We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Problem solved for clients/what sets my business apart:
Fresh flowers inevitably fade. That’s why people turn to silk floral decorations in the first place. But when I surveyed the faux-floral, manufacturer-made wreaths on store shelves, I saw that they were sadly lacking. They looked rough around the edges, and even the most artistic designs simply did not age well. As they were pulled out year after year, they became faded and frayed, even when stored with care.
I have always loved making floral arrangements and decorating, especially for Christmas. I started to dream about and research ways to craft my creations with blossoms and greenery that would last. My goal—and really, my passion—became creating wreaths and decorations that were both beautiful and long-lasting, I sought the most exquisite, permanent, high-quality silk flowers and embellishments, finding specialized faux greenery that truly mimics magnolia, ivy, eucalyptus, evergreen, and other plants. I scoured the marketplace to find deluxe, double-wire ribbons and other unique embellishments—so that every wreath tells a personal story—like the wreath that commemorates a child’s high school graduation or the garland that memorializes a beloved pet.
How the business has evolved:
Marketers may use flyers and billboards to publicize a business, but I discovered that customers’ front doors are an amazingly effective place to advertise! Orders for custom wreaths came in faster and faster—and because I made each with exceptional care, people started to notice.
While each product may be unique, with customers custom ordering specific ribbons and charms for their wreaths or decorations, every product has one consistent element—they are each covered in prayer. As I create each piece, I pray over the work—for the customer and for all the people who will enjoy that wreath or decoration. In my mind, my business is really a ministry, and I believe that the Lord has blessed it and allowed it to grow.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I design and handcraft high-end, everlasting holiday and year-round wreaths. I also create a wide selection of custom special-occasion décor: grand, lush garlands; sumptuous bows; miniature, personalized Christmas trees; one-of-a-kind place card holders; and more.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My tagline is “Where Your Story Becomes Art.” This motto was on display in my early, custom pieces that started a word-of-mouth campaign that helped elevate my business’s reputation. People recognize heartfelt design and quality. And now my newest collection of high-quality wreaths and garlands speak for themselves.
Relying on word of mouth:
At first, my wreaths were a therapeutic hobby that allowed me to express my creativity and share something beautiful with friends and neighbors when, as a single mom, I couldn’t purchase a pricey gift. But people began telling others about the items I gave them. More and more people turned to me for that special gift or symbol of an important season in their lives. From the holidays to silver anniversaries or a child’s christening, people wanted special decor to commemorate the occasion. And now they are repeat customers coming back for my newest holiday décor, which is also crafted with the utmost care and high-quality components.
Changing perceptions:
What distinguishes Laura Elizabeth Designs within the faux floral business is thoughtful design and the personal investment I put into each piece. I’m not unaware of how some people perceive faux floral arrangements and wreaths. I understand that some people view them as cheap imitations, with artificial-looking berries that fall off sprigs of imitation holly branches. But my everlasting wreaths and decor delight my customers because they’re made with the very best components available and because they’re made with genuine care. They’re prayed over fervently, and they truly reflect my heart for celebrating special seasons, whether its Christmastime, a college graduation, or a high school volleyball team’s championship season.
Even as I’ve expanded my product line, I’ve never strayed from the original intent—to create something beautiful and durable, something that makes people “ooh and ahh”, but most of all, have a heartfelt connection with this piece of art made just for them for years to come.
We’d really appreciate it if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
How the business got started: I began the business as a recently-divorced, stay-at-home mom. I wanted a job I could do from home because raising my kids was, and still is, my top priority, greatest joy, and biggest passion. For almost 10 years, I built this custom and commercial wreath and decoration business from my kitchen table. There still is no “manufacturing” or assembly line involved.
At first, my wreath-making projects earned just enough to cover business expenses and a few extras for my children, but then enough orders came in that I started to invest in growing the business. It was truly rewarding!
Vendors I work with:
What sets my products apart is the quality of the elements—premium ribbons, greenery, silk blossoms, and other components. I’ve done the research to select the best of the best, and I’ve got great relationships with those frequent product sources.
The other “vendors” I work with are the customers themselves—the people who provide the stories behind the orders and send me the photos, mementoes, and heartfelt ideas behind the personalized pieces. They are what make the items truly custom made and one-of-a-kind.
Specifically, I use Farrisilk Ribbons, Afloral for their real life like florals, Melrose International and a variety of other fine businesses. On BBC p a
Lessons learned:
One thing I learned is that as much as I love the custom orders, I must use my time wisely to generate the necessary income to keep the business going. That means I needed to create some go-to designs—wreaths, garlands, and side table designs that I can recreate time and again. I make every one of these standardized items with just as much love, thought, and care as my custom orders, but these staple items provide a foundation for my inventory. There are only so many hours in the day!
Contact Info:
- Website: Currently creating it.
- Instagram: laura.elizabeth.designs
- Facebook: Laura Elizabeth Designs