The Makers Journey.
Follow my journey from the military and corporate life to full-time maker and discover how you can build a business around what you love.
I began my career as an electronics technician before working in communications & technology, sales, marketing (including a Fortune 500 company) and business mentoring. Today I am a full-time knife maker and business owner.
This is the story of my journey from the corporate world to life as a maker, how I made it happen, and how you can do it too. This web page is the foundation of my upcoming book, The Business of Making.
I wish I had known this earlier
If there's one thing I wish I'd understood before starting my business, it's this: The business I imagined isn't the business I would end up building.
I started with a vision of what I thought people wanted. Over time I realised my customers were quietly shaping that vision for me. They showed me which products they loved, what they valued, and even how they wanted to buy from me. In many ways, they built the business just as much as I did.
I've come to believe that if you have a genuine desire to create something and you're prepared to take the leap, you'll usually find your way. The key is to keep your eyes open. Listen to advice. Pay attention to feedback and watch for the signs your customers are giving you.
If something isn't working, don't see it as failure. See it as information. Evaluate where you are, and be willing to pivot. Some of the best opportunities come from changing direction rather than stubbornly sticking to the original plan.
I was naïve but it was all part of the journey. None of us start with all the answers.
Coming Soon
The Business of Making.
Turn your Passion into Profit and a Lifestyle You Love.
What is my journey?
The Makers Journey is both the history that has led to me owning an artisan business, and the writing of my book. I’ll share my chapters with you, ask for input and let you know the challenges writing and publishing a book. To join me on this journey follow my blog.
Why did I start my journey?
I was stuck in a rut, earning good money but doing a job I didn’t enjoy. I was deskbound all day long and was bored. I was creating something but it was stuck on a computer monitor and it wasn’t tangible - it couldn’t be held, used, or experienced. My work had to be approved by other people, who may or may not have shared my vision, so it wasn’t truly my creation. I thought to myself ‘surely there’s something better than this’?
Why follow me?
If want to take your own journey and do something you love, this is for you. Likewise, if you are a product, food, or experience maker and you are struggling to make ends meet, I will provide useful tips to help you succeed. If you are a purely creative type and your life is spontaneous and lacks structure, some of my recommendations may not resonate with you. Be open to change, go out of your comfort zone, and focus. I’ve got you.
