Business Snapshot: Laughin’ Ladies Combines Art, Classroom, Studio

It would be an injustice to call Laughin’ Ladies a specialty gift boutique. The store at 800 West Lumsden Rd. in the La Viva Plaza is much more than that.

Yes, owner Cathy Belton, a Valrico resident, has created a unique gift shop where you will find one-of-a-kind creations, but the store also features artwork and jewelry from local artists and doubles as an art studio and classroom.

The store opened last November and boasts an array of handmade, custom items, ranging from jewelry to artwork, furniture, charms, spiritual and meditative adornments, home decorations, clothing accessories and kitchen/glassware.

Belton also features the work of several local artists, including Anne S. Drewry, Margaret Conte, Minnette Webster and Roxanne Tobaison.

Laughin’ Ladies will also be one of the stores participating in the “Bring Art Alive … Hidden Treasures of Greater Brandon” treasure hunt set for Sept. 9-10.

Why open a boutique, classroom, studio and gift shop in one?

“It was something I had been thinking about and wanting to do for a number of years. It brings together things that I do but also the work of other artists, and it’s also a working studio and classroom with instruction in mosaics, beading and jewelry classes, gourd art and hand-stamped cards. I like being able to bring out the creative side in a person and teach them the fundamentals of different art and crafts forms and bring out the hidden artist each person has inside.”

As an artist you work quite a bit with gourds. What attracts you to this medium?

“I’ve been doing gourd art since 1994. When I first started my house was decorated in a Southwestern style. I lived in Colorado for many years and have some Native American blood, so it was natural for me. I had a desire to create something but I didn’t want to work in pottery. I wanted a ready-made vessel I could decorate. Then I was at an art festival in Ybor City and saw a gourd artist and a light bulb went off. With gourds you have a vessel that has already been created. Each one is unique; it’s a very organic form of art. There are so many things you can do with it. And I believe gourd art can be also be considered fine art.”

What is the most popular item at Laughin’ Ladies?

“There has been a lot of interest in mosaics and also in the holiday gourds. Christmas was my busiest time so far with a lot of people interested in our snowman and Santa gourds. People are also interested in learning to create their own jewelry in the classes we offer. I’ve had customers who see the jewelry I have created in the store and commission me to create jewelry for their wedding or special occasion.”

This is your first venture into the business world, how is it working out?

“This is a dream fulfilled. I worked with my husband (Brandon dentist William K. Belton) for many years, but it’s a challenge being a sole proprietor. When you work as a dentist you have other staff in the office, but I wear all the hats here. I’m the business person, the marketing person and the buyer. The biggest challenge is just trying to keep it all going but also being able to enjoy it. I want to create a place that is a break from the stress of everyday life. Somewhere you can find unique things and relax and feel enjoyment.”

Any advice for any budding entrepreneurs who want to start a new business?

“Create your own space and do something unique that allows you to follow your passion. Anytime you follow your passion you will attract a clientele but you have to be patient. It does not happen overnight.”

Laughin’ Ladies’ hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Call 813-689-0131, email info@laughinladies.com or visit the store’s website for more info.