Laura Williams Poe

Laura Williams Poe paints on one bead at her home in Mason County.When several beads are completed, she will then turn them into a one-of-a-kind necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings.Laura Rains/Staff

Laura Poe is frequently asked the same question over and over these days.
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Poe is seldom seen anywhere now without one of her colorful necklaces, and sometimes she even has on a bracelet, earrings or watch to match.

The inspiration may come from an article of clothing she already has in her closet.Other times the design just comes to her as she paints.After that particular piece of jewelry is finished, if she doesn't have something in her wardrobe to perfectly match the colors, it may mean a shopping trip.

For many years Poe and her husband, Bob, lived in Cincinnati.The former Laura Williams and her husband both grew up in Maysville and decided to return home four years ago.
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Poe said after several years of immediate post-vacation excitement about a new career, the husbands just rolled their eyes every time they heard a new plan.
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Lately Poe hasn't had as much time to spend on her jewelry business.January 1 of this year she was hired as the new director of the Episcopal Day School.The school is undergoing a major renovation and will have a full Montessori curriculum in the fall.However, she still plans to be involved in the jewelry business with her partner.

Poe particularly has enjoyed the designing part of the business, seeing a particular design and color combination come together to make a product that sells.

'Designing and painting is great stress relief,' she said. 'Because you're working on such a small surface, your mind has to stay focused, and you can't think about your problems.'