Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyanne Buguerio.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My woodworking journey began in the summer of 2018. While at a company picnic for my, at the time, fiance’s work. He works as a lineman for the local power company. As his partners we, the girlfriends, fiancees, and wives are proud to support their line of work because it’s not recognized many times. Therefore, at these picnics, they have vendors selling clothing for the employees, power tools but never anything handmade that the lineman and families would be proud to hang up in their home. Soon after, I challenged myself to create a rustic American flag. Before this, I had never picked up a power tool in my life. I bought the wood. My local hardware store cut it for me. I then sanded, stained and hand-carved each star. I was shocked when I finished. I couldn’t believe how great it looked but also proud that I had done that on my own. Prior to this, I never had a hobby that I was good at. So, I continued and slowly learned more and more about woodworking.
Through LOTS of trial and error, I created more flags, small wood burning projects. Such as bottle openers, coasters, and slowly worked my way to personalized home signs. I then began planning my wedding. My fiance suggested I make my own wedding signs rather than paying someone else. I created all the table numbers, my welcome sign, the bar sign, the day of order of events and many many more. As my wedding was happening and I was getting ready to go down the aisle, my decorators were asked who made the signs. She said, “the bride did”. The person asking was wrapping up the tour of the venue and asked if she could rent them. At the end of that month, I began renting out signs for weddings. I genuinely love that I can make signs out of wood. I can make your house a home by creating a sign that represents who the people inside are. I can create something to make a man and their family feel represented and proud. But I can also create something for two people that fell in love. I have challenged and slowly learned, heck I am still learning. But this community of women makers is helpful and supportive. I began working on my ping pong table in my home. Now, I have my own office in my home along with a small garage dedicated to my projects and I have power tools. As a woman, it’s great to have people who can help and support you. But its more important to be able to do things on your own. This Lady Maker CAN do hard things too.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a fairly smooth road. The hardest part was learning how to use the power tools without chopping my fingers off. I have older neighbors in my community who are now retired but still woodwork for fun. They have taught me many things through this. The techniques and advice have gotten me through many projects. Youtube and social media can be your best friend. Find a community of women and men who enjoy doing the things you do. My biggest thing is to never be ashamed to ask questions. Asking something as simple as “what blade do you use”? to “why they do the things they do the way they do”? People are always willing to help. So, reach out and always stay focused and motivated.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My specialty is sign making. My work skill is what sets me apart from others. Many paint their work stain their work but I am proud to say I Woodburn as well. The skills I have worked on and the diversity I can combine those skills to is something I am proud of. If I receive an order, 99% of the time can say I CAN make their requested projects. I love that I can make wood burned projects today, wedding signs tomorrow, and a flag the next.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Truthfully, there is an opportunity for women anytime as long as she is not afraid to fail. I quit my full-time job to go back to school and create Lyanne’s Touch. Like I said earlier, women CAN do hard things and I am proof of that. I had never worked with wood, not only did I have an idea on how to run a business let alone do it on my own. Whether it is building your company, starting a family, training for a new goal. The opportunities are there for women as long as they give it their heart. There are no such things as “women duties, or women careers”. In my household, we divide duties evenly. We both cook, we both clean, we both do laundry, but maybe I am the only one skilled enough to use the wood power tools, other than that, no such thing!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9513783447
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyannestouch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyannesTouch/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Lyanne Diaz, Loi Sanchez
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