Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Sword
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
SwordCoHome began in 2019, a year and a half after my battle with cancer. I never really had intentions of making my hobbies a full time business before I had cancer, but after I spent 3 weeks in the hospital for a Stem Cell transplant, I told myself I wanted more when I was healthy again. My goal was to have something for myself that I loved and fulfilled my creative outlet but also where I could create my own schedule and work from home so I could spend majority of my time as a Stay at Home Mom (my first and foremost job) to my (at the time) 18 month son.
I, one day, came across similar stamped books at a store. As I examined them I thought of many ways I could elevate the design and make it personalized. I decided to list them on my Etsy Shop and it just took off! As I made my way into selling my stamped books in shops, I was encouraged by one of my shop owners, Jeanette that I should consider painting furniture as well, which has been one of my most recent ventures. I truly love all the work I get to do and I often cannot believe I was able to become my own boss and do something that I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part it has been a smooth road. Sometimes being a Stay at Home Mom first, my husband traveling a lot for work, and owning a business and handcrafting all of its products can be a challenge. I am fortunate to have any amazing support system of friends and family as well as amazing store owners I work with who are extremely flexible.
We’ve been impressed with SwordCoHome, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SwordCoHome is a business with many areas. Anything that is sold under the SwordCoHome name is product or furniture that was crafted or refinished by me personally. I offer personalized handstamped books where I personally stamp each letter individually to create a one of a kind decor piece. I also recently started refinishing furniture in July 2023 and have absolutely loved what refinishing furniture has done for both my mind and soul. I would say across the board that my products and business focuses on bringing custom decor to your home whether it is big or small.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have so many people who deserve credit and mentions. I am going to put this in list form but you are welcome to edit it as you chose.
– My husband, CJ: If it wasn’t for him letting me take over the garage, basement and our loft, I wouldn’t have a place to do all of my work. (LOL!)
-My Parents: They are huge supporters of my business and often help with my son or help me with furniture or books. Both are also my biggest cheerleaders
– Jeanette from Baycreek & Co. : Jeanette is not only my Boss but my friend and has been one of my biggest supporters since I started at Baycreek in 2021. Jeanette is the person who really encouraged me to start refinishing furniture and took a chance on me to try selling my refinished furniture in her shop and it was a major success. I would have never tried refinishing furniture if it wasn’t for her. Jeanette has inspired me and my life in so many ways and I am truly blessed to be apart of Baycreek.
– Mandy at Beeyond Treasures: She also is a huge supporter of mine and is always letting me test out different products in her store, including several of my book and furniture products.
(I sell my products both at Beeyond Treasures and Baycreek & Co.)
– My friend Beth: She not only helped me during my cancer journey but she also flips furniture and has help guide me into this new area of my business.
– My best friend Brooke: She is one of my biggest cheerleaders and also helps me out whether it is helping me pick up furniture or letting my son hang out with her kids while I am dropping off furniture.
-My Instagram followers, customers and all my supporters: They are truly who keeps me going. They believe in me and always support me in whatever it is I am doing.
There are so many people I could name. I am truly blessed to have a huge circle of supporters who always cheer me on.
Pricing:
- Pricing can be found on my Etsy shop which is www.swordcodesigns.com
- For furniture, pricing is based on each piece and can be
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swordcodesigns.com
- Instagram: @swordcohome
Image Credits
Image credits are @swordcohome and @baycreekandco
Headshot: Tonya Bliss Photography
