Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
In the background of many Instagram event photoshoots appears a common backdrop: a dark beige banner with bright, hand-painted lettering. For most, these banners may be a new background to take cute pictures in front of, but for Kerrville freshman Maddie Stueber, founder of Bannered by Maddie, it’s a business.
Stueber began her banner-making business in 2024 as a creative outlet. Each banner is a way for her to pursue her passion all while making her customer’s events a little more special.
“I love making banners because I get to be completely me and create something that I care about so deeply,” Stueber said. “I love getting to create something that will go in someone’s memory.”
Each banner Maddie makes involves planning, sketching and painting, a process that takes her about two to three hours and uses a plethora of materials, including pencils, makeup brushes, acrylic paint and acrylic paint pens. While one might think of this process as tedious, Stueber enjoys each detail, especially the finishing touches.
“I love getting to piggyback off of the latest trends or get to do something totally new,” Stueber said. “I love getting orders from people and it being something so unique and hand drawn. My favorite part is adding the final touches because I believe they are what make the banner so special.”
Customers of Bannered by Maddie choose her business for a variety of reasons, but Tarleton State University freshman Addi Bates recently purchased a banner for her graduation party. She said she appreciated Stueber’s prices and style.
“I chose to purchase a banner from Maddie because she does really good work for reasonable prices, plus it’s well put together and she offers a variety of fun options and colors to choose from,” Bates said.
According to the Bannered by Maddie Instagram page, the price is modified depending on the length of paper used, amount of paint needed and the recreation of certain designs.
“I think it’s super important to make banner prices reasonable because celebrating shouldn’t cost a fortune,” Stueber said.
Now as Stueber is transitioning from Kerrville to Waco, her main hope is that her business can keep flourishing.
“I am hoping to gain some new clients so that I can continue my craft in a place that already means so much to me,” Stueber said. “I am thankful for the support that I have received back at home and I am looking forward to making those connections here in Waco.”
