Daily Inspiration: Meet Brandon Stark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Stark

Hi Brandon, 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?
I started working full time in construction soon after graduating high school in 2012. I always enjoyed using my hands to make things but never thought I would be able to make a living out of it and certainly never envisioned that I would be a full time custom furniture maker in Los Angeles.

After years of learning various trades I found myself getting bored with the daily repetitive tasks. I discovered that I really enjoyed the fine details and using creativity to make beautiful things. As an artist I’ve always loved the challenge of taking a vision in my mind and be able to translate it into a physical object. Woodworking has been my outlet to be able to do that.

In the beginning of 2020 I left my 9-5 job and decided it was time to pursue my passion. I started my own business doing general contracting with a focus on custom built-in furniture.

My wife, Joan, and I started Pearlwood Studio after moving to LA in 2022 as a rebranding of my previous general contracting business. We’ve shifted our focus from general home renovations into creating beautiful one of a kind pieces of furniture and art. We place a strong emphasis on designing our pieces to evoke feelings of “home”.

Every person is uniquely individual. So why should we settle for mass manufactured soulless furniture? Our vision is not just to make furniture but to inspire others to discover the creativity within themselves.

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?
Anyone who has started their own business will tell you that it’s not easy. There have been many hurdles and steep learning curves along the way. But at the end of the day, I love what I do. I’m passionate about furniture and design.

One of the hardest parts about owning your own business is that it’s very hard to “clock-out” of work. In my case, I do all of my physical creating in my shop but there are many things that I have to keep up with from home as well. Things like designs, emails, client communications, social media, etc. Some days I wish I had a “normal” 9-5 job that I can clock out at the end of the day.

But I always come back to the perks of being my own boss; flexible schedule, no salary cap, and I can choose what projects I want to do. Those things make the extra work worth while.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We started Pearlwood Studio as a custom woodworking studio that specializes in one of a kind custom furniture, built-ins, and home goods. Our quality-first approach is what makes us stand out among other makers. We offer an experience that is fully tailored to our clients specific needs. We believe that every piece of furniture should tell a story and wear in, not wear out. Our passion lies in creating custom pieces that not only elevate our clients space but also reflect their unique personality.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We love connecting with other local artists and makers. If you’d like to get in touch with with us you can visit our website: www.PearlwoodStudio.com

or email us at: [email protected]

Along side our custom furniture business I also have a passion for teaching. I currently teach woodworking, DIY, and private classes at Allied Woodshop on weekends.

We also recently started a YouTube channel (@PearlwoodStudio) where we will be posting longer format videos of our projects and some informational tutorial type content.

To take a class or learn more visit: www.AlliedWoodshop.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pearlwoodstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlwoodstudio
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pearlwoodstudio