From a side hustle during maternity leave to a multimillion-dollar global brand, Custom Neon is proof that with the right idea, timing, and execution, a simple spark can turn into something truly illuminating.
Custom Neon is the company behind some of the most recognisable LED signs in homes, businesses, and at events across the world and is the brainchild of South Australian entrepreneur, Jessica Munday.
This Adelaide woman is now at the helm of a global business, lighting up spaces across the world and is proof that big ideas can come from the most unexpected places.
“I never set out to be an entrepreneur. There are times where I look at Custom Neon and pinch myself and can’t quite believe that this wonderful journey is happening.
“Custom Neon began because we were faced with a problem that we tried to solve. We have worked hard ever since to continue to solve and anticipate problems that customers might face and set out to offer them the solution,” Mrs Munday said.
Almost 7 years on, Jessica reflects on the journey of Custom Neon and everything the team has achieved and is still shocked at the empire that has been created.
Like many great business ideas, Custom Neon was born out of frustration.
In 2018, while decorating her son’s nursery, Jessica and her husband, Jake, wanted a custom neon sign featuring their baby’s name. But sourcing one was nearly impossible with the process being slow, expensive, and requiring extensive emails with suppliers just to get a quote.
It was a gap in the market too obvious to ignore.
What started as a small project soon expanded, first into a wedding hire business and then into custom signage for local businesses. Demand quickly outpaced the couples expectations, and their inbox was flooded with requests. Sensing an opportunity, they took a bold step towards building a website that allowed customers to design and order their own neon signs instantly, removing all the hassle of traditional ordering.
The response was overwhelming.
In just a few months, Custom Neon was making six figures in revenue and while the company initially thrived in the wedding and event space, it expanded, partnering with businesses looking for eye-catching branding solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the signage industry.
For Jessica, the journey has been transformative and loves that what began as a side project during maternity leave has evolved into an international business with a reputation for innovation.
“The sort of satisfaction that you see when your own project grows and develops is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The to-do list never ends, but that’s what keeps me motivated. I love what I do and I love coming to work.
“Juggling a growing business and three little humans is hard work and incredibly rewarding and I would be lying if I said it didn’t come without sacrifice. It can be incredibly difficult to juggle the loves of my life.
“As a business, we are constantly pushing forward, growing, and seeing what’s next,” Mrs Munday said.
Today, Custom Neon is an internationally recognised brand with offices and design teams in Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.
The company has grown to more than 30 employees and has neon signs that have been featured at Paris Hilton’s wedding, inside Facebook’s Los Angeles headquarters, and in luxury hotels like the W Sydney.
Most recently, Custom Neon created an eco-friendly neon installation for luxury brand, Coach, using recycled LED neon offcuts to align with the brand’s sustainability ethos.
Custom Neon is more than just a business. It is an inspiring story of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and the power of a great idea
The Custom Neon team’s journey proves that even the simplest ideas, when paired with passion and execution, can shine brighter than ever imagined.
