Today we’d like to introduce you to Cari Blackstock.
Hi Cari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in the pine forests of Louisiana, where I met my husband, Daniel. He moved to Tavernier in 2017, and I followed in 2019. My background is primarily in the medical field, but one day he came home and asked how I would feel about buying the sign shop where he worked. It was the height of COVID, and I thought, why not?
I saw it as an opportunity to build something of our own while creating a more flexible schedule that would allow me to get involved in our community. As a kid, I watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and dreamed about growing up to be someone’s neighbor in that sense; someone who shows up and makes a difference. Philanthropy had always been close to my heart.
Daniel agreed, and we jumped in. We purchased Vital Signs on February 19, 2019, and never looked back. Over the years, I volunteered and served on various boards until I found my niche. Eventually, a friend approached me about spearheading a Friends of Parks & Beaches group. It was exactly what I had been searching for. With the experience I’d gained working with other nonprofits, I launched the group in late 2024.
Now, I’m grateful to spend my days running both our business and a nonprofit that allows me to give back to the community I love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything worthwhile ever comes easy. The bumps along the way are what help you grow — as a person, a business owner, and a partner.
One of our biggest challenges has simply been that Daniel and I live and work together. Blending marriage and business means learning how to separate “work us” from “home us,” and that takes intention. We’ve had to create healthy boundaries and give each other space when needed. What’s helped most is committing to open, respectful communication; even if the conversation has to wait until later. Learning to say, and to hear, “I can’t talk about this right now, but I will,” has made a huge difference for both our business and our marriage.
On the civic side, the challenges have looked a little different. Sometimes you join something because you deeply believe in the mission, only to realize it’s not quite the right fit for your strengths or season of life. That can be hard, but it’s also part of the journey. It’s helped me better understand where I can make the most meaningful impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Vital Signs/Friends of the Upper Keys Monroe County Parks & Beaches?
Vital Signs is my day-to-day work and creative outlet. We design and produce custom signs, banners, and apparel for clients across the community. Over the five years we’ve owned the business, it has grown steadily, and I truly believe that growth is a reflection of the strong community that supports us.
What sets Vital Signs apart is the way we do business. We bring genuine Southern hospitality into everything we offer. Our doors are always open, everyone is welcomed with respect, and we place a high value on our clients’ time and trust. We’re known as the shop that will do whatever it takes to get the job done, and to do it well. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Vital Signs is visible throughout the community, from sponsor banners around town to the relationships we’ve built face-to-face. People know us, know our work, and know they’re always welcome to stop in and say hello.
Alongside the business, my Friends of Parks & Beaches group is still growing, but I am incredibly proud of the board and the foundation we’ve built together. We strive to be a group that shows up. One that advocates for accessible play for all, protects and improves our green spaces, and creates opportunities for multiple generations to enjoy our islands in meaningful, positive ways. Our goal is to leave these spaces better than we found them, for today and for years to come.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My most-used app by far is Libby. I absolutely love audiobooks and listen to them while I’m working, planning, or even during downtime. Having imaginative stories playing in the background helps me stay focused and makes the day move a little faster. (And it’s free to support your local library!)
I’m also a big fan of local content. I regularly listen to MJ’s podcast, Key to the Keys, along with just about any podcast I can find that’s Keys-related. Staying connected to local stories and voices is really important to me.
When it comes to books, one of my all-time favorite series is Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic Murder series. I read them as fast as she can publish them. I love a good cozy mystery, especially when it’s set in a familiar place or tied to a local dive. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, creativity, and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vitalsignskeylargo.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signs_vital/ and https://www.instagram.com/friendsofparksbeachesupperkeys/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vital%20signs and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568321232567
