Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Copeland.
Hi Laurie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With my love of nature, I enjoy creating “Seriously Fun” agates, druzys, quartz, jasper, and recycled sari silk into “Seriously Fun” necklaces, earrings, hair sticks, tassels, rings, and bracelets.
I grew up watching my award-winning mother paint; she would ask my opinion on her paintings. This was my training; my creativity was encouraged by consistently being around it. To this day, layout and design is my favorite element of my artwork, thanks to my mother’s questions.
In 1990, when my daughter, Kailey was born, I was looking for a way to earn money and still stay home with my newborn. I took a jewelry-making class and was astonished when people wanted to buy what I was making! Thus, my first handmade jewelry business, LynWorks, was born. My husband, John, and I started participating in small shows, graduating to larger, juried shows. After 7 years and Kailey in school, we knew it was time to be home on the weekends, so LynWorks retired.
During this time, I enjoyed being a mom, involved in PTA, and volunteering in the church. I continued to explore my creative side, becoming an author and speaker, publishing magazine articles and two books with Dena Dyer: The Groovy Chicks Road Trip to Peace, and The Groovy Chicks Road Trip to Love. I also taught drama to k-5 students through high school, and taught scrapbooking, combining my love of pictures and creativity.
In 2014, I opened the doors to The Ferne Ruth Co, named after my mother, my creative inspiration. Since we have participated in approximately 30 art and crafts shows a year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Great question! No, it has not been a smooth road. But just like everyone, we learn and grow as we travel down that bumpy road. One of my favorite quotes is “Fruit is grown not on the mountain top, but in the valley.”
I’ve had breast cancer and a double mastectomy, ending with four surgeries in one month. During this time, I developed sepsis, strep, and staph. The expanders were infected and had to be removed, thereby halting the reconstruction. My life was forever changed… I’m now flat-chested. Sure, some days are hard: I’m now able to see my stomach in all its glory, and I get envious of anyone with a cleavage.
But, as other cancer survivors can tell you, there is something that happens to you when you come out of it alive. You either turn bitter or grateful. During this time, I read Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, which taught me to be grateful. This book, along with supportive friends, family, and God, took me through this tough time. Because of my experience with breast cancer, 50% of all pink jewelry I sell now goes toward breast cancer research.
There were other bumpy roads: Our mortgage company committed fraud against us, someone I looked up to wrongfully and publicly attacked my character, and a business partner stole from us. These three actions (and more!) changed our life’s path. I believe now more than ever, this is why I so badly need God in my life, leading me through these terrible bumpy roads. Again, grateful. I’m forever grateful that I have God to take me through.
And yes, The Ferne Ruth business has had its rough times: Holding on to our $1,000 tent during a wind storm, hoping and praying it didn’t collapse with all my product inside (it didn’t), not being accepted in certain shows I was financially counting on, and of course, the pandemic, which caused over 30 shows to cancel. But again, I’m thankful this business exists to help pay the bills!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Ferne Ruth Co’s tag line is “Seriously Fun” because I love blending fun into everything I do.
I believe my gifting lies in the ability to mix design and gorgeous colors, with my element of flair and fun. The most heard comment from customers when describing my jewelry are “unique,” “fun”, and “I love your style!”
I don’t try to compete with the serious gold and silver jewelers… my jewelry is lighthearted, natural, and like no one else. I love creating a piece of jewelry that is unique, yet not so “out there” nobody would wear it. Yes, I could put one simple pearl on a chain that would suit the minimalist of the world just fine, but that’s not who I am. I love to come up with unique pieces that you can’t find at Target, kohl’s, or Forever 21. And that’s exactly what my customers love about Ferne Ruth.
I also love my Stories By Design line of jewelry, which includes an inspirational story I’ve written that goes with the jewelry. A new story and design debates every Mother’s Day… this May will be the eighth one. So every time someone wears a Stories by Design piece of jewelry, I hope they think of the accompanying story and God’s love for us.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Check out my other website: Joyopolis.org.
After a really rough period, I took a look at my life and realized I wasn’t happy or joyful… at ALL. So I studied it… really studied it and what I found changed my life for good. So much so, I wanted a method in which I could share it. Something that was fun (of course), and helpful. Joyopolis was born!
We have a blog, shopping, funnies, recipes, community, care coaching, and a giveback opportunity, check it out, leave a comment, sign up for our newsletter and share it with a friend!
Contact Info:
- Email: FerneRuth@gmail.com
- Website: www.FerneRuth.com
- Instagram: @FerneRuth
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TheFerneRuthCompany
Image Credits
John Copeland
