Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Taylor.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband and I were at a point where we decided that we wanted to do whatever it took to pursue a path in life that not only made us happy but one that brought us joy. For my husband, that meant making the decision to go back to college to pursue his dream career. It really had me thinking deeply about what it would be for me. I always wanted to do something where I was able to express my creativity and if I could find a way to turn that into a business, that would definitely bring me joy.
Since I was already working a full-time job, I started LEEWOOD + CO. in June of 2019 originally as a way to supplement our income and to help fund fertility treatments, which was another decision we made in pursuit of our life path. Once the ideas began flowing, it was like the flood gates had opened and I just kept getting more ideas, more excited and more determined to focus as much of my energy towards realizing my dream. Unfortunately due to some personal health challenges that started just a couple months after starting the business, everything got put on hold. But in November of 2020 with a renewed determination, we were able to re-launch LEEWOOD + CO. with a focus on handmade home décor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, but I believe that every obstacle has shaped me into the person I am today. There have been several trials in my life but the last couple years have been exceptionally difficult. In August of 2019 my husband and I began what we hoped would be a fruitful fertility journey but then life threw us a curve that pulled the rug out from under me; I was diagnosed with cancer. I then had to begin a difficult road of treatments. So, in light of all of this, unfortunately LEEWOOD + CO. was put on hold for a better part of a year! It is difficult to put into words the impact cancer has on every aspect of your life and how you are forever changed by it. You see, when you are diagnosed with cancer, it is always with you even after treatments and recovery because in your mind you will always have cancer. In my case, because of the urgency to start treatment, I also had to give up the possibility of having my own biological child. So, I grieved for that child that I had dreamed of most of my life and then I was also grieving because I had cancer and I had no idea the toll it would take on not only my body, but my spirit. I will say though that the experience has given me a whole new outlook on life and the second chance I have been given. It has also furthered my resolve to make LEEWOOD + CO. a successful reality.
We’ve been impressed with LEEWOOD + CO., 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?
We create handmade home décor and accessories. These include decorative catch-all wood and marble trays, glass decorative dispensers, and wood jewelry. What makes us most proud is seeing our creations come to life, and bring joy to others who allow us to be part of their homes. One of our guiding principles is our attention to detail and the passion we put into each piece. We hope that’s something that our customers are able to see.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child, I was shy but curious and very imaginative. You could often find me playing pretend somewhere off by myself or outside with my neighborhood friends building forts in “the woods” behind our houses. I was the youngest of six children being raised by our amazing mother who was made a widow by the sudden loss of our father when I was only three. You can imagine our house was very busy most of the time! Lots of noise, playing, fighting but mostly lots of fun times. Our house was labeled the “fun house” by our friends and it was the place everyone wanted to come to. Even though my family suffered a tragedy and dealt with many struggles, our mom always found a way to fill our lives with fun and happiness. It was this kind of energy that was foundational to my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@leewoodandco.com
- Website: www.leewoodandco.com
- Instagram: @leewoodandco
- Facebook: leewoodandco
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