From a personal hobby to a nationwide enterprise, a Wake Forest resident has successfully built a business centered on custom wooden and acrylic gifts.
Donna Clayton, who operates Falcon Ridge Designs, started her venture amid the COVID-19 pandemic, initially selling locally before moving to online platforms like Etsy.
"I saw there were laser cutters out there," she said. "I'd never seen one, so I took the jump. I used the money I had made from vinyl and I bought my first laser -- that started all of it."
Her living space now serves as both a home and workspace, accommodating her substantial laser cutting equipment.
One of the most popular items is a finely crafted wooden Christmas decoration depicting North Carolina's state bird, the Cardinal. Clayton noted she supplies these ornaments to retailers in popular tourist areas.
"Everyone goes on vacation, and they bring home an ornament from where they went to add to their Christmas tree" she said.
Beyond ornaments, the company provides customized key chains, trivets, stickers, earrings, frames, and specialized serving boards with engraved guidelines.
Clayton creates many designs personally while also working with other creators, emphasizing materials from North Carolina and businesses owned by women.
"'Because that's literally how we all grow," Clayton said. "I'm putting money directly back into the local community, putting money back in people's pockets to pay for their kid's things. That's super important to me, it's why I do what I do, it's for my kids."
