Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Stone.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Becca. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was ten years old, I began woodworking for 4-H, a youth development organization, in my home state of Illinois. My dad helped me design a simple project, such as a shelf or a bench. I spent summers in my parents’ basement sanding, cutting, staining lumber as well as joining the pieces together. Woodworking was a bonding experience with my dad plus I produced tangible fruit from my labor. Fast forward to 2017. I now live in Los Angeles and decided to learn calligraphy as a New Years Resolution. Calligraphy combined my love for words and art. I used it as therapy to either focus on a word or phrase. I spent most of 2017 learning the technique, which pens work best for me and practicing anytime I could.
When my husband and I visited Austin in 2018, we went to a DIY craft place where I chose to build a wooden sign. Instead of using their stencil and design, I painted my own freehand. The creative process fused my basic knowledge of woodworking and calligraphy. From there, I built signs for my mom and mother-in-law as gifts. Soon after, I bought more materials and created more designs. I opened up The Urban Oak studio at the end of 2018 as a creative outlet after I finished graduate school. I now paint my designs with paintbrushes as opposed to paint pens, buy sustainably sourced lumber, and use a toxic-free stain and finish. As a business owner, I have the power to go the extra mile to provide quality products and to support local businesses. I’m always learning new and better ways of building products and managing a business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Since I’m just starting out, I have not had many obstacles, but that doesn’t mean it’s been a smooth road. I’ve been learning how to refine my craft of calligraphy as well as woodworking which takes practice and time. Right after I began The Urban Oak studio, I was unemployed which was a small blessing in disguise. I was able to focus on my business and brand. Some joyful difficulties came about like making my own decisions (something new to me) and trying to get into a handmade market (which I did and will again in December for The Handmade Market LA!).
The biggest consistent challenge is to take leaps of faith of putting my creativity out in the world and not have it be the sole foundation of my identity. Social media is difficult terrain. You constantly see other people’s work either get more recognition that you (with likes or collaborations). Your response could either drown in comparison or be proud to be part of a creative handmaker’s movement.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Urban Oak studio story. Tell us more about the business.
The Urban Oak studio specializes in home decor as well as offers calligraphy services. Most of the products are wooden signs which is a popular thing right now. Wooden sign small businesses market towards suburban and rural customers (as well as have space for a workshop). I live in Los Angeles and love urban centers so I want to create products to reflect the lifestyle specifically. Furthermore, everything is bought, cut, hand painted (etc.) by me. I’m striving to support local, sustainable, and/or small businesses and use materials that are toxic-free or all-natural. The Urban Oak studio is a way for me to be creative, seek to grow and learn, and meet other talented creatives and makers.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been lucky to personally know other women-owned small businesses people in Los Angeles. They are phenomenal. It’s a game-changer to be supported by them as well as family and other friends.
Pricing:
- 8″x8″ oakwood sign – $20
- 12″x12″ oakwood sign – $30
- 12″x8″ oakwood sign – $28
- 24″x12″ oakwood sign – $60
- 8″x8″ custom oakwood sign – $25
- 12″x12″ custom oakwood sign – $40
- 12″x12″ custom oakwood sign – $38
- 8″x8* greenery sign – $25
- 10″x10″ greenery sign – $28
- 12″x6″ greenery sign – $30
- 8″x8* custom greenery sign – $25
- 10″x10″ custom greenery sign – $28
- 12″x6″ custom greenery sign – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: theurbanoakstudio.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @theurbanoakstudio
Image Credit:
Erika Gonzales
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