Episode 27 is a small business story about saying yes to opportunities and having the courage to follow new paths.
After moving to Baltimore in 2014, Kate Christian—who had worked as a business analyst, a boat captain, and as chief operating officer for a company that made at-home STD tests—got a gift certificate to the Station North Tool Library from her wife. She took a cutting board class, fell in love with working with wood, and ultimately found a new career path.
Today, Kate owns Bliss Woodworks, which specializes in custom woodworking projects and furniture like vanities, bookshelves, tables, wardrobes, and more. She also teaches one-on-one classes on topics like buying rough sawn lumber and project planning, and offers private instruction in her large studio space.
In this episode, Kate talks about:
- Her early careers before she discovered woodworking;
- Why that cutting board class was so pivotal for her, how she approaches her woodworking projects, and how she built Bliss Woodworks;
- Taking big leaps and when she knew it was time to do so, such as when she moved from a 200-square-foot studio space to a 1,200-square-foot warehouse;
- The psychological challenges of being a business owner, as well as her successes and advice for other small business owners;
- Evolving as an entrepreneur and what her vision is for Bliss Woodworks going forward; and more.
Follow Bliss Woodworks on Instagram
Follow We Built This Life on Instagram
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Bliss Woodworks, Kate Christian’s Baltimore-based small business specializing in custom woodworking projects and furniture and one-on-one classes
- Station North Tool Library, a nonprofit tool-lending library that offers 30,000 tools, 30 classes, and more
- Made in Baltimore, an organization that supports makers and manufactures in Baltimore City (and is a great place for consumers to learn about Baltimore-based small businesses)
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!