Like many women in photography, Susan Day Moore started Wicker By Design as a home based business. As a stay-at-home mom with a business on the side, Susan grew the home enterprise from antique furniture restoration to custom furniture design. She created a line of high-end, vintage, Victorian children's wicker furniture with the detail and craftsmanship found in turn of the century designs. This romantic style of furniture lends a classic look to portrait photography that appeals to many women and children clients.  Click for more details on the styles and history of wicker furniture.

Our entry into the portrait photography industry began over 15 years ago with Susan making wicker furniture in her kitchen! A local North Carolina photographer asked her if she could make a custom prop. That design was the prototype of our christening bench! Susan then designed and made the sleigh/bassinet and the child swing.

As Susan's line grew, she began showing at local and regional photography trade shows. With time, the sales grew beyond her ability to make enough to keep up with the demand. We then found a factory in the Philippines with high quality craftsmanship with the ability to meet the volume requirements of the industry. Their skill extends beyond wicker to include wood and metal props.

We are grateful for the talent and skill of our supplier in the Philippines. We have visited the factory and found the working conditions to be a high quality. Moreover, there is no child labor involved in the production of our props. Nonetheless, we as Americans little understand the level of poverty that exists in the Philippines and other third world nations. For that reason, we strive to tithe back a portion of our profits to the Philippines for the purpose of poverty relief and economic development. We urge our customers and friends to recognize the moral importance of the relief of international hunger and poverty. Visit our help page on world poverty for more information on what you can do.

Currently, Wicker By Design serves visually sensitive and quality discerning markets across America and overseas, such as doll collectors, wedding professionals and professional portrait photographers. The quality line of furniture has expanded to dozens of innovative, beautiful ideas with child furniture designs in wicker, willow, wood and metal.

Her husband, Thad Day Moore, has worked for a community development credit union for nearly 25 years. He  also helps Susan with trade shows and the web page.  Recently, Thad received a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.

Click here to learn more details about the history of Wicker By Design. 

We have found some useful links to home based businesses:

• Starting a home based photography business
• My Mommy Biz
• Small Business Brief (this has an excellent newsletter)
• WAHM - Home Business Support for Women
• Work at Home Moms Really Can Have a Career or Home Business
• Rescue Marketing (excellent marketing and web design work) 

Wicker By Design recognizes the work and talent of the people who actually produce our props. We contribute back to that country for economic development purposes. Click to learn more about what you can do.

We invite you to contact us.