Should YOU Start a Woodworking Business? | Woodworker Diaries

In this episode, I talk about my thoughts and opinions on starting a woodworking business and give my top five considerations - from my own personal experience.

As usual, let me know your thoughts!

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#vlog #woodworking #clarakim #diary #claraswoodshop

[bjrod]

Thanks you for this, I’ve felt that pressure of an outside person trying to get me to create a full blown business and it was so anxiety producing. I backed off and have decided to make my woodworking a passion hobby/side hustle. Your advice is solid. Thank you!

[TheLarosiliere]

awesome video!! I say this all the time to clients. Self awareness is number 1. I don’t feel like you should want to make it a full time business. however if you find yourself obsessing and can put up with the challenges and journey and you’re looking forward to it?
, go for it. and go big. it takes the same amount of effort to make sell a $1500 table as it does a $15k table. so why not go for it! Having helped 8 people quit their jobs and go full time in their wood biz, I’ve got to tell you the joy i get to see in people living their dream and fulfilling their purpose. thank you Clara for the shout out and the community.

[kathyfaye]

Bro Clara u gotta make a workout video, I always strive for defined arms but me need some tips rip

[crashkg]

Keep showing up, good philosophy. I will keep watching you show up, thanks!

[espnmk]

Thank you for sharing Clara and being genuine with us giving us the incite on your back story leading up to your wood-shop business start up, and telling us about the different routes you could have taking but you chose of-course the one that worked for you. Can't wait to see what projects and designs are coming down the pike. thanks for sharing, keep up the great work.

[CLFurlong]

Appreciate the love! Keep up the good work, it’s up from here :)

[adventurealways]

This is absolutely enlightening, thank you BOTH for this retrospective and prospective of creating, owning and running a business. I'm always tossing and turning about turning my photography and media production hobby into a business and this has given me a push to make those crucial first steps. Thank you both so much for this video.

I have a main job with some side hustles that include this has a hobby and I'm going to listen deeply to the feedback, as you say!~

Mahalo from Hawaii!

[woodbyrd]

Love this video! All the points are spot on and relatable. 100% about #5 (almost to a fault sometimes lol)

[henrythurman]

you are right be yourself you are doing great. have a safe trip and have fun.

[REDBARNWELDING]

Chicago is a tough market for anything if you're not connected to it before you hang up your open for business sign. Then there's two ways of running it by being the best or being the cheapest. Either way can be a slow death. I enjoy seeing younger people working with their hands and actually creating something of value. Good luck

[JessMcConnell-JDMc]

Great video and advice. I’m retired and just starting up building furniture as a hobby. At this point, I can only claim expertise in assembling and calibrating power tools and building shelves so I can open-up floor space in my garage 😂 Lots of wisdom in your words - well done!

[stephenmoynihan]

Interesting points, I set up my own business in August last year I focus on making an repairs sliding sash windows as well as making cutting boards. I have found that I love not having to answer to a boss but the amount of work that actually goes into running it is crazy 😅 between quotes measure ups making and fitting keeping on top of overheads and then paying a mortgage on top it's not easy and I haven't bothered with social media as just haven't had the time as I'm so busy just need to get it done

[customwalldisplay]

Great video and amazing work!! I own my own plastic display/cnc business and some wood displays but I want to take the next step with bigger shop but scared to do that so keeping my small shop. All my customers are word of mouth don’t do any social media.
Keep up the great work!!

[rickpouley]

I think as a woodworker, you are right not to go to a larger shop and hire people. No matter how well you train someone, since it is YOUR shop, they will never have the same vision or goals that you may have had when you first started your business..
When I first started my shop, I have a grand vision of a huge shop, with many employees..
After I hired one person in my shop, I quickly learned, that the employees goal and eye for the detail like I wanted, that I was better to just run my shop by myself to make a quality product like I wanted.
The employee that I hired was a hard worker and a great guy, please do not get me wrong, but.. He just did not have the same goal.
As far as to piecing out your work to another shop, I think that again, they would not have the same goals as yourself, and only looking at the bottom line $$.
Just my thoughts...
I like to work by myself, slow and to get it down the way I am wanting it... Like you and your partner..
Keep up the good work! Love seeing your projects..

[RoninDosho]

Clearly your advantage, both of you, is that you’re an anomaly with regards to your chosen work, including content creation IE Don’s niche. And of course you’re not a businessperson, in the same way you were not a woodworker at one time. You’re “Niche” is developing as is your understanding of your particular business needs. Be cautious of the labels like “business person”. Don’t become one. But learn the subtle skill of knowing what you require to continue and grow. Continue to cultivate, both you and Don, your love for what you do.

[dorkultra]

I've always wondered how your neighbors feel about a garage based wood working business? have they ever complained about the noise or does it mask it enough when the door is down?

[QUARTERSAWN]

I’m still waiting for the MAD money 😅😂

[Jay-rtfc]

Love the content. I have an idea for and artist/woodworking piece of you are interested.