Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Elwood.
Hi Joel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It really started with a love for remodeling and construction. In high school, I worked for a small construction team and really found I loved working with my hands. After college, I worked for nonprofits and a church for 14 years. About 10 years ago we bought a house that was a fixer-upper and in the process of renovating our home, I started to build pieces of furniture. That turned into friends asking for pieces and eventually I started a small business mostly selling smaller furniture pieces and cutting boards. During covid my Etsy shop took off. At the same time I was seeing more requests for custom furniture than ever and sensing a need for something new and refreshing I decided to give my business a go and I left my job in May 2021 and ventured out to new territory with Elwood Design.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The last 18 months has been wild. It’s had really great days and some sleepless nights. In a lot of ways it was a trial by fire and I believe if I didn’t love what I was doing I probably would have given up. But, most days I wake up excited for the day ahead and really enjoying what I do for a living now. Some of the challenges has been understanding cash flow and learning about payment structures for different clients. Taxes and adding an employee have also complicated things and it feels like I’m constantly paying some new tax or insurance payment. I also learned after the first 9 months that I wouldn’t make it long-term working by myself. I need other people to be a part of the journey with me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I do feel like I’m an artist I better relate to the term craftsman. I enjoy the process of building and problem solving and selecting beautiful materials and watching them turn into functional art. I specialize in hardwood furniture like dining tables and desks. I’ve also done a few pieces that involved epoxy but I don’t plan to specialize in that. One of the jobs I’m most proud of was the opportunity to build out the desk area for a world-famous photographer whose work I’ve enjoyed for a long time.
As far as what sets me apart in my industry I think it has to do with my personality. In general, I get along with a lot of different people. I’ve found there are lots of people who can build beautiful furniture, but running a furniture business means more than knowing good construction methods. I think part of why I’ve experienced some success so far is that I can build great furniture but I am also on top of good business practices and engaging with my clients. I also think if you just handle business the right way and communicate well you’ll earn a lot of great reviews and people will be happy to refer you.
What matters most to you? Why?
To me, furniture is a means to making the world a little more beautiful every day. Our tagline is, “we build furniture that inspires joy, sparks conversation, and brings people together.” If what we build can do those things then I’m satisfied with our work. I think well-designed furniture also has the power to bring people together in really subtle ways and I love that feeling of hospitality that great design and offers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elwooddesignco.com
- Instagram: Elwooddesignco
- Facebook: Elwooddesignco
- Linkedin: Elwooddesigncompany.Etsy.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elwood-design-co-orange
Image Credits
Lightfoot Cabin / Chase and April Charifa
