We’re looking forward to introducing you to Isaac Garcia. Check out our conversation below.
Isaac, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts early. I wake up around 6 a.m. and begin with a cold plunge to get my energy up and start the day in a positive mood. From there, I take a shower and head to the gym for about an hour. Afterward, I’ll usually clean my car—it’s a small habit that helps me stay organized—then I grab a coffee and head to work.
At the workshop, I like to get into a rhythm by putting on some music or a podcast. My day usually involves hands-on work such as cutting, sanding, and finishing wood, as well as meeting and talking with customers. I enjoy that balance of craftsmanship and interaction.
In the evening, around 6 p.m., I wrap up, go home, spend quality time with my family, and wind down with a shower and a movie before going to sleep. It’s a routine that keeps me productive, creative, and grounded.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Isaac Garcia, and I’m the founder of Once a Tree in Houston, where I specialize in creating custom live-edge tables and one-of-a-kind wood pieces. What makes my work unique is that every slab of wood has its own character and story, and I bring that natural beauty into homes by combining craftsmanship with design.
This passion started when I was a kid, working alongside my dad in his shop at around 13 years old. What began as helping him has grown into a family tradition that I’ve carried forward with pride. Building Once a Tree from the ground up has been one of my proudest accomplishments. My father is proud of how I’ve taken the techniques he taught me, refined them, and elevated them into something that feels both timeless and artistic. Each piece I create is more than just furniture — it’s a work of art that carries a piece of me in it, crafted with the same dedication my dad instilled in me years ago.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding the brand, welcoming more customers into the showroom, and continuing to push the boundaries of how natural wood can be showcased in modern living.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. When I was around 13, I started helping him in his shop, and from the very beginning, he showed me that work is about more than just tools and wood. He taught me discipline, patience, and the pride of creating something with your own hands — but even more importantly, he taught me how to carry myself as a person.
He always reminded me to treat everyone the same, to be kind, to stay honest, and to never fall into greed. He showed me that respect and integrity are just as important as skill. Those lessons are in everything I do today. Every time I create a piece, I see it as more than just furniture — it’s a reflection of myself, a piece of art that carries the values he passed on to me. I think that’s what makes my work special, and it’s what I’m most proud to share with others.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d tell him: Don’t be afraid, you’re going to be okay. All those long days in the shop, all the doubts, all the moments where you wonder if it’s worth it — they will all pay off.
I’d remind him to hold on to Dad’s lessons: always be kind, treat everyone with respect, stay honest, and never let greed or pride get in the way of who you are. One day, you’re going to take everything you learned, refine it, and create something that’s not just work, but a reflection of yourself in every piece. And you’re going to make Dad proud. So just keep going — your hard work will become your story.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that everything we do carries an energy that reaches further than we realize. The kindness we show, the effort we put in, even the struggles we go through — they ripple out into the world in ways we may never see. I can’t prove it, but I believe our actions, big or small, leave a mark that lives beyond us.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I was a good husband, father, son, brother, and friend — a man who loved deeply, lived with honesty, and treated everyone with kindness. That my greatest legacy wasn’t the work I made, but the love and values I left behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onceatreeus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceatreehtx?igsh=d3RvOGVxNHF3azB1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTDojdmgv/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@isaacswoodslabcreations1937?si=q4y-nCBuGm4734qe
