Made in Plano: Hurd & Honey

According to Sam Hurd, you never know how God will use you. In December 2011, he wanted to use his woodworking skills to make a Christmas gift for his new bride, Kristin. Given his background in construction, he knew he could do it. She needed a bookcase for her growing collection of reading material, and he thought he could make one just as nice as something he could go out and buy. As it turns out, he has mad skills with the power tools.

The bookcase was so well-received by his bride that the couple started an Etsy business the following month. In January 2012, Hurd & Honey (“Hurd” is Sam’s brothers’ name for him and “Honey” is Kristin’s nickname) began selling small items like Mason jar soap dispensers, shelves and mirrors. A welcoming community of fellow Etsy makers supported and nurtured the new brand and business really took off for the couple.

HURD-AND-HONEY-WOODWORKING-HOME-DECOR-PLANO-MAGAZINE-MADE-IN-PLANO-SAM-KRISTIN
Sam and Kristin Hurd will soon welcome their first child, Ester Elizabeth

Sam, originally from Kansas City, and Kristin, from Los Angeles, decided to let “Jesus take the wheel,” so they could see where the business could take them. Kristin quit her teaching job and Sam turned his woodworking from a hobby into a full-time job. They operate the business from their garage in east Plano, and the two haven’t looked back. Sam admits, “We don’t know where we’re going, and we love it.”

HURD-AND-HONEY-WOODWORKING-HOME-DECOR-PLANO-MAGAZINE-MADE-IN-PLANO-CHALKBOARD2

Kristin manages the marketing, social media and photography so that Sam can focus on creating. The number of items they now offer has grown exponentially. While mirrors remain their best seller—the bread and butter of the entire operation—they also make a variety of items from tea light runners and triangle shelves to small desks and entryway tables. Sam says he would love to start making larger pieces, such as consoles and entertainment centers.

HURD-AND-HONEY-WOODWORKING-HOME-DECOR-PLANO-MAGAZINE-MADE-IN-PLANO-MIRROR

What makes Hurd & Honey so different? For starters, they use reclaimed woods from North Texas to make all of their pieces. Sam is constantly calling around, finding and securing old wood. While making beautiful, standout pieces, they’re also doing their part to reduce, reuse and recycle.

HURD-AND-HONEY-WOODWORKING-HOME-DECOR-PLANO-MAGAZINE-MADE-IN-PLANO-BEFORE-AFTER
A Hurd & Honey reclaimed wood project: before and after

Hurd & Honey also pride themselves in offering amazing customer service. According to Sam, “Customers will hear from us throughout the whole process; before, during and after the sale.” Their goal is to provide a product exactly like the customer envisioned. Sam has no problem shipping another item if the first doesn’t meet expectations. He does this for free, because Sam and Kristin are intent on their customers getting what they want.

Sam has a hands-on personality and jumps headfirst into new designs. He has one of those brains that just envisions the end result—sometimes it works perfectly and sometimes it turns out different than he imagined, but even better. Kristin has plans in mind for a few new items she’d like to see them offer, such as sconce blocks and whitewashed frames. At the end of the day, though, Sam is just really thankful that he gets to do what he loves, because he never envisioned being able to break out of the corporate job system.

HURD-AND-HONEY-WOODWORKING-HOME-DECOR-PLANO-MAGAZINE-MADE-IN-PLANO-STAINING

The two fantasize about someday having a brick-and-mortar store. Sam envisions a space that would enable collaboration between different artists and media with demonstrations and lessons, while Kristin would love to see the space operate as a store by day and restaurant by night. It’s still a daydream at this point, but these two once dreamed of being able to work according to their own schedule, doing exactly what they wanted—and look where they ended up.

Sam and Kristin love to collaborate with and support other makers -- their Instagram account often hosts giveaways in conjunction with other homespun brands
Sam and Kristin love to collaborate with and support other makers — their Instagram account often hosts giveaways in conjunction with other homespun brands

Sam and Kristin adhere to and pass a single Bible verse along with their items when shipped: Jeremiah 29:11. The verse reads, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” They are thankful that God’s plan involved a guiding light that led them where they are. And as luck would have it, that light illuminated their natural talents so they can create beauty in this world with, you got it, power tools.

Hurd & Honey Website >   Hurd & Honey Instagram>


Editor’s Note: Hurd & Honey’s Instagram account is one of the most inspiring home decor and lifestyle accounts we’ve run across. Do yourself a favor and give them a follow.

Written By
More from Kaci Lahpor
Thunderbird Roller Rink
Do you smell that? It’s the smell of your childhood calling. You...
Read More
Leave a comment