I wanted to find a greater outlet for my creative expression.

I signed up for a tile-making class at Detroit’s historic Pewabic Pottery. It was 2006, and I was well in to my career as a chef. I had gone to Schoolcraft College and graduated with honors in pursuit of my certificate. I had worked at the Detroit Athletic Club in their renowned kitchen. And I had helped establish a successful catering business in Royal Oak.

But I was looking for something more. Being a maker has always been part of my DNA, whether it is needlework, knitting, decoupage, beading, or design. While I took that tile-making class for fun, it revealed a deeper connection and interest for me. It led to more classes at Pewabic, then all the courses in the ceramics program at Oakland Community College, and from there to classes throughout the United States.

There is just something about clay –

Its tactile quality both wet and fired – that is always motivating to me. The stages of wheel-throwing or hand-building a piece are like the seasons, starting with a cold slab of clay, moving into the wet work of throwing and molding, then the piece shows the signs of my vision, then it is time to dry it out before firing and glazing.

Connecting with nature is both a defining theme of and inspiration for my much of work. From working in my garden to walking my dogs through the neighborhood to going on a hike Up North, I always can find something that crosses over from the natural world and into artistic expression.

I work out of my home studio in Berkley, Michigan, keeping company with my family, our dogs, and all the plants and creatures in my gardens.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure,

Marna

After working in the musical instrument community for more than 16 years, Laura decided to sell vintage home goods online in February of 2020. As a creative outlet for a mother to two, this started as a side hustle to help pay down student loans and instead became a thriving career path.

When the pandemic began, Laura made the difficult choice to walk away from her career at The McCourt’s Music Group. She stayed home with her children and worked hard to build a successful online vintage shopping experience on Instagram. There, she grew a supportive and exciting community full of other vintage lovers who helped Ironside Vintage become what it is today. Her supportive family, friends and customers gave her the opportunity to expand her offerings to include handmade products from artists and designers across the country on her website.

From an online store, to multiple local booths, Laura continues to grow the business as she can. Now, you can find her eclectic vintage pieces in several vintage shops in Clarkston and Waterford, MI. Recently she began offering interior design and styling services for your home. Her services include basic styling options, design and organizational services as well as personal shopping that focuses on sustainable options and supporting local businesses.

The Rabbit Hole is her newest venture alongside Marna & Heather and they couldn’t be more excited to bring this collection of sellers to Waterford. They hope you love it here as much as they do.

Thank you for supporting small businesses and your community.

Bio coming soon