Meet the Maker: Richer Design Co.
Meet this week's maker, Ashleigh from Richer Design Co!
Ashleigh, her husband Dave and their 3 children reside in Cannington, Ontario, where they operate from their home-based office. Started in 2017, they offer an incredible variety of beautiful laser cut, engraved and hand-painted keepsakes to celebrate any and every occasion.
Carry on reading to learn more about Richer Design Co!
What kind of products do you sell?
We specialize in creating one of a kind laser cut, engraved and hand-painted keepsakes.
How did you get started?
I have been an artist my whole life. I have a BA in fine arts and psychology from the University of Waterloo, but after I had children I needed to start a career that would allow me to work from home. So in 2017 while I was pregnant with my third child, my husband Dave and I started using a laser machine out of a makerspace in Newmarket. Living an hour away, it was quite the commute and challenge for the next 2 years to balance everything, so we made the splurge and bought our own laser in December of 2018. It has been the best decision we could have made! The Durham community is so supportive of handmade, and we are so blessed to be as busy as we are. We love what we do!
Why are you a maker?
I am always thinking of new ideas and unique ways to incorporate my different skill sets. Being an artist is who I am, and I am so blessed that I get to do what I love everyday while balancing the chaos of motherhood. I wouldn't have it any other way!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything that I see! I am always looking for unique ways to create things that represent my style and I am always trying to push the boundaries of what I can do with our laser machine.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
Our ornaments have to be my favourite. We have hundreds of designs and each one goes through my hand before it hits the shelves. From the original computer design stage, to the laser cut and engraving, hand painting and assembling, adding string and product tags...it truly is one of a kind and handmade every step of the way!
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
I absolutely love the decor that Julia from Foreversonflowers&More creates. I have had the privilege of collaborating with her on multiple occasions, and she is both an incredible woman and maker.
What is your most popular product?
Our ornaments have to be the most popular! They seem to fly off the shelves come Christmas time much faster than we can make them!
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I am an only child! I am so blessed to have 3 beautiful children, and I love watching their sibling bond develop as they get older.
Where can people find you on social media?