Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chantae Reynolds and Justin Kankula. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chantae & Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Meaningful projects for JK Woodworked Creations? Well, let me share an inspiring experience we had this summer. I was teaching a woodworking class for kids, and there was this remarkable moment. A 4th-grade girl, at the very beginning, told us she despised math. But as the class unfolded, her grandmother and I could hardly contain our excitement as we watched her confidently measure the wood, deftly add and subtract fractions – all essential aspects of woodworking.
Then came the magic. At the end of the class, we revealed to her that what she had been doing the entire time was, in fact, math. The sheer astonishment on her face was absolutely priceless. It was a poignant reminder of the transformative power of hands-on learning and the incredible joy of discovering the hidden math within the world of woodworking.
Chantae & Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Chantae Reynolds, and along with my partner Justin Kankula, we founded JK Woodworking Creations. Our business is a true blend of our passions and skills. Justin handles the woodworking side, pouring his creativity into crafting a variety of items from wood, ranging from practical cutting boards and rings to larger pieces like tables and intricate wall art.
On the other hand, Chantae takes charge of the laser side of things. My expertise lies in creating charming ornaments, eye-catching signs, stylish earrings, and even DIY kits for those who love to add their personal touch to our creations.
Our artistic journey doesn’t stop there; our son, Jameson, is also an integral part of our business. He contributes by crafting impressive woodworking pieces, with a specialty in charcuterie boards.
Running JK Woodworking Creations is a true labor of love. We take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that each piece we create is a work of art. Our products range from functional items that elevate everyday life to decorative pieces that add a touch of elegance.
To share our creations with the world, we believe in maintaining a strong online presence, participating in local craft fairs, and connecting with our customers on social media platforms. Our priority is always customer satisfaction, and we strive to provide an exceptional experience from the moment someone discovers our work to the moment they hold their chosen piece in their hands.
Justin started his journey in construction, but his heart was set on woodworking. Unfortunately, the funds to purchase all the equipment he needed weren’t there. That’s when I stumbled upon Mixxer, a local makerspace in Winston-Salem, NC. With the doors of Mixxer open to him, Justin finally had access to the tools and resources he required to kickstart his woodworking career.
At Mixxer, Justin honed his skills and began to blossom as a woodworking artist. Beyond the equipment, he found a supportive community. Through Mixxer, he formed connections with small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, which later translated into job opportunities as they referred him to others.
It’s incredible how Mixxer not only provided a space for creation but also acted as a hub for networking and collaboration. The mix of resources and the community’s spirit truly helped him carve out my path in the woodworking world.
I’m an elementary teacher who discovered a passion for laser designs when I helped Justin engrave his logo onto cutting boards. This experience sparked my interest, and I began creating unique ornaments for realtors, dog walkers, and other businesses. I also specialize in crafting custom signs, catering to both businesses and individuals.
Recently, I’ve delved into a new venture – hosting painting pop-up parties at local establishments. What sets my paint and sip events apart is that I provide DIY kits made of wood instead of the traditional canvas. This gives participants a unique and memorable experience as they create art on a different medium.
I love collaborating with a variety of businesses, from real estate to pet services, showcasing my versatility in design. By offering personalized pieces, I cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.
As I continue to nurture my creativity and refine my skills, I’m excited about the potential for growth. I’m considering expanding my offerings and exploring online platforms to reach a broader audience. The blend of laser design, crafting, and art opens up numerous possibilities for my business to flourish.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Referrals from satisfied clients have proven to be the backbone of JK Woodworked Creations’ client acquisition strategy. Our commitment to producing impeccable woodworking and laser-cut creations, coupled with a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, has translated into a strong network of word-of-mouth recommendations.
At JK Woodworked Creations, we understand that client happiness is paramount. When our previous clients are not only content but genuinely excited about our woodworking and laser-cut projects, they become our most effective advocates. Their enthusiastic referrals have consistently introduced us to new clients who share their appreciation for our craft.
Our dedication to consistently delivering the highest quality work has played a pivotal role in our success. By adhering to rigorous standards and consistently surpassing our clients’ expectations in both woodworking and laser-cutting projects, we’ve managed to stand out in a competitive market.
In addition to referrals, participating in vendor events has proven to be a rewarding avenue. These events provide a direct opportunity to engage with our target audience, showcasing our intricately crafted woodworking pieces and laser-cut designs. The face-to-face interactions fostered at these events often lay the foundation for lasting client relationships.
The digital landscape has also played a crucial role, and our strategic presence on social media platforms has expanded our reach significantly. Through our social media channels, we not only exhibit our woodworking and laser-cutting artistry but also share glowing testimonials from delighted clients. This multifaceted approach positions us as experts in both woodworking and laser technology.
While referrals, vendor events, and social media are cornerstones of our approach, we’re also open to exploring additional avenues, including content marketing, collaborations with strategic partners, and targeted online advertising. This diversified strategy ensures a steady stream of new opportunities while further cementing JK Woodworked Creations’ position as a leader in woodworking and laser-cut craftsmanship.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My involvement with Mixxer, our local makerspace, has played a significant role in building JK Woodworked Creations’ reputation within our market. Collaborating with Mixxer’s Executive Director, Elaine Lamson, and Founder/Operations Director, Alan Shelton, has been instrumental in gaining referrals for our woodworking and laser cutting business from individuals and businesses in need of assistance with projects within our community. This local connection has allowed JK Woodworked Creations to establish a strong presence and reputation.
At JK Woodworked Creations, we specialize in both woodworking and laser cutting services. We prioritize maintaining an active presence on social media and relying on referrals to ensure that people and companies are aware of our custom woodworking and precision laser cutting offerings. This strategy has helped us extend our reach beyond our immediate network and attract potential clients who value artisanal craftsmanship and intricate laser work.
Consistency, dependability, and trustworthiness are the core principles we uphold at JK Woodworked Creations. By consistently delivering high-quality custom woodwork and precise laser cutting, meeting project deadlines, and communicating openly with clients, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability that clients can trust.
Engaging with our community through local events, workshops, and initiatives has allowed us to connect with a wider audience and position JK Woodworked Creations as a knowledgeable and skilled professional in both woodworking and laser cutting. One of the most unique ways we engage with the community is by offering woodworking workshops at Mixxer. These workshops provide people in the community with a hands-on experience in woodworking, allowing them to get a taste of the craft. All of our classes are popular, and our founder, Justin, makes sure to make each class unique, resulting in every person creating a different and personalized woodworking project.
This involvement reinforces our commitment to contributing positively to the community. One of the most rewarding aspects has been receiving word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients. These recommendations hold significant weight, as they come from individuals who have experienced JK Woodworked Creations’ craftsmanship and laser work firsthand and are willing to share their positive experiences with others.
We constantly strive to offer unique value by identifying what sets our custom woodworking and laser cutting services apart from others in the market. By continuously improving our woodworking and laser skills and staying updated with industry trends, we demonstrate our dedication to providing the best, handcrafted and precision solutions possible.
Overall, building a reputation takes time and dedication. Through our involvement with Mixxer, an active online presence, and a focus on delivering consistently exceptional woodworking and laser cutting services, along with our popular and distinctive woodworking workshops, JK Woodworked Creations has managed to establish a reputable standing within our market.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwoodworkedcreationsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkwoodworkedcreations
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jkwoodworkedcreations
Image Credits
Cameron Speaks