Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Kussman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mike. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
As a kid, I was drawn to design and had a passion for creating things. My father, an engineer, who could build just about anything, was my original teacher. We built decks, furniture, even musical instruments together. He taught me to have respect for the materials I was working with, that faster doesn’t mean better and that doing the work right means the product lasts long. I also learned that with artistic vision and a plan, you can create anything you can imagine.
As an adult, I became a licensed general contractor. I specialized in home re-design and re-builds. My favorite thing to do was reimagine my client’s homes into the showpiece that they deserved. I would draw the furniture that I saw living in those homes to create a complete picture for the homeowner.
In time, I realized how much fun I was having drawing the furniture and, on a lark, started making what envisioned into real pieces. Just like my father showed me when I was a kid. I received such positive feedback from friends and family on the tables I was making that I decided to throw myself into learning the craft of woodworking. With every class and tons of practice, I got better and more importantly… happier.
I had found my joy. And that joy translated into clients. Word of mouth took off very quickly, and within months of making tables for family and friends, a full-blown business was born. I now have a wood shop in Hermosa Beach, and my best selling design, the “Saltwater OG table” (named in honor of my other love, surfing in the South Bay), has now been featured in Nordstrom’s and can be custom ordered through several top designers in Los Angeles.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every job has its ups and downs. That said, furniture design is my greatest artistic expression. Every moment that I spend drawing, designing, and building a piece reminds me that this is what I love to do. When I deliver a table to a client, the love that I put into making it is delivered with the table…no extra charge!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SLTWTR Co. – what should we know?
I am a passionate furniture designer and woodworker. I specialize in custom, bespoke tables, and home furniture. My pieces reflect a modern, beachy vibe using clean lines and only high-quality hardwood, I keep it eco-conscious by using low to no VOC finishes from locally sourced and sustainable wood suppliers.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion is everything… and a little bit of patience always helps!
Contact Info:
- Address: 436 Ardmore Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90266 - Website: www.sltwtrco.com
- Phone: 310-426-8464
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SLTWTRshop
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
