Malyn Howard was on the hunt for a large sign for her friend’s baby shower when she started thinking seriously about starting her own Alpha-Lit business. After struggling to find anything in the region that matched her vision, Howard decided to invest in Alpha-Lit Western KY, where customers can rent and customize pre-lit signs for a variety of occasions.
In March 2019, the first Alpha-Lit store opened in Dallas. Word quickly spread about the lit-up signs and the business expanded across the country.
The signs are made up of 3-foot marquee letters that hold 8-12 light bulbs per letter. The bulbs can be either white or multi-colored, depending on each customer’s preference.
“I couldn’t find anything like that here that was customizable. The closest locations were in Nashville or Lexington,” said Howard, a McLean County resident. “I wanted to fill that gap and bring something like that here.”
Alpha-Lit signs are known for their “chic” look and are often rented for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and everything in between, Howard said. Alpha-Lit Western KY will be serving customers across the entire seven-county region.
Howard and her husband Kyle will officially open their shop in March. The pair have already launched Facebook and Instagram pages for their business to spread the word about thier new business.
Last weekend, local business Bella Ragazza Boutique placed Howard’s “JOY” sign in the front window, and one customer has already reserved a sign for her May wedding, Howard said.
Over the next few months, Howard will be focused on acquiring all the letters and numbers they’ll need to officially open up shop.
For now, the couple will be operating Alpha-Lit Western KY out of their home, storing letters in the extra garage space. But Howard said that could all change if the business — along with the need for more space — begins to grow.
“This is something that works well with COVID going on too. The signs make a bold statement for drive-by or drive-thru events,” she said. “These signs stand out, day or night.”
Those hoping to schedule a rental or learn more about Alpha-Lit Western KY can email Howard at [email protected] or check out the business’s Instagram page @alphalitwesternky.
