To make a long story short...
Since I was 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a computer programmer when I grew up. I really loved figuring out the puzzles of bossing computers around. Solving problems and engineering complex algorithms always spoke to me. In 1999, I moved to California having landed my dream job at the age of 23.
I've also always enjoyed working with my hands; even as a kid. In 2004, I began woodworking as a hobby with my first shop which was half of a 1-car garage in the duplex we rented. Being a programmer by nature, my brain tends to latch onto things it likes very strongly. Woodworking was no different, here.
Before long, I'd outfitted my shop with all of the typical woodworking tools. I was constantly learning as many new things as I could. For a few years, I taught classes with the local club and found a passion for sharing my knowledge with fellow woodworkers.
My job as a programmer allowed me to build my shop through a lot of bargain hunting and lucky timing. I like to say I spent my days building things in the digital world that didn't exist and my nights building things in the physical world that you can actually feel and touch.
This also fed my desire to pursue leaving behind some kind of a mark on the world, if you will. I want to make things that will last longer than I do. I want to leave the world better than I found it. Building furniture and also dabbling with building guitars later on helps me do this. I also filmed a lot of my shop time and posted to YouTube regularly. This fed my need to share knowledge and experience with the world.
It was always pretty likely that one day I would mix my programming skills with my building abilities. By 2010, I had been branching my shop out into basic metalworking and machining. I designed and built my first CNC machine and quickly learned that CNC was not magic. This was perfect for me. I love solving puzzles and coming up with elegant solutions.
In 2016, after 17 years as a programmer in the fast-paced tech industry, I realized I'd lost my curiosity for the field. It was time for some kind of change. I decided to take a sabbatical that summer.
Not really having much of a plan, I spoke to friends about some ideas for earning money in the well-equipped shop I'm so fortunate to have. A dear friend asked me if I'd like to make him a branding iron using my CNC machine and I jumped at the chance.
It was just the excuse I needed to break my sabbatical. I got such a kick out of developing my first successful iron. I still have the prototype I made for my friend and look at it fondly in memory of the inspiration that kicked me in the seat of the pants to try something new.
In December 2016, I opened my Etsy shop and was absolutely blown away by how quickly I was able to turn tinkering around my shop into a viable income. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning how to succeed in this arena. From sourcing materials to optimizing my workflows all the way up to having fantastic conversations with every one of my customers.
I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to turn this hobby into a successful business. I take a lot of pride in creating a quality product that will last you for decades. Thank you for supporting my shop!
