Laurie Thompson
The Art of Joyful Living
story by ROBIN COKER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Nuances, a local boutique, was named appropriately for the “subtle differences” and the “art of joyful living” it has offered our community over the past ten years. It will continue this joy under new ownership. A story so providential that you couldn’t make it up if you tried, unless perhaps you happen to be Nicholas Sparks, the one that brought Laurie Thompson to the recent purchase of Nuances. Many will burn out in their corporate careers yet keep peddling through to be able to provide for their families. For some, this can be sustainable and necessary. For Laurie and her family, this was no longer working. Sometimes we must listen to the little voice, telling us there is another narrative, and that’s exactly what she did.
On the heels of losing her mother, Laurie was given the inevitable reminder that life is fleeting. “It was like someone focused the camera of life and showed me what was truly important,” she recalls. Her career as a Nuclear Project Manager had served her family well, but it was time to refocus the lens on the important reality that we only have a short time here with the people we love. It was time for her to pivot. Driving home from work one day, she and God had a conversation. “I don’t know how You are going to do this, but I can’t continue being miserable in my job,” she said to Him. He audibly said, “Watch Me,” and gave His blessing. 
It was time for Laurie to sit down with her husband and hope he was on the same page. Not to ruin the ending of their story … but David was on board, and they started planning and praying. Over the next year, they began to explore their options, with God leading the way.
So how did the Thompsons find our little coastal village town? Like all significant decisions … Google, of course! They had always envisioned retiring at the beach, and since they agreed that some things shouldn’t wait, Laurie started her Google search of “the best beach towns in the US,” and Port Royal came up in the first search. Not only did the search find Port Royal as one of the best beach towns, but it was the ONLY beach town in the state of South Carolina to make the cut. Traveling down from upstate South Carolina to scope it out, they found themselves on the outskirts of town and very confused about why they had been directed here. GPS sent them along, but they never made it past the highways that bring us to and from the village of Port Royal. They turned around, praying for another message from God. Returning home and still baffled about why Port Royal was listed as the best beach town, she and David decided to try again.
Upon returning to the area and realizing they hadn’t made it all the way to Port Royal the first time, the Thompsons quickly found out why Port Royal was on the list. Side note: Laurie has tried numerous times to recreate the search, and Port Royal has never made the cut again. Coming from The Sands one day, their check engine light came on in their brand new truck. They pulled over in the parking lot of what is now her husband’s skate shop and the location of her future first store. At that point, they ran into the building owner, who had “by coincidence” also pulled up the empty building for the first time in months. They spoke at length, saw the inside of the building, and then decided this would be their next step, the future home of The Southern Elk, Laurie’s first store here in Port Royal. They climbed back into the truck to head home to plan and pray, and needless to say, the check engine light was no longer on! One day, Laurie was at The Sands praying and talking to God. For years, she had said, if she found a megalodon tooth intact, she would know she was in the place God had intended her to be. That day she told Him, “It doesn’t matter if I ever find the tooth. I know I’m where You have guided me.” She got up from the sand a few seconds later and walked toward the water. She looked down, and there was a huge megalodon tooth, entirely intact … just waiting for her to pick it up. Now that’s confirmation!
Relocating their family and starting a more purpose-driven life in Port Royal began with The Southern Elk, Laurie’s first store. Laurie poured all they had into this first attempt at what she thought was the path she was meant to go down. Learning retail ownership by fire, she reached out to Nancy, the then-owner of Nuances, for some much-needed mentorship and honest feedback for the future of her store. After numerous attempts to make it work, the choice was made that maybe this wasn’t what was supposed to happen, so with much trepidation, she started closing up shop. In the midst of this, Nuances happened to come onto the market. Not knowing how it could ever happen, but remembering God’s promise to “Watch Me,” she met with Nancy about purchasing the store. According to Laurie, “God made it happen.” Her mantra is that she will struggle, and He will keep showing up, and she will continue the path laid before her, one God-given step at a time.
Now officially the owner of Nuances, she feels called to a higher purpose and is hoping the store will be a catalyst to come alongside other women in the community to lift each other up. Starting a “Women Helping Women” group, she has brought together numerous women to share and experience life with, to feel less alone in each season of struggle and celebration. “We all go through things in life. If I have been through things and can help someone else going through something similar, I feel it’s my obligation as a human and a woman. We can reach down and continue to pull each other up. We wear many hats, we do what we have to do and manage so many things, and we should never be alone in our efforts to hold it all together.” Laurie continually tries to grow the group through her Facebook page (search Women Helping Women Port Royal) and follow the group. They meet every Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. for fellowship and fun!
Come and visit her store in Port Royal Village, right on Paris Ave. Although the story of how Laurie came to own Nuances is beautiful, the store itself is a work of art. You will find an array of “joy” displayed inside the shop. It is perfect for finding traditional and unique gifts, ranging from home decor, clothing, and jewelry.
