We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tina Pech. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tina below.

Tina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

At Sawdust + Stain, every piece we create tells a story. My husband and I work side by side, turning reclaimed wood, upcycled baseball gloves, and other materials into earrings, gifts, and keepsakes that carry both history and heart. Unlike mass-produced designs, each item reflects our family’s creativity and the memories embedded in the materials—whether it’s the nostalgia of a hometown team or the character of a piece of wood that’s been given a second life. Together, we transform everyday materials into meaningful pieces that are personal, timeless, and full of love.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Creativity has always been in my blood. As a kid, I was constantly making—whether it was drawing, gluing collages from small plastic toys, convincing my sister to pose for photographs, or even crafting a curtain out of thrifted ties. I’ve always loved taking things that might be overlooked and turning them into something interesting. That passion continues today with every pair of earrings, bracelets and gifts we make from upcycled materials. I’m so grateful to share it with my husband and daughters, who are wildly creative themselves. I absolutely love working on my craft with them by my side, contributing ideas and energy. Even more special are the stories our pieces tell and the memories they spark for the people who receive them. And if you asked my girls, they’d tell you that talking is my other favorite thing to do—haha!

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite moments as a maker was when a customer purchased a baseball bracelet and shared the story behind it. Her grandmother had worked in a factory in the 1930s, stitching baseballs, and was known for driving a tight ship—so those laces were always perfect. She told me her mother had done the same work when she was a young adult, passing down that same dedication and skill. I loved getting a glimpse into their lives and feeling connected to the generations of hands and hearts that had touched those materials. It reminded me why I treasure the stories behind every piece I create—they carry history, love, and a legacy that goes beyond the design itself.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve built my reputation in this market by genuinely investing in my customers and the connections we share. I love learning about their kids, families, and hobbies—it’s just as important to me as the pieces I create. Over time, I’ve been lucky to build a supportive and engaged community, not just with customers, but with other small businesses as well. Growing up watching my dad run his own small business, I learned firsthand the grit, grace, and perseverance it takes to make a venture thrive. That understanding guides how I show up every day—for my craft, my customers, and the community we’re creating together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sawdust-and-stain.com
• Instagram: Sawdustandstain5
• Facebook: Sawdust + Stain
• Linkedin: Sawdustplusstain
• Other: Tik tok- sawdustandstain5

Image Credits

Jennifer Lynn Pictures