Rising Stars: Meet Laura Krupp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Krupp.

Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
My path to where I am today pretty much followed me through the different stages of my life. I was a creative child who loved to draw and make things. In high school, I was very involved with the Photography department and spent my weekends taking classes at the Art Center in Pasadena with their Saturday High Program. In college, I took a few drawing classes. In my 20s, I loved making things for weddings and events for friends and family. My 30s were wrapped around all things to do with my kids. Classroom and school events started as a volunteer from time to time and eventually became the President of the Parent Association. It was during that time that I discovered the Cricut (a die-cut machine), and that opened a whole new world of possibilities for me. It took me in a new creative direction. Friends and family would come to me and ask me make things for the special people and events in their life. I have always liked a challenge and challenged myself to learn new things anytime someone asked me to do something. Even if it was something I had never done before. Then a friend asked me to do something with wood, that was different than anything I had ever done before. After a little bit of research, I realized that the only way to do it (and do it well) was to get a laser. And that was when everything really changed for me. Instead of working with paper and vinyl, I could use a laser to create with endless possibilities. In February of 2021, I officially opened my business of making personalized and custom gifts. It took some time to narrow down exactly what I wanted my business to be. And unique, hand-painted farmhouse home and event decor is where I ended up. And the rest is history. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from a smooth road. While my business was starting to grow, my health started declining. Then, right in the middle of my first-holiday rush, I had a massive stroke that almost killed me. I had to relearn how to speak again, and it took a lot of time to be able to draw and paint again. I got to the point that I was able to slowly start making things again. And then, thyroid cancer was found. It was like every time I took two steps forward, I had to take 10 steps back. But my philosophies are two things: 

1) What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. 

2) Always find the funny. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been growing my business on Etsy, and I love it. I think what I’m most proud of is the quality of my work and my dedication to exceptional customer service. I appreciate every single order that comes though my shop and go out of my way to let me customers know how much their support of my small business means to me. I do not cut corners. I have a very high standard for what leaves my shop, and I spend the time to produce high-quality items that are made with love and appreciation. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I had an amazing childhood. There is no way to narrow it down to one memory. I grew up with parents and grandparents who spent their entire lives together. My childhood was filled with love, understanding, and treating people as you’d want to be treated. So, I guess my favorite memory is just the feeling of unconditional love. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lkruppkreations.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lkruppkreations
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lkruppkreations
• Other: https://lkruppkreations.etsy.com/