If you are looking for fine craftsmanship and exceptional woodworking, look no further than Matthew of
TrickShoppe on Etsy! Matthew's talents are amazing, and you can learn more about him below!
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1.Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Matthew, and I'm a fourth generation woodworker, beginning
with my great-grandfather who started in a veneer factory. I sell unique
furnishings and accents which are ideal for the home, workshop, and
place of business. My background and experiences are a harmonious
combination of engineering, cnc machining, and excellent customer
service, aside from my passions lying in music and video documentation. I
have been recognized by artists and executives for my skills, from R.
Lynn Costlow (Vice President, Multi-Channel Strategy & Operations
for US CELLULAR) who exemplified my customer engagement techniques at a
semi-annual business meeting regarding revenue, to Michele McLaughlin
(world renowned pianist and composer) who had come across my piano
playing videos a few weeks ago on YouTube and gave me excellent feedback
on performing her songs. My woodworking has always been a hobby until
May of this year, when I left a full-time position with US CELLULAR to
establish my first lineup of wooden projects (usually falling within the
lines of home furnishings). My leaders all had confidence in my
abilities and aspirations, and even helped me to establish a short-term
plan for getting my brand established. Needless to say I still have a
lot of work to do, but i'm excited to see where my work will take me.
Now I spend a part-time schedule receiving and dispatching rental
vehicles, and when i'm off the clock i'm either in my wood-shop, or
giving piano lessons to those who have the same passion for music as I
do!
2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
When I started making these projects, it was for my own home. When my
friends and relatives would see my work, they would get more excited
than myself!! It was when they were telling their friends and relatives
about my work, that people started paying to take my things home with
them. I don't know what was more inspiring?; that people were dropping
dollars to take my projects, or that my projects were now a part of
their homes and everyday lives! One thing was for certain, that I could
make even more unique projects to reach even more people. That is how
professionals get started; Aside from gaining the knowledge that is
critical to your profession, finding people who love your work, and then
the word of your success spreading from one household to another!
3.What is your favorite part of your process?
My favorite part of the design and manufacture process (and hardest
part) is finding that creative edge that gets me started on a new
project! Building something new is like writing a song, it starts out
with a feeling and then grows into something unique and genuine. Of
course my second favorite part is seeing the final product and looking
back at the hard work and passion that was necessary to create a new
item for the first time!
4.Handmade: What inspires you the most while you create?
Over the years, I have branched out to friends and former coworkers who
share a similar background. Reaching out to these people and seeing
their drive to share knowledge is what I find most inspiring. Sometimes
it seems as if the world is full of stingy people who want to keep
knowledge and ideas to themselves, but once you've inspired others with
your goals and perspective, you will find that people want to be a part
of your journey, and give you whatever they can to help you succeed!
Those are the ones I'd like to think for getting me started!
5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
Oh gosh! If I HAD to pick a favorite project, it would be my
Hanging Wooden Cogs. They are large, fun to make, and now that I have produced
many sets they are somewhat easy to replicate! They use a lot of
materials, and require a few days to make, but regardless I can offer
them at a very reasonable price! I love to show them to someone for the
very first time, and the initial reaction is always the same.. "I want
them!"
6.Got any social media links?
Related to my woodworking, etsy.com
is my only media outlet. However, I have a lot of fun on YouTube with
my piano playing. Feel free to check it out! here is a link to some of
my videos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CN3cld_2A8
Here is one that has one of my pieces:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YafrisW5Iaw
Regina Spektor is an artist I find most inspiring! Her music really
brings people together, and like myself, she strives on her ability to
create.. Also she has fun with it!! For my birthday this year some
lady-friends and I got together to reenact one of her music videos she
made years back.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gsdMNQaoZc
7.Anything else that you want to share?
I've chosen to name my brand "TrickShoppe." When working in the
woodworking industry, I've found myself surrounded by empowerment and
slang-terms! When I created this name, I wanted to encompass the
customization potential for my current items, the support from my
level-headed and innovative team, and the versatile category for
projects that are currently in the making! Basically I wanted a name
that could easily stand behind ANYTHING that I choose to make! The term
"Trick" is one way of saying "Awesome," "Unique," or "Wow I've never
seen anything like that!"
I love Italian food and a good glass of wine on occasion!
Being outdoors will put me in a great mood, even on a cold and rainy
day! I get a large chunk of my creative influence from nature.
If I can give one word of advice to help anyone achieve a goal in any
profession, I would say that practice, prayer, and motivation will get
you to wherever it is you want to go. "Ask and you shall receive" is
what I've heard many times growing up in church. Nothing ever comes
easy, but just keep your faith and stick with what you love, and God
will grant you His will to your success!
