Crafted By Chaos
How Our Pets Inspired the Birth of Lumber Lovin’
Every great story has its beginnings, often rooted in an unexpected moment or a simple problem to be solved. For us, the spark that ignited our woodworking business came not from a grand vision or a master plan, but rather from our beloved pets, Hunter and Bella, and the chaos they created in our home.
It all started on a typical day in our household. Our dog, Hunter, a playful and enthusiastic companion (also known as the handsomest boy lol), had taken an amusing interest in my stepdaughter Aubrey's cat, Bella. The two had an unconventional yet entertaining relationship that involved a lot of chasing and playful antics. Hunter would dart around the house, tail wagging and tongue out, while Bella, with all of her plumpness, would just as often be in pursuit of him! It was a comical scene, yet it created a bit of mayhem in our home.
Seeing the endless chases and occasional havoc, my wife had an idea. To keep peace in our home and provide a little safety for Bella, she commissioned me to build a wooden gate. But this wasn’t just any gate; it needed a little cat door for Bella to have her escape route whenever Hunter would come barreling through. Thankfully, we had just finished remodeling Aubrey’s room, and the leftover cedar planks she had on her walls looked perfect for the project.
That day in our basement, I applied my skills and creativity to the design, crafting a beautiful, functional gate that fit seamlessly into our home. When I installed it, it worked like a charm! The gate kept Hunter at bay while allowing Bella to roam freely, much to our relief. Observing the joy it brought (and the quiet it restored), my wife asked a question that would change our lives: “Why don’t you try selling these?”
I thought it was a great idea. With that encouragement, I set up a shop on Etsy, posting the gate I had crafted. To my delight, orders began to pour in! It turns out there were many pet owners dealing with similar household dynamics. Not just with pets, but with their children as well! Each order inspired customers to share their unique ideas and requests for custom gates, and I was quick to embrace the challenge. I dove headfirst into projects, regardless of whether I had previous experience with the specific design or not. I knew that with a bit of research and creativity, I could figure it out.
As I tackled these projects, the business began to flourish. Every successful build fueled my passion, pushing me to develop my skills further and explore new designs. Within a couple of years, I was able to take a leap of faith and quit my full-time job—a job I had grown resentful of—to pursue Lumber Lovin full-time. It was a significant change, but one I was eager to embrace.
Now, after eight exciting years in business, I can look back and see how far we've come. From those humble beginnings focused on creating pet gates, we have expanded our product line to include fully custom interior sliding doors and more. We’ve built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, earning over 700 five-star reviews from satisfied customers who love our work.
Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear to me that none of this would be possible without our handsome boy Hunter and our plump little cat, Bella. They sparked the idea for a small solution that blossomed into a thriving business full of creativity and passion. Every day, we’re grateful for the laughter they brought to our lives and the beautiful chaos that inspired Lumber Lovin.
So the next time you might think of the sometimes mischievous antics of your pet, remember that sometimes a little commotion can lead to unexpected opportunities. Our furry friends may not know it, but they can be the biggest inspirations for our dreams.
Together, let’s celebrate not just our love for woodworking but also the joyful moments in our lives that lead us down amazing paths. Whether it’s a gate to separate pets or contain our toddlers or a custom door to enhance your home, we are here to help bring your vision to life—one creation at a time!
