Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Emerick.
Hi Kyle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My woodworking journey probably started like it does for most makers – taking things apart as a kid. The real thrill came from putting them back together, especially if they worked again! All that tinkering fueled a fire in me to create. Forts, go-karts, furniture for the house – you name it, I wanted to build it.
Years later, after making a chair for my daughter, a lightbulb went off. Maybe this woodworking thing could be more than just a hobby. I could turn it into a side hustle and make some extra cash. And that’s exactly what I did. The first bit of profit went straight back into buying more tools, which, of course, just made me want even more!
The real turning point came when I decided to learn how to build a CNC router from a kit. It was a big leap, but it paid off fast. Those simple yet creative live edge family name signs I started making? They were a hit. Along the way, I took on a few custom projects here and there, building my skills and reputation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I grew tired of making things other people had already designed. It was like being stuck in a creative dead end. I needed a spark. That’s when I decided to start releasing some of my designs via Creative Commons. It was a way to give back to the maker community, a community that had helped me get my woodworking business off the ground in the first place.
But this shift to designing my stuff? That was a game-changer. It forced me to think beyond the basic building techniques I had learned. I had to experiment, conceptualize, and dig into the design side of things. It was challenging, for sure, but releasing those designs was a big win for my business, too. People noticed my work, and it helped establish my reputation for creativity and quality.
Of course, all this designing goes hand-in-hand with using the right materials to make sure my work stands the test of time. But that’s a story for another day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
It’s a one-man show over here! I run my side hustle out of my home workshop, squeezing it in on top of my regular day job. For the past eight-plus years, every spare penny has gone back into the business – more tools and better equipment, all to fuel my dream of expanding my workshop.
This is the year it happens. All that hard work, late nights, and early mornings are finally paying off. I’ve been lucky enough to snag some big-name clients – brands you’d recognize – and built a reputation for crafting unique, custom creations.
As far as my Aztec Calendar-based designs are concerned, they all started with a spark of inspiration. I saw this amazing Star Wars Aztec calendar design by David Gonzales (@nopal62) and knew I had to get in on the action. I started creating my own Aztec-themed designs, incorporating everything from Marvel and DC superheroes to James Bond. Even did a few one-of-a-kind pieces for some awesome clients.
David and I actually connected online and hit it off. We’re collaborating on a new design right now, and I can’t wait to share it. It’s these kinds of connections, the creative spark, and the satisfied customers that make this whole journey worthwhile. Stay tuned because this maker’s story is just getting started!
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
It’s a decision that raised a few eyebrows. After years of hustling, I’d finally saved up a hefty chunk of change. Everyone around me – friends, family, even the friendly guy at the lumberyard – were all on the same page: pay off the house! Debt-free living was the dream, right?
But for me, the dream looked a little different. It wasn’t a quiet life with a paid-off mortgage but a bustling workshop teeming with possibility. See, my little home shop had served me well, but it was starting to feel cramped. Every new project was a logistical puzzle of Tetris-ing tools and materials around. I knew that more space meant more productivity and a chance to tackle bigger, more intricate builds.
Sure, the voice of reason in my head whispered about financial security and the peace of mind a paid-off house brings. But the fire in my gut burned brighter. I believed in the business I’d built, the connections I’d forged with clients, and the creative spark that kept me up at night creating new designs or working with customers to make theirs come to life. This wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was my passion, my shot at something bigger.
So, I took a leap of faith and invested in the workshop. I am now going from a small 380 square foot garage to a proper 1200 square foot shop. It might not be the conventional choice, but for me, it was the one that fuels my future and keeps me at home. Now, with the extra space, I can’t wait to see what kind of amazing projects I can create. This is just the beginning, and let me tell you, the future’s looking mighty spacious!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sandyeggo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyeggocnc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyEggoCNC
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyEggoCNC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandyeggocnc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandy-eggo-cnc-vista
Image Credits
Megan Emerick
