We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edward Lujan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edward below.
Edward, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
About 2 years ago i started doing wood projects for my home. My first creation was a mobile work bench made from wood pallets. From there I was hooked. Started making tables, benches, wall shelves and so on. I loved the creativity side of woodworking. Much of my informal self training was from YouTube. Just this last May I decided I wanted to make my son a cutting board for his birthday in June. He loves to cook, would be a prefect gift. I started watching Youtube videos again, nothing but cutting board teaching and designs. From that point on, I was making cutting boards from ever piece of scrap wood I could find. Practicing, screwing up and constantly buying better tools for the task. I am by nature a very detailed person when it comes to my work. This trait naturally help me excel at this precision art form. I fell in love with woodworking more. On the day of my son’s birthday, I had made 3 beautiful cutting boards for him to choose from. By this time my family, friends and co-workers had seen many of my creations. Then all the requests starting coming in. “Hey Ed, think you can make something like this?”. I then decided I needed to make this a business. Doing something you love and making it a business, no brainer! I eventually purchased a Laser Engraver, which expanded my client base dramatically. Logos and personal messages mostly. The business has been growing organically. All my requests are word of mouth. I had decided to showcase my designs on Instagram. There has been so much praise, and mostly from other woodworking professionals from around the world. Currently I am working on an official website for Sketchy Cutting Boards. Should be live January 2023. I am working on the business side of it now, Securing the domain name, registering the LLC, applying for the business license and so on.
Edward, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Edward. Sketchy Cutting Boards is all about Cutting Boards, Charcuterie Boards and now Butter Boards. I came up with Name and logo my self. I am all about Sarcasm, so I wanted the name and logo to represent that trait. What sets me apart from all the other professionals out there, I am not trying to be the best. I am trying to be myself! Don’t want to cater the rich and sell high end designs for a high retail price. I want to make cutting boards that are unique, beautifully Imperfect and have character with a modest price. I don’t just stamp out cutting boards that all look alike. I can’t do it, every board is unique. My most proudest moments is when I create a cutting board and watch my wife’s eyes open up wide when she sees for the first time what I created.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
What drives my goal and mission is getting that high when creating a unique work of art. Then seeing the look the new owner has when seeing the board for the first time.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have many hurdles that restrict me from doing what I love. I work a fulltime job, 60 hours a week. My father has many medical issues and does not live nearby, still need to help him. I still want to make time for my Wife, kids and grand children. So I find my self working at this late at night on the week days and weekends. So planning my days is critical.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sketchy_cutting_boards_
- Other: right now i just have the Instagram account #sketchycuttingbaords
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me. Edward Lujan