Naples entrepreneur builds custom engraving business

Etched Naples is a collection of personalized mugs, candles, cutting boards, tumblers and more that the Naples mom creates using a high-tech laser engraving machine. “I’m a huge gift giver,” she says. “This is my way to create my own perfect gift.”

The Cleveland native spent more than two decades living in Las Vegas, where she sold real estate. About four years ago, she relocated to Southwest Florida. A single mother of three girls, she needed a job that offered flexibility. She returned to real estate but also wanted to build a business of her own — something that would satisfy her creative side.

She discovered engraving, a skill that requires an artistic touch while producing practical gifts for others, and about three years ago decided to purchase a 1,000-pound Thunder Laser-brand engraver. “I decided to jump off a cliff and see what happens,” she now says with a laugh.

She’s become adept with the engraver; working in fine detail, including copying signatures. She currently operates out of her garage but hopes one day to open a storefront where customers can have items customized while they wait. Until then, she’s focused on growing her business throughout the region.

Manning maintains a strong Instagram presence, though most of her growth has come through word of mouth. She’s staged pop-up events, taken on large orders and placed products in shops, such as Peach Tree Designs and Humble Bee Boutique in Naples. She’s also completed bulk projects, including custom water bottles for Seacrest Country Day School’s volleyball team.

The work requires many late nights in her garage engraving, but she said it’s been worth it. “This business feeds my soul,” she says.