ABOUT
Why "Olive" and "Stone" ?
When choosing the name "Olive & Stone" for our design business, we intentionally selected symbols rich with meaning that would guide how we serve our clients and live out our faith.
"Olive" because it represents hope and new beginnings in Scripture – like the olive branch brought back to Noah, signifying life after the flood (Genesis 8:11). This same hope is what we strive to bring to each client's vision.
"Stone" because it represents steadfast devotion, reminding us of Mary's alabaster jar that she willingly broke to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:3). Her sacrifice wasn't just an expensive gift; it was a complete surrender of what she valued most. This inspires our commitment to offering our very best, not holding back our talents or time when you entrust us with your needs.
Beyond the biblical significance, these elements naturally reflect our personalities – I'm (Kendra) resilient through challenges yet deeply rooted in what matters, adaptable to creative opportunities while maintaining my essential character, like the versatile olive. Gary stands as the alabaster stone – solid and unwavering, with the strength to endure pressure and emerge even stronger. His distinctive craftsmanship carries a timeless quality, combining precision with a rugged authenticity that shows in everything he builds.
In our work, we embrace these truths. We're not perfect – sometimes the olive gets bruised, sometimes the stone shows cracks – but we're committed to bringing our authentic selves to every project. This business helps provide for our family, and we're deeply grateful for your loyalty and support through the years.
At Olive & Stone, we believe God calls us to authentic relationships, exceptional quality, and going beyond expectations. Whether we're crafting your brand identity, capturing meaningful photographs, or creating a handcrafted wooden piece for your home, our commitment remains the same – to blend the hopeful vision of the olive with the steadfast quality of stone in everything we create for you.
Our Values
PURPOSEFUL CREATIVITY
We believe design should be both beautiful and functional, creating work that serves a real purpose in telling your story.
GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS
We approach every client as a person first, building connections based on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
Kendra Pence
THE DESIGN: My approach to design begins with listening. Before sketching concepts or clicking through color palettes, I take time to understand what makes your vision unique. I believe great design isn't just visually striking—it strategically communicates who you are and connects meaningfully with your audience.
I've cultivated expertise across branding, website design, layout design, and photography. While my aesthetic leans toward clean minimalism, each project receives a custom approach tailored to your specific goals and audience.
What truly drives me is the transformation process—taking your ideas from concept to reality and watching them make an impact. Design isn't just about making things look good; it's about creating visual solutions that serve a purpose and tell your authentic story.
THE EDUCATION: I graduated from Full Sail University in 2018 with a B.S. in Graphic Design. Since then, I've had the pleasure of working with wonderful individuals and companies, including LifePointe Church, Back Pocket Social, Athlete Recovery and Chiropractic Health, David W. Martin Law Group, York County Sheriff's Office, Charlotte Museum of History, and more.
THE PERSONAL: I enjoy hiking, bonfires in the crisp fall morning air, running, coffee (obviously), and spending time with my family. When I'm not designing, you might find me enjoying a good beach read, hosting a game night, watching oddly satisfying rug cleaning videos, or tackling DIY house renovations. I love to meet new people and encourage others to be the best they can be. I'm blessed with a wonderful hubby, four rambunctious boys, three furry friends, and a partridge in a pear tree 🎶 (okay, maybe not the last one!).
Gary Pence
Gary serves as a Uniformed Patrol Supervisor and K9 Response Team member with the York County Sheriff's Office. He's always been naturally handy, having built wall murals, tables, dog crates, and desks and more over the years.
His woodworking took a new direction when he created an American flag with bullet casings to display his collection of challenge coins and patches. This practical solution quickly gained interest from fellow officers.
Now Gary creates custom wooden flags and specialty pieces for law enforcement officers throughout the Carolinas and beyond. His straightforward approach makes custom woodworking accessible: if you can think it, he can create it.
