Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Sampson.
Hi Jared, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was about 5 years old, my father began making wooden gliders for extra money, and eventually, I had my own little workbench, and would help him in the garage any time I could. We would often build new things and I learned a lot about woodworking. Fast-forward past high school, my time in the Navy, and my time working offshore, and I begin my current life with my wife in our house.
I needed to fix this, or repair that, and it all started with a simple power drill. Once I got back into the mindset of building things, my tool collection started growing at an alarming rate!
I made a United States Flag for fun, and got some positive feedback on social media; once I realized the potential for art and custom woodworking business, I decided to register my business with the State of Texas.
I have done many things with wood; bed frames, tables, art, organizers, etc. I’ve found that I crave the experience of trying new techniques or attempting a challenging project. I believe in learning as much as possible, and sharing that in a way that helps others grow as well.
I am currently finishing my first large epoxy-resin and wood slab project for a local business, and hope to expand my business for custom pieces in the future.
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?
Honestly, this has been more of a hobby than a real business until recently. My biggest issue has been pricing my work to sell and to make it worth my time. As I began, I would adjust my price to try and get more business; As I’ve grown, I’ve come to find that when people value quality, they will pay for it.
In 2019 I attempted my first (and last) craft show in hopes of displaying my flags and cutting boards for purchase. I had a booth, was seen by several people, and even made pamphlets for passers-by to take home, but I realized afterwards that I was marketing to the wrong crowd.
Marketing custom woodworking is difficult, but having examples of a wide variety of items I’ve made visible on my website and social media has gained my business a few more eyeballs than any craft show likely would.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create custom wooden artwork and functional furniture. I suppose if I had to describe what I specialize in, I’d say I pride myself on keeping my works unique and making sure they’re sturdy enough to last a lifetime. I’m most proud of the epoxy and Pecan slab desk that I’m currently finishing – it’s my largest project aside from my King-size bed frame, and far more impressive.
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to take a customer’s ideas and make them into reality – I know that sounds cheesy, but I get excited even when the customer is my own wife, and she’s happy with something I’ve made for our home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a fantasy! My hard work bought me these tools, my hard work makes the things, and my hard work promotes the things I make to grow my business.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sampsonwoodcrafting@gmail.com
- Website: www.sampsonwoodcrafting.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sampson_woodcrafting/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SampsonWoodcrafting/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrTrbWGMgwUoRZ6mF_VjiCQ
