We were lucky to catch up with Scott Hawley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

I was participating in our local farmers market for about 6 years at the time when a couple was walking by and the husband asked me about a small decorative box I had for sale. I told him and he said great and bought it. He then said you’ll be hearing from us. We want some things done at our house. I said ok great. Not thinking anymore about it. He eventually called me and had me come over to discuss. The first project was a barn beam mantle. Done! Then a live edge sofa table, then a dining banquet, then ceiling beams, then an outdoor kitchen, then a mudroom seating storage area, then and accent wall and now a wood wall coming up. This all stated from a little decorative box and me showing up. They have now become very dear friends and it turns out that we are all sober!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Scott Hawley owner of Stoneoak Designs. After that statement, today it feels like a dream come true. It all started with both my parents being creative. Dad holding down a career as a pilot and Mom being a stay home mom. My dad believed in always keeping busy doing something. My childhood was less than desirable at times being both parents were heavy drinkers. I grew up with 8 people living in the house so I spent a lot of time outside in the countryside of Northern Virgina. We grew up on 5 acres which I had to maintain. In my down time I went for hikes in the woods then pretty soon I wanted a tree fort. To see the results of my effort got me excited. And so it started. My mind took over with thoughts of “What If I Did?” Curiosity is one of my biggest drivers even today. Not afraid to “fail” I still try new things constantly. Building confidence along the way and staying true to myself is important. There are people that want me to do a project for them and I have told them No. There is no one else like YOU! Just BU.

Curiosity has taken me to learn other crafts like Pottery, Welding, Stained Glass, Blowing Glass, Tile work, Leather Work. So far…still want to learn blacksmithing.

I get bored quickly. I like that I can do multiple crafts. Does my mind good. So, when a potential client approaches me for a project I make a decision after I meet them as to whether I #1. Can do what they are asking for. #2. Do I want to do it. #3. Most important. Is the energy right between us. When you truly find your passion you’d be willing to do it for free, do it 7 days a week and never keep track of hours. I don’t do it for the money but society, other then bartering, tells us we need to exchange currency to live. I love to barter. It got my son and I an 8 day stay in Oahu. Trip of a lifetime. Memories with my son, priceless.

My philosophy in life/business is to be of service to others. I believe we all are born with a passion. We spend sometimes a lifetime trying to figure what it is because we have heard the phrase, “follow your passion and you’ll never work another day in your life.” I am here now to tell you since I have experienced it… IT”S TRUE! I wake up excited to do what I love, for as long as I want to do it, and with who I want to do it with. I have more options today then ever. So my focus is to help others to fill there need.

I’d like to think what sets me apart from the other millions who do what I do is Me just being Me. Having a good character, manners, work ethic all are extremely important. I’m human. I make mistakes daily. How you overcome them is the key. Because they will come! LOL

I have had the pleasure of letting myself just be creative as possible. No limits. I designed a pallet style wine chair that includes storage for up to 36 bottles of wine, custom cushions, glass holders in the arm rests and I bluetoothed it so you can listen to great music while you sip away. Bell for refills not included! LOL

When someone reaches out to consult with me I’d want them to know that I want to hit their “bullseye” as close as possible. With me you’ll get a lot of questions as to what you want so I can narrow it down as close as possible. This sometimes overwhelms them. So when I see the “Deer in the headlights look” I ask them for a picture. Being a creative I do well with imagines. I do the unique, the unusual, the one offs…etc. Everything from tables, beds, accent walls/ceilings, desks, outdoor kitchens, cabinet work, tile work, carving apples, metal art…etc.

I hope this gives you an overall idea of who I am and my passion.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Not having a commercial space or a store front, all my business exposure was on social media and a once-a-week farmers market. When covid hit all nonessential businesses had to stop participating which was in March of 2020. Two weeks went by and not know what I was going to do I simply posted an offer of my services on social media. People were working from home, still receiving a paycheck and getting covid payments. Two people immediately hired me which were decent sized jobs. Since then, it has been non-stop. Grateful, Thankful, Blessed. Yes, I eventually returned to the market, but I stop it due to the level of business volume I have. Exposure is key.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Lesson #1. I’m not always right.

In my past I thought if I knew something worked for me and someone else had a different opinion I would try to “tell” them I was right and what they said wasn’t true. Ha! Present day…I listen to other’s opinions and respect the differences. I usually learn something new. Everyone has value.

Lesson #2. I’m not in control

I always thought I could control my destiny by force. I would try to force the outcome instead of following my heart and energy and “go with the flow.” Now, I’m NOT a dead fish by far. LOL I set my desires out there, have clear goals, a great lot of faith and belief and GO TO WORK. This has paid off more times than I can mention. When I have had very challenging times and still I do what’s needed and KMF. (Keep Moving Forward)

Contact Info:

• Website: stoneoakdesigns.com
• Instagram: stoneoakdesigns
• Facebook: Stoneoak Designs
• Linkedin: Scott Hawley

Image Credits
Scott Hawley