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 spending over 16 years working in the musical instrument community, Laura launched Ironside Vintage in February 2020 as a creative outlet that quickly grew into a fulfilling career path.

When the pandemic hit, Laura made the difficult choice to step away from her role at The McCourt’s Music Group to stay home with her children. During that time, she focused her energy on building an online vintage shopping experience through Instagram. There, she grew a supportive community of vintage lovers who helped shape Ironside Vintage into what it is today. With the encouragement of family, friends, and loyal customers, she expanded her offerings to include handmade goods from artists and designers across the country.

Over time, Laura shifted from running and online store + multiple in-store booths to refining her presence locally. Today, her curated vintage collections can be found exclusively at The Rabbit Hole in Waterford, MI — a community-driven vintage and handmade shop she co-founded with Marna and Heather.

Beyond vintage curation, Laura offers home design consultations all the way to home remodeling services Her approach prioritizes character and supporting local trades. (home design inquiries can be made through the Ironside website → ironsidevintage.com)

Laura also serves as President of The Storefront Collective, a network of independently-owned small businesses across Waterford and Clarkston that host collaborative events, community initiatives, and seasonal Shop Hops designed to strengthen local commerce and build authentic community connections.

The Rabbit Hole brings together dozens of independent makers and vintage curators under one roof. Laura and her partners couldn’t be more excited to share this space with their local community, and hope you love it here as much as they do.

Thank you for supporting small businesses and the creatives in your community.

Bio coming soon