It all started at the Roxy Cafe in the summer of 2020

when I was having breakfast with my husband, Rob, and his work buddies before they started for the day. I was working full time at Cascades Humane Society in fundraising and development, and we were now several months into the pandemic.  One of Rob's best friends had just purchased a Glowforge and was telling me all about it. I wasn't too interested at first. It was quite expensive, and I am very conservative when it comes to large purchases. I remember politely listening and thinking, nope...not for me! 

I don't remember exactly when I changed my mind and decided to try it out, but I remember being super nervous. I received my very own Glowforge laser machine at the end of October 2020 and all I could think of was what to make to pay it off! I wanted to make some kind of DIY craft thing, but everyone was home. No one was going out and getting together like they used to. 

My son, Oliver, gave me the idea to make a craft for the video game he was playing with his buds at the time called Among Us. I created a character ornament that could be personalized with a name engraved on the bottom. The kids could paint each piece and create their own custom character based on their player in the game. It was wildly popular and in 4 weeks' time, I paid off my laser! This machine had opened a huge door for my family and I had only just begun!

I found myself so busy with the Glowforge that the machine couldn't keep up and it broke down several times. I knew I needed to upgrade my equipment, but I also found myself working 2 full time jobs with a family. This hobby machine had quickly become a small business. 

In 2021, I started Sharp Shoppin LLC. I ordered a 130-watt Thunder Laser and a smaller 80-watt OMTech laser. And I made the hardest professional decision of my life. I decided to leave my full-time job at CHS to start a new adventure as a small business owner. 

Today, I am the proud owner of Sharp Shoppin LLC. We make custom laser cut and engraved items for events, gifts, and home decor. I have a background in design and love helping make custom items for clients. My favorite thing to say is that I'm not creative, but I am crafty so lets make something special together!