As part of our #WhySI campaign on why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Christine DeShazo, the owner of Spectrum Graphics that has operated in Southern Illinois since 1981.

While a college student at SIUC from 1976-81, Christine DeShazo studied and received a BS in graphic design, with an additional concentration in fine art and advertising. She also worked for 3.5 years for a local sign company. On April 1st of 1981, she started her own business, Spectrum Graphics. Christine truly enjoyed all aspects of the creative business, and “Spectrum” allowed her to promote her skills to businesses by developing company logos, assisting with advertising, and building/painting signs and vehicles. She was still a senior that spring semester, and by the time she finished her degrees, she already had a list of clients. Christine already loved it in Southern Illinois and staying worked!

How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture and/or resources contribute to your success in running a business here?

I remember as a freshman living in Neely Hall, I was on one of my strolls up “The Strip” when a guy with a 3-4” bright blue mohawk stepped out into the street.  I looked up and down the sidewalks and marveled at the different cultures that coexisted in this wonderful town.  By the end of that year, I had friends from across the globe.  The diversity amazed me. All were part of a unique cultural treasure here in one inviting, accepting and beautiful campus.  I believe I’ll always be able to recall that feeling in my heart.  In the late 70’s and early 80’s there were very few women in my trade and once I sold a job, I did my best to do great work and earn each client’s respect and trust.

Why do you love running a business in Southern Illinois?

I think when you pour not just your talent and ability into a project but your heart, you create success.  While I’ve met the stress of deadlines for 45 years and there were a lot of times that financially things were a struggle, I’ve always been blessed to have at least six clients waiting on work and made “enough” to get by.

Why do you love living in Southern Illinois?

I grew up trail riding near Golconda and always felt “at home” in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest.  The sign business allowed me to work a good bit outside.  I still don’t like to be stuck in an office all day.  In my 20’s I always had a sketch book with me and one evening while sketching portraits in a local bar, I had an attorney remark on my talent but scold me and tell me that I would never be successful staying in Southern Illinois. I boldly looked at him and replied, “Well that would depend upon one’s definition of success. I want an art studio overlooking my horse pasture and a couple of great kids.”  I’ve done that.