Meet Melanie Skotarski | Marketing Director & Enterpeneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Skotarski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Taking a risk can seem scary, but I view it as a natural part of the process.

There have been several points in my career journey, where I’ve taken a risk — not knowing exactly how it might work out and have benefited from taking the leap. That’s not to say the new move was easy to go through — whether it’s a stretch project, new job or significant life event.

Sometimes taking a risk doesn’t work out. From those experiences, I learned to take the “good” from the change and know that it will help me somewhere down the line.

Taking a risk can expand your perspective or help you discover a passion hidden beneath the surface — which might lead you down a path you never even considered.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I’m proud to be part of Sign Greeters, an Atlanta-based yard sign company. My territory includes Forsyth County and North Fulton cities. With every yard sign, we bring the “happy” to all kinds of celebrations — birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, bar/bat mitzvahs, new babies and much more.

I’ve always wanted to have my own business — it started when I was kid with my first lemonade stand. Over the years, I looked at different opportunities, but it wasn’t the right fit or time.. While that was difficult at the time, it just stoked my desire. The opportunity to become a Sign Greeters owner came during the pandemic, after seeing a post on Facebook.

Having 20+ years of work experience has been a great foundation as I started my Sign Greeters journey. I’m able to tap my network for different aspects of operations and promotion. Early on that was important, especially as I was setting up the business and trying to get the word out.

Not everyday is easy, but I really do enjoy working with the families and friends who want to celebrate their loved ones with a sign in their front yard. Also, I partner with many schools and their PTOs to celebrate a variety of school events — this further reinforces the good you find in being a community partner.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

You can eat and drink your way thru the Atlanta area … if you have a craving, Atlanta has a place to satisfy that craving. For breakfast, Goldberg’s or the Flying Biscuit top my list. If Mexican is the craving, then Taqueria del Sol or Nueva Laredo on the westside are two of my favorites.

Need some yummy pizza, then Mellow Mushroom, Marietta Pizza Company and Blue Moon Pizza are so good. For a true taste of Atlanta favorites, you have try the Silver Skillet, Varsity, Vortex, OK Cafe or Taco Mac — some of the yummiest meals ever.

For any visitor coming in the spring, walking thru the Dogwood Festival or Inman Park Festival is a must. Piedmont Park is natural gem in the middle of the city. The parade at the Inman Park event is a wonderful collection of the Atlanta community … a little bit of everything for everyone in the family … and plenty of great people watching!

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is another treasure in the city. So much beauty … you can really appreciate Mother Nature when you’re strolling around the grounds. Also high on my list is taking in a concert at Chastain Park. Bring your picnic dinner, then enjoy some awesome music and entertainment.

Staying with the outside theme, you can head north of Atlanta to Cloudland Canyon. Plenty of hiking trails, water and beauty all in one place. In the fall, the Canyon is the perfect place to see some amazing fall leave.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Fortunately, I’m lucky to have some great people in my life whose guidance, advice and love have been instrumental in my success.

It starts with my family — specifically. my parents and grandparents who encouraged me to leave the nest, discover the world, and start my life’s journey.

Another key group is my “council” … mostly colleagues and friends from my different phases of my life. From time to time, when a big decision is on my mind, I can count on this council to ask me the hard questions and offer sound advice. I’m forever grateful for all of these friends and how they’ve guided me when I’m at a crossroad.

There’s one book by Ariana Huffington called “Thrive” that’s been an essential read for me … especially as I’ve advanced in my career and started a family. The whole book is a great read — there are a few chapters which I go back to whenever I’m struggling with a challenge. Overall, it has a very calming effect on me.

Website: https://signgreeters.com/greeter/peachtree-corners-yard-greetings/

Instagram: @SignGreetersPeachtreeCorners, @SignGreetersAlpharetta

Facebook: @SignGreetersPeachtreeCorners, @SignGreetersAlpharetta