From Critical Care Nursing to Creating Something by Hand
Behind every local business is a story and sometimes, that story is about finding a completely new path.
Meet Casey Lynch, co-owner of Atomic Petals Engraving in Mebane, NC. Alongside wife Jacqueline, Casey has built a husband-and-wife small business creating one-of-a-kind engraved and handcrafted pieces that are designed to be meaningful, useful, and made well.
Atomic Petals specializes in custom hardwood and acrylic goods, laser engraving, cutting and charcuterie boards, signage, personalized gifts, and hand-painted pieces, along with a constantly rotating collection of things Casey and Jacqueline simply think are worth making.
Before Atomic Petals Engraving, Casey was working in critical care nursing. After spending an extensive period working through some of the most difficult parts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience left a lasting impact.
Eventually, Casey realized it was time for a change.
What began simply as a way to keep busy, to keep both hands and mind occupied, slowly became something much bigger. “There’s something restorative about taking an idea and transforming it into something you can hold by the end of the day.”
That idea became Atomic Petals Engraving. What started as an outlet evolved into a creative business, and today Casey and Jacqueline are turning raw materials into personalized pieces for customers throughout the area.
Atomic Petals is truly a two-person shop. A True Husband-and-Wife Operation. While Casey handles much of the creation and engraving, Jacqueline continues working as a nurse while also helping keep the business running behind the scenes. She’s also the resident painter, adding her own artistic touch to many of their pieces.
Casey is quick to point out just how important she is to the business. “This would be impossible without her.” And that’s part of what makes Atomic Petals so special. It’s not simply a business, it is a creative endeavor built together by two people who each bring their own talents to the table.
So, how would Casey describe the Atomic Petals style? Where Creativity Meets Customization and that’s still a work in progress.
Their creations live somewhere in the space between boho, minimalist, and farmhouse. Rather than trying to fit neatly into one particular aesthetic, Casey and Jacqueline let the materials and the project help determine where each piece goes.
And a lot of their work begins with something much more basic: raw material in their own shop.
They’re not just pulling a blank product from a catalog and adding a name to it. They enjoy taking an idea or sometimes just a piece of wood or acrylic and turning it into something completely their own.
One of the things Casey loves most about running Atomic Petals is the opportunity to create something specifically for someone. Custom Creations Are Their Favorite.
Their custom work includes:
- Closing and client gifts
- Corporate and business pieces
- Wedding gifts
- Shower gifts
- Custom cutting and charcuterie boards
- Personalized home décor
- Unique, personalized gifts
- Hand-painted pieces
- And the occasional wonderfully oddball request
That last category might be one of the best parts of owning a creative small business.
Because sometimes the most interesting projects are the ones you never could have dreamed up yourself.
Why Shop Local? For Casey and Jacqueline, Atomic Petals Engraving is about much more than making products. It’s about creating something tangible, connecting with people, and being part of the local small-business community.
Every custom order gives them the opportunity to take someone’s idea and turn it into something real and every market gives them a chance to meet the people who appreciate handmade, locally created goods. So, the next time you see Atomic Petals Engraving at a local market, stop by. Say hello to Casey and Jacqueline. Check out what they’re creating. Ask about a custom project you’ve been dreaming up. You never know what they might be able to turn into something amazing.
SHOP LOCAL. MEET THE OWNER. SUPPORT THE DREAM.
Atomic Petals Engraving
Mebane, NC
AtomicPetalsEngraving@gmail.com
