Meet Kim Jeffers of Lovegrass Designs Dinnerware

If you haven’t seen the adorable “Southern Sayings” dinnerware from Lovegrass Designs out of Lubbock, TX, you’re late to the party. To learn more about the brand, we caught up with owner and designer Kim Jeffers, a lifelong Texan with a knack for illustration and a love for the lingo and lore of ranch living. Read on for a bit on Kim’s background, her favorite Southern designers, and more!

Person seated on a wooden chair, wearing glasses, a floral-patterned cardigan, jeans, and sandals. A potted plant is beside the chair on a light carpet. — Get to know Kim Jeffers, owner and designer at Lovegrass Designs! Image: Olive & Pearl Photography

Tell us a bit about your upbringing. Are you from West Texas originally?

I was born and raised in Matador, TX, just off the caprock — 90 miles northeast of Lubbock in the Texas Panhandle. When I started my Southern dinnerware, I told my dad, “I’m a Southerner!” He said, “You’re a Texan!” We Texans sure are proud of our heritage, but I also love claiming to be part of the South.

What sparked the creation of Lovegrass Designs?

I’ve always loved being creative, like my dad. I’ve always loved dinnerware, like my mom. When I met my midwestern husband, he didn’t understand our family’s Southern speak. After questioning me many times over the years, “What does ‘over yonder’ mean, and where is it, exactly?” I said, “Do I need to draw you a picture?” And THAT is how it all began.

Close-up of stacked plates featuring a black and white cow illustration with floral elements and the phrase "let the cows come home," showcasing the charming artistry of Lovegrass Designs by Kim Jeffers. — Southern charm is served! How sweet is this ‘Til the Cows Come Home collection? Image: Lovegrass Designs

Stacked dinner plates by Lovegrass Designs showcase a circus-themed motif with a tiger and performer, set on a textured mat. Kim Jeffers’ touch is evident, with cutlery, a napkin, and foliage artfully arranged in the background. — Kim’s dinnerware designs range from depictions of life in West Texas to more whimsical designs like the one pictured here. We love this tiger-tamer motif featuring the phrase, “She’s got gumption.” Image: Lovegrass Designs

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in the Southern sayings themselves, but most of the time, inspiration comes from a combination of family members sharing stories, cattle roaming in the pastures, the history-telling of ranches, watching wildflowers pop up in the spring …

Do you have any go-to tips for styling a table for guests?

Know your guests and keep in mind the occasion. I’m not a fussy entertainer. In fact, I’m not fancy. I like it when guests feel at home, the occasion is casual, and guests help with the meal. Use your “good” dishes in a casual setting. No need for paper plates!

dinnerware set with green design styled with baby's breath and eucalyptus — “Custom dinnerware for ranches is my favorite [product],” says Kim, “but my heart will always belong to my first design and the reason behind starting the company — Over Yonder.” Image: Lovegrass Designs

White plates with blue floral patterns from Lovegrass Designs are stacked on a glass charger. They feature a small illustration of a praying figure. A fork and greenery by Kim Jeffers are adjacent on a yellow textured surface. — The How’s Your Momma n ’em? Collection is perfect for Mother’s Day! Image: Lovegrass Designs

What are your favorite Southern brands? (Apart from Lovegrass, of course.)

Erin Knight Designs, Southern Tribute, Susan Shaw, French Graffiti, Bunny Bradley Designs, Caryn Lawn — so many great Southern brands that I love!

Never been here before? Then, by all means, go to iconic places such as The Windmill Museum in Lubbock, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, or Palo Duro State Park near Canyon.

Been here before? Dust off your boots! Visit a working ranch when they are branding calves, ask to walk among the longhorns, take your picture under a turning windmill, pull beans off a mesquite tree, feed “cake” to a cow …

A woman sits at a table, writing in a notebook from Lovegrass Designs, smiling. A vase with flowers and a cup are on the table. She is wearing glasses and a gray shirt. — Kim gleans inspiration from a variety of sources like “family members sharing stories, cattle roaming in the pastures, the history-telling of ranches, watching wildflowers pop up in the spring …” Image: Olive & Pearl Photography

Name another woman in the design world who inspires you, and tell us why.

Shawn Laughlin, the founder of Caskata Dinnerware, is amazing. Many of her dinnerware designs are based on sea life. They are gorgeous designs. My favorite? Lucy!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

How to save money: “It’s not what comes in the front door; it’s what goes out the back.”

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Three things you can’t live without (aside from faith, family, and friends): My laptop/iPhone/iPad (I love all things technology-related!); Lipsyl lip balm (I’m addicted.); Iced tea. All day, every day.

Favorite vacation destination: Norway, hands down. After that? The mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico!

Book on your bedside table: Swapping Dirt by Sam Middleton

Go-to birthday gift to give (and where to get it): Pedicure at a local salon

Thanks for chatting with us, Kim!

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Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives!

About the Author
Alissa Harb

Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.