Today we’d like to introduce you to Overnighters Only.
Overnighters, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are Sean, Deana, Brandon and Amanda. Friends that met over 10 years ago, whose lives overlapped without ever fully connecting until one night-we all showed up at the same place for dinner. That night changed everything. For years we all worked full times jobs, while raising our kids and partaking in the daily grind. A couple of years into the pandemic, we started having conversations and thinking a little more about- is this what we really want? Slowly, something sparked. We realized we all wanted the same thing: more freedom, something we could create with our hands, a distraction from everyday life and something that actually felt like ours. As the discussions continued, only one choice became clear to each of us, woodwork. Sean, Brandon and Mandie had all taken woodshop in middle school and continued making items in the following years. While I, Deana, love the business side of things and was willing to learn all things wood. Since this time I learned how to use the table saw, the band saw and we have all become one with orbital sanders. The love for the woodworking, which began after our day jobs and often continued into overnight wood sessions, lead to our company name. Overnighters Only. This is when we work on our craft, create, brainstorm, research and produce a product we hope others will love for years to come. We are thoughtful of our neighbors and usually turn off the noisy machines earlier in the evening and save the final touches on product later into the night. Everything Overnighters sells, is done by hand with the assistance of a table saw, drum sander, band saw, orbital sander and several routers. A laser engraver is used to put our logo on the product and to customize orders for our customers. We do not use a CNC machine and have a saying in the shop “CNC is for metal.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a new business is never without its bumps in the road, and for us, the journey has been no exception. In the early stages, we encountered our fair share of obstacles when it came to developing products and fine-tuning ideas. Some creations that we thought would be big sellers—products we carried from show to show—didn’t quite hit the mark. Then came the challenges with resin and wood. The two materials, though beautiful together, proved tricky. Resin leaking out of containers became an almost comical but frustrating issue—only for it to spill into other containers, which also leaked, and soon enough, resin was everywhere… including on the floor! But each mishap was a lesson in patience and problem-solving.
Pricing was another learning curve. It was tough to figure out where we fit in the market, especially when comparing our pricing to other makers and retailers. How much is too much? Too little? Finding the sweet spot took time and careful consideration.
We also learned a ton from attending events, street fairs, and makers markets. These gatherings were invaluable for picking up the “do’s” and “don’ts” of selling. The lessons came quickly, mostly through trial and error—but with each event, we got better at understanding customer expectations, setting up our booths, and interacting with fellow makers who shared their own experiences and tips.
In the end, these challenges weren’t setbacks—they were the building blocks of our growth. Each obstacle pushed us to refine our processes, improve our products, and develop a deeper understanding of our craft and business. And while it can get tough, the satisfaction of seeing a finished piece in a smiling customers hands is the best feeling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Overnighters Only, we create handmade wood designs including butcher blocks, cutting boards, kitchenware, barware and games. When attending street fairs and markets, we are often asked where our shop is. Our “shop” is half of a two car garage and a 24 foot(ish) trailer sitting in the driveway. We truly meet the definitions of a home-based business and garage start up. Over the past year we have been able to upgrade some of our tools, but still struggle to fit them in the shop, AKA garage. The ultimate goal is to have a dream woodshop where you don’t have to pick up one project to work on another, or put one away to get out another. Right now, we are happy dancing around each other in the space we have during the overnights we work.
In the heart of our home-based workshop, we create functional art that elevates everyday life. Specializing in high-quality butcher blocks, cutting boards, kitchenware, barware, and even handcrafted games, each piece is meticulously crafted with care, precision, and a deep love for wood. We use only the finest hardwood materials to ensure our products are not only durable but also timeless—designed to last for years while adding warmth and character to your home. Whether you’re preparing a meal, hosting friends, or enjoying a cozy game night, our creations are crafted to bring beauty, functionality, and a personal touch to every moment.
Wooden kitchen products are more than just a classic and stylish addition to your home—they’re also a healthier choice for food prep. Unlike plastic boards, wood has natural antimicrobial properties that make it much less likely for harmful microbes to linger on the surface. Not only does this make it a safer option for food preparation, offering a durable, functional surface for everything from chopping vegetables to carving meats, it also adds a touch of warmth and beauty to your kitchen. Crafted with skill and passion, our creations are built to last, and we hope become cherished items in your home for years to come. offering a durable, functional surface for everything from chopping vegetables to carving meats. When you choose wood, you’re choosing a product that looks great, lasts long, and supports a healthier kitchen environment every time you cook.
How do you define success?
For us, success isn’t measured by short-term sales or fleeting trends—it’s about creating something that stands the test of time. We define success by the love our customers have for our product, not just in the moment they first use it, but years down the road. We want our product to become a part of their daily lives—something they can rely on, something that continues to benefit them as time goes on. It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about knowing that our work has become an essential part of their routines and that it holds a place in their homes, year after year.
There’s nothing quite like the moment when a customer walks up, smiles, and says, “Your work is amazing—I have to get one.” For us, that’s pure success. It’s not just about the transaction—it’s about the connection, the recognition of our craft, and the understanding that our creations have struck a chord. When we hear those words, we know we’ve created something truly special—something that resonates deeply with people. It’s a reminder that our mission isn’t just about making beautiful, high-quality products; it’s about building relationships and creating lasting memories.
Every time we see that smile or hear those words, we’re reminded of why we started this journey. Our success isn’t just about what we sell—it’s about the impact on others. It’s about knowing that we’ve shared a piece of ourselves with them, and in return, they’ve invited our work into their homes. And that’s the kind of success we strive for every single time.
Pricing:
- LG Butcher Blocks starting at $180
- Cutting Boards $100
- Cattlemen Spatula $25
- Whiskey & Cigar Blocks $75
- Medium Butcher Blocks starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.overnightersonly.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/overnightersllc
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/overnightersonlyllc
Image Credits
Board in use provided by customer, Olive & Oak Bakery. All others were taken by ourselves or family on our phones.
