Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Graw.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for woodworking started as a child. My grandfather had a shop and would let me help him make everything from home decor and crafts to outdoor furniture. He never ran it as a business, only a hobby–making things for friends and family.
A few years ago we bought a home that had a small shop in the backyard, and I decided to utilize that shop to pursue a dream of having my own woodworking shop. I began making smaller items such as farmhouse signs and my river coasters. Over the past two years, I have slowly built my shop setup, adding tools to my collection as I sold items. and in turn, allowing me to make new items like cutting boards and eventually furniture.
Early in my journey, I sold my items at local farmer’s and craft market but as the time commitment and setup was cumbersome–I knew it was not sustainable. Luck would have it that I was able to start working with locally-owned shops and have them carry my goods to sell. I am fortunate to even work with a local shop to host woodworking classes where customers make various items like cutting boards and wood tool caddies.
My hope is to one day have my own storefront where I build and sell furniture and home decor in my local community. Within our town is a tight-knit group of small businesses all supporting one another and I hope to continue to be a part of that as my small, one-man operation continues to grow.
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?
Growing Liberty Lumberworks has had its fair share of struggles. One thing I always hear with growing a small business is “grow organically”.
I started my business with a small set of tools and some personal funding to help get it going with a goal to become self-sufficient so I was not continually putting money into the business. It took a while, but eventually, the business became self-sufficient and is now paying for itself.
Another challenge that I faced when I got started was the COVID pandemic. When I decided to start my woodworking business at the end of 2020, it was arguably one of the worst times to start a small business. I didn’t have anywhere to really sell my goods as many of the markets and festivals were shut down.
Eventually, things began to open back up and I was able to get my name out into the local community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Liberty Lumberworks?
Liberty Lumberworks creates handmade, custom furniture and home decor. My goal is to create unique pieces that are both functional and beautiful, adding quality and charm to my customer’s homes.
I love the individual qualities of various hardwoods and enjoy choosing wood texture and color that will naturally add to each piece. While I work with many types of hardwood I have a particular fondness for walnut, purple heart, birdseye, and ambrosia maple.
I enjoy teaching cutting board classes during which I am able to discuss the attributes of many hardwoods. My river coasters and cutting boards are the most popular items I make, however, furniture design and creation are my favorite woodworking ventures.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I currently offer small, intimate woodworking classes at Cottle & Gunn in St. Marys, GA most months.
Both Cottle & Gunn in St. Marys and Hooks Crafted Leather Co. in Kingsland offer many of my pieces. For custom work and furniture I can be reached through social media and email at [email protected]
Follow me @libertylumberworks on Instagram where I share my latest projects and reels. I have only done a couple of collaborations, but I’m always looking for new adventures and meeting new people.
Pricing:
- Custom Cutting Boards start at $85
- Bookcases start at $475
- Dining Room tables start at $900
- Sofa tables start at $275
Contact Info:
- Website: www.libertylumberworks.com
- Instagram: @libertylumberworks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/libertylumberworks
Image Credits
Teresa L. Readdick Photography
