Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Young.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Seven years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom whose top priority, joy and passion was raising my children. I didn’t want a job that would take me away from that. I also was going through a divorce and knew a little extra money could help provide for my kids.
I’d always loved working with flowers but wanted my creations to last. I saw the prefab wreaths on the market, how scruffy they looked and how unattractive even the most elaborate creations turned out, especially after people stored them and tried to use them year after year. I knew I could create something more beautiful and more durable.
I practiced with permanent, high-end silk flowers, making wreaths from specialized faux greenery that resembled magnolia and eucalyptus leaves and other greenery. I found the most exquisite, double-wire ribbons and other quality embellishments. Turns out, the front door is a wonderful place to get beautiful products noticed! People started asking if I would make custom wreaths for their neighbors or cousins, teachers and friends. The orders I took before the holidays helped me afford Christmas for my children, that first year, and I knew I had a viable product to bring to the marketplace.
I constantly experimented with materials and discovered ideas for personalizing wreaths that are meaningful any time of year. Making personalized wreaths and home decor feels much like a ministry to me. I pray for each of my clients as I select each element and put them together. I pray that God will use me to bring joy to whomever the recipient of my work is.
I once made a wreath for an older woman whose was bitterly grieving the loss of her only long-time companion – her beloved dachshund. A friend of hers sent me toys the dog had played with to tie on the wreath. I turned strips of fabric from the dog’s favorite blanket into a bow and framed small pictures of the pet. That special tribute to her dog hangs in her living room and brings her a lot of comfort, I’m told.
So, whether I’m making a wreath for someone grieving the loss of a loved one or to commemorate a special graduation or anniversary, my business is also my quiet little ministry practiced in my little corner of the world. Today, my offerings have expanded from holiday and personalized wreaths to include a whole array of other Christmas décor—lush faux garlands, elaborate bows that feel sumptuous and grand, miniature, customized Christmas trees, placeholder ornaments for holiday tables, and more.
Great, 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’m not one to see challenges as obstacles, and I didn’t set out to create a business. Initially, making wreaths was just therapeutic for me. It was a way to give something to a friend when, as single mom, I couldn’t always buy a gift. But with word of mouth, friends would ask for a special wreath after a spouse’s mother died or for a team coach at the end of a Little League season. My business grew 100 percent organically, and it will continue to as people see my work.
The business became a way to help support my family and provide extras for my children, who are now finished with high school and out of the house. My wreath and holiday décor business allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom who was fully present while my children were under my roof. I’m looking forward to seeing where the business goes from here.
Please tell us about Laura Elizabeth Designs, LLC.
With the finest elements, from high-end silk flowers to the most durable and lush wired greenery, along with the special ornaments or collectible items, I create keepsakes that last.
Along with my newest offerings, such as garlands and centerpieces, my specialty is creating upscale, personalized wreaths to commemorate special moments, help people remember their proudest achievement, or remind them of the people they love most. My tagline is “Where Your Story Becomes Art.”
Here’s what sets Laura Elizabeth Designs apart from others in the faux floral business–great designs that last and the customized touch. I know that faux wreaths and floral arrangements are often thought of musty and dusty, as cheap decorations that get mashed and squashed during storage and disintegrate.
But my faux wreaths and decor are different. They’re made with the best materials and they truly last. Plus, my personalized creations really connect with the heart. I ship them to people I may never meet, but with whom I feel a connection as I create a personalized wreath just for them. And it gives me great joy to know people are celebrating Christmas with my décor in their homes.
People are looking to purchase things that mean something to them, something they can’t find anywhere in the market—and they’re willing to pay a bit more to find it. It’s so easy to buy things online these days because it’s convenient. But instead of buying disposable wreaths every year, or wreaths that are poorly constructed, they’re drawn to something made just for them, something with quality that lasts. That’s why I’m so gratified that in seven years and seven Christmases, I’ve never had one call or complaint about the wreaths people have purchased to decorate their homes or have given as gifts. Quality is always a trend, along with gifts from the heart.
Pricing:
- Bows, decorative candles and centerpieces start at $20
- Magnolia wreath, $125; Eucalyptus wreath, $140
- Personalized wreaths range from $200 to $300-plus, depending on size and amount of personalization.
Contact Info:
- Address: 28433 Ofallon Mills Dr., Spring, TX 77386
- Website: www.amazon.com/handmade/lauraelizabethdesigns
- Phone: 713-553-0471
- Email: Lauraelizabethdesignsllc@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photos courtesy of Laura Elizabeth Designers, LLC
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