DURANT – After 18 years of working in the family business, Buddy and Stephanie Swicker were ready to try something new.
So when Stephanie’s parents decided to retire and the family decided to sell their business, the Swickers saw an opportunity.
“My husband was quite good at woodworking and had a passion for it,” Stephanie Swicker said. “We love the idea of continuing a family business. We wanted to be creative and have a spot that we all could fit and contribute. And, just as importantly, we wanted to be part of peoples’ happy and good memories, thus U-We Designs was born.”
U-We Designs started as a woodworking company but grew into much more. Aside from custom woodwork of all kinds – to include dog beds, cutting boards, trivets, wine boxes, wood lanterns and rocking chairs – the business also offers inspirational box signs, homemade candles, jewelry and more. Most products can be customized and personalized.
Located in downtown Durant in an antique building built before Oklahoma was a state, U-We is a must-see, a place to “slow down” and be “transported to a snuggly and happy place,” Swicker said.
“We want to be part of and help create happy memories with each of our customers by our interaction and our products,” Swicker said.
The Swickers have a few slogans for their business: “Lets you (U) and we (WE) make your visions a reality” and “U-We gifts -for the modern day gifter.” These slogans fit the company because the Swickers strive to make all ideas a reality and create the perfect gifts for every need.
“It’s just your imagination that limits you,” Swicker said.
The idea for U-We Designs began in 2015, but business officially opened in 2017. U-We Designs joined the Made in Oklahoma Program this year. To learn more about U-We Designs, visit www.uwegifts.com, madeinoklahoma.net/products/u-we-designs, or find the company on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.