Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Garcia.
Hi Isaac, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Isaac Garcia, owner of ONCE A TREE.
I got into this business because of my dad and all of it was by accident. I was 13 years old and my dad was just opening a barbecue restaurant. The place was always packed so he needed more tables to sit more people, in that property we had a big cypress tree laying down, he got a chain saw and made an extremely rough flint stone style looking table with that tree using what he had, next day a customer who was eating on it wanted to buy that table, that was the beginning of this story, he started making more artistic sculptures and furniture pieces for the restaurant without having a traditional knowledge of woodwork, learning by trial and error, till one day he decided focusing 100% on it. As his little helper witness of all inspired me so much.
I’m very thankful because I discovered my passion being so young, being able to use my creativity with nature, making it by hand envisioning the final product when I’m looking at raw wood, and making customers happy with their specific project brings so much satisfaction to my spirit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not easy at all. A lot of failures and challenges, getting stressed for not having the income you thought you would have, or thinking about giving up on the bad moments. Doubting yourself when people don’t appreciate the time that you spend making each piece. Before having Once a Tree, I tried having my own business and I lost all I had at the moment, my money. my inventory of wood, and my hope, people criticized me because after a couple of months of that event, I was thinking of doing it again, saving one more time, trying one more time… That’s a real passion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work with wood slabs, and with that material, I can make a sculpture, dining table, coffee table, bar, headboard, or conference table, any kind of idea is a possibility it is all about letting creativity take control.
I’m proud of being myself in my store. I would treat everyone the same way no matter the looks no matter the money, most importantly I’m very proud of being able to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that make my customers happy.
What sets me apart from others is the whole experience. I do care for my customer to be really satisfied with the final product. We choose the perfect wood slab together. I am actually making it not like other stores where they just bought it from someone else and reselling or paying someone to make it and sell it.
This is not a regular furniture store, this is a place where you can share with me your creative ideas and I can make them come true, size, shape, color, and epoxy if needed. Everything is totally custom.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
What helps me the best is being grateful every day and having my conversation 2 times per day with God.
The last podcast that I recall listening to is Huberman lab I do recommend it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onceatreeus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceatreehtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onceatreehtx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrErcCF147hBoaGZ9fZ72sA
