Meet Nakia: The Creative Heart Behind Carved & Co.
Carved & Co. didn’t start as a business—it started as a moment of love.
Hi, I’m Nakia Layne, founder of Carved & Co., and I want to share a little bit of the why behind everything we create here. This business isn’t just about wood, engraving machines, or shipping boxes. It’s about legacy, connection, and making people feel deeply loved.
By day, I’m a wife, a mom, and a corporate leader.
But in the quiet hours—between meetings, homework, and dinner—I found myself craving something more creative, something meaningful that spoke to the things that matter most: family, faith, and memory.
That’s when the idea of Carved & Co. was born.
From Craft Table to Custom Heirlooms
I’ve always loved creating things with my hands.
Whether it was crafting handwritten cards, organizing home décor projects, or designing personalized gifts for friends, I saw the impact of something made just for someone. It wasn’t just the product—it was the feeling it created.
So I asked myself:
“What if we could turn that moment—that pause people take when they see their name, or their child’s name, or a loved one’s handwriting—into something real, lasting, and beautiful?”
That’s when I invested in my first engraving tools.
I started with cutting boards and custom wooden signs, sharing them with family and close friends. The response was immediate. People cried. They hugged me. They asked for more.
And just like that, Carved & Co. went from a side hobby to a growing, heart-led business.
Why I Do What I Do
Every personalized engraved gift I make has a story behind it.
It could be a newlywed’s first home, a grandma’s famous recipe, a new baby’s arrival, or a heartfelt memorial for someone deeply missed.
What I love most is how these gifts allow people to say what they sometimes can’t with words.
I'm not in the business of mass-producing merchandise.
I'm in the business of preserving meaning, celebrating people, and helping families honor their stories—one engraved piece at a time.
As a Black, woman-owned small business, I’m also proud to show my daughter (and other women watching) that it’s possible to build something beautiful from scratch—especially when it’s driven by passion and purpose.
Our Promise at Carved & Co.
I don’t take it lightly when someone chooses me to make a gift for the most important people in their lives.
That’s why every product—from my custom keepsake boxes to our engraved notebooks, tumblers, and wooden signs—is made with care, intention, and a whole lot of heart.
Because for me, it’s not just about what I make.
It’s about why I make it.
Thank you for being part of our story.
If you’ve ever held one of my pieces and felt that little lump in your throat or that smile you didn’t expect… then you know exactly what I'm about.
Welcome to Carved & Co.
Where every gift is made with love—and carved to last.