I run two businesses. One is The Shoppe on Chocolate, my gift and home decor store, and the other is my interior design business, Laura Morgan Interiors. In my design business, I sell both products and my design services. In the shop, I offer gifts, home decor, and a variety of items that I personally curate.

I went to college for commercial design, and interior design has always been something I love, so that business grew naturally out of my background and interests. The shop started a little differently. I was constantly buying items for my design clients, and it started to take over my house. I considered a storage unit until a space opened up to renovate and make into a shop. About a year later, I acquired the second side and expanded the store.

A major moment for me was opening The Shoppe on Chocolate during Covid. We started the renovations in 2019 and opened in 2020, which made the process challenging and memorable. Before that, I worked as a designer in Tennessee while my kids were little. When we moved here, I slowly started doing design work again as they got older.

I love making people happy in their homes. I want clients to walk into their space and feel excited, comfortable, and proud of where they live.

I try to be thoughtful about how I approach design. I focus on the bigger, long-lasting pieces that will have the most impact, while using smaller or trendy items more strategically. I also love helping young girls and women gain confidence and experience, both in the community and in the shop.

In interior design, the hardest part is often balancing the tastes of husbands and wives who don’t always agree on style. I work hard to blend both of their preferences into one cohesive design.

Let things happen and address them as they come. Give things time. Don’t panic or make quick decisions when something doesn’t sell right away. Every business starts slow, and growth looks different for everyone.

I always say I want clients to walk into their home and instantly think, “Oh my gosh, I love it,” instead of “It’s okay.” That feeling is what I aim for with every project.

We support Cocoa Packs and other local causes. I also focus on helping younger girls who work at the shop by building their confidence and giving them work experience. I care about helping women in need and children too.

I can paint and draw. Every year I make hand painted ornaments and other art pieces. It’s something I love doing, even though I don’t talk about it much.