sunny days back-to-back with temperatures above 60 degrees. It doesn’t take too long for the paint to dry. We will paint the blue and orange lettering one day and outline it the next to make it look antique.
Q: How did you retain the historic look in downtown with Rhythm & Brews?
A: I matched the font style with an eroded look for Rhythm & Brews. You want to make it look a little antique.
Q: How big is your business?
A: It’s just Daniel (Millwood) and me.
Q: How do you hire?
A: I worked from the bottom up learning how to paint and I hire the same way. I don’t want to hire anyone unless I have done the same type of job myself.
• Jessica McIlvenny can be emailed here.