By Kat Fragoso

Do you love the artistic personalization of a laser? If that is a yes, then A Sign of Success is your next jam! Artistic creator and owner Wade Trefethen, creates and hand makes original designs on several mediums to create one of a kind items that can be personalized! Keep going to read more about Wade and A Sign of Success!

NYHC: Tell us about what you make.

Wade Trefethen: We make everything from live event branding products to laser engraved fun stuff. It could be pop up banners, step and repeats, magnets, keychains, and also very custom items.

NYHC: Where do you live?

WT: In The Heights (just like the movie): Washington Heights, Manhattan.

NYHC: What is unique or different about your process and/or designs?

WT: I think what I love most is designing custom items for my clients. Whether they are adding a custom element to something I already offer or we start from scratch.

NYHC: Do you have any favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

WT: Lately I have been loving my branded cell phone holders made from 1/4" wood. We use cherry, walnut or even mahogany wood.

NYHC: What is your favorite tool or supply?

WT: My favorite too is my laser, without question. I bought a Glowforge laser printer in March 2020. We can use acrylic, mdf, cardboard, and all types of wood. It’s really fantastic!

NYHC: Is there a new piece/opportunity/change that you're excited about?

WT: I have been talking with some other makers about some fun collaborations. Stay tuned to find out what may come.

NYHC: What advice or tips can you share with other makers?

WT: Keep making, don't be afraid to fail. Take the lesson from each failure and see what you can learn from it.

NYHC: Share an important lesson you've learned from running your business.

WT: A mentor is worth everything. Find someone that is doing what you are doing and learn from them. It’s amazing what you can learn as most likely someone has already learned that lesson.