Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My woodworking journey actually started with a project meant to test my limits—I wanted to make over my linen closet and see what I was truly capable of doing on my own. Before that, my background was entirely in hospitality and culinary education. With zero woodworking experience, I challenged myself to learn power tools I had never touched before—and yes, that included learning how to hold a drill! I was also incredibly fortunate when my dad lent me his circular saw and taught me a few basics to get me started. I had to take those foundational lessons and use them as a launching pad in figuring out the rest through trial, error, and determination.
The moment I started that closet transformation, I fell in love with the hands-on DIY process. Learning power tools from scratch, mastering fabrication techniques, and watching a space completely change, I realized I had unlocked a true passion: I fell in love with building and creating!
As an entirely self-taught maker, looking back over the last three years leaves me amazed by how much I’ve been able to accomplish from scratch. That drive to build, problem-solve, and turn raw materials into functional pieces is what led me to establish my dedicated home workshop and launch Jen’s Wood ‘N Things. At my core, I am a perfectionist who thrives on a challenge. I dislike taking shortcuts and prefer to learn advanced, traditional methods rather than taking the easy way out. I believe in using higher-end materials and refined techniques that go far beyond basic construction, ensuring that every build is done in the best, most durable way possible. Right now, my goal isn’t to build a massive business overnight or rush into scaling up. I’m intentionally taking things step-by-step—balancing life as a wife, mother, and maker while using this time to learn, experiment, and build confidence in my craft.
Because quality, craftsmanship, and learning come first, I approach taking on new client work with careful intention. Whether I’m designing a full room makeover, building custom desks and small accent pieces, or stepping into the creative world of standalone furniture like storage cabinets and credenzas, I ensure every project gets the meticulous time, detail, and high-end materials it deserves.
Alright, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Learning custom woodworking completely from scratch comes with steep challenges, starting with the financial reality of building a shop from the ground up. High-end tools and quality materials—from cabinet-grade plywood sheets to select hardwoods—are a major investment, which naturally places limits on how quickly I can experiment, learn, and test new techniques. Every project has to count, and every new technique has to be earned through careful planning and determination rather than endless practice runs.
That learning curve also completely reshapes the timeline of every project. I spend countless hours buried in YouTube tutorials, articles, social media, and taking occasional woodworking classes just to figure out the safest and best way to execute a joint or a cut. A build that I picture taking a short time in my head inevitably stretches out because I refuse to rush the learning process. There are definitely moments when I would love to take on a much higher volume of projects, but the sheer weight of uncertainty—balancing the unknowns of new builds, material costs, and keeping my standards relentlessly high—can put temporary limits on how fast I move.
Those pressures are compounded when navigating health issues, which have sometimes forced me to pause, slow down, or temporarily set projects aside when my body needed rest. But I’ve never let it become an excuse or allow it to take over my potential. This health journey hasn’t been an easy one, but if anything, it has only pushed me to rise to the challenge. Balancing these physical, technical, and financial hurdles alongside life as a wife and mother can be overwhelming at times, but I keep pressing forward.
Most importantly, I want my son—my absolute world, who looks at me as the person who can build anything—to see that we don’t give up. No matter how many times I’ve fallen down or been put on hold, I refuse to stay down.
With passion comes determination, and when those two come together, the reward of stepping back to see what I’ve created is truly unexplainable. I continue to get up, show up in my shop, and think big!
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?
Through Jen’s Wood ‘N Things, my focus is centered on the hands-on DIY journey—specializing in space transformations, custom built-ins, and handcrafted furniture pieces. Right now, my work is rooted in taking on builds for my own home, family, and friends.
What sets me apart, and what I am most proud of, is my approach to learning, growth, and craftsmanship. Without the luxury of endless room for error—or buying extra materials just to practice and experiment—every single build I take on for my own home, family, and friends is a real-world classroom. Instead of sticking to basic shortcuts, I intentionally push myself on active projects to master advanced joinery, test higher-end materials, and tackle complex techniques with the tools I’ve fought to build up.
Facing that steep learning curve head-on and stepping out of my comfort zone every single day takes courage, but stepping back to admire what I was able to build with my own two hands makes it all worth it. I’m not focused on running a high-volume commercial business; I’m driven by resourcefulness, genuine quality, and a deep love for the craft.
Ultimately, I want to grow a business doing what I love—not only to provide a secure future for my family, but to show my son firsthand that with passion and perseverance, we can build anything we set our minds to. Behind every project, every sawdust-covered day, and every hurdle I clear are my absolute number one fans and supporters: my husband and my son. Their unwavering belief in me is the real foundation of Jen’s Wood ‘N Things, and everything I build is a reflection of the life we are creating together.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one takeaway I hope readers get from my story, it’s that it is never too late to try something new. Challenge yourself, and build something you’re proud of!
My path hasn’t been a traditional one. Navigating major personal and health transitions—including ongoing health challenges while raising a young child—is a reality I manage every single day. Finding that balance while building a home workshop and learning a trade from scratch has been a constant daily hustle. I am endlessly grateful to my family and friends who trusted me from the very beginning—giving me the opportunity to learn and grow by taking on builds I never thought I’d be capable of doing.
When you’re self-taught, it’s easy to battle self-doubt or feel like you aren’t ‘enough.’ But pushing past that hesitation and seeing what you can accomplish with your own two hands makes it all worth it. I hope my story shows that you don’t have to feel completely fearless to build something meaningful and take genuine pride in your craft.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenswoodnthings
