WU001 : Agnieszka Zoltowski : ORU

A salesman and a DIYer at heart Chad set out to scratch his own itch when he couldn't find a firepit he liked. Working out the details in his garage with some scrap plywood he found a local metal company to bring his design to life. With the support of his family and friends, they created a business from five pieces of steel that connect to make one of the simplest and smartest products out there. Truly a "Why Didn't I Think Of That" idea, with a brilliant simplicity that puts a smile on my face.

So very excited to share this episode with you as it's one of my favorite startup stories and innovations on a handmade product out there. Matt and his business partner had an idea over beers one night and after years of making products for other people, they decided to make one of there own. These hand blown pint glasses and tumblers combine technology and craft to create something you've never seen before, a mountain in glass.

From painter to weaver to entrepreneur Kelly has a great story and is creating an inspiring product. After falling in love with yoga and woven textiles she has combined the two to create a beautiful yoga rug that shows us a new way to look a yoga practice and the equipment used. She addresses a problem that she and many others have with yoga mats and creates a long-lasting product that will stand the test of time. Kelly is just getting started and I can't wait to see how she grows this company in the future.

Joe stepped into his journey as an entrepreneur by seeing a hole in the market. Using a technology that was only newly available at the time he was able to combine his love of art and design with laser engraving that opened a door to a host of new opportunities. Later he partnered with a woodworker friend to create a company that makes beautiful iPhone cases from wood as well as many other products that support your work habits and productivity. His latest the project includes a successful Kickstarter project for a unique notepad with a gorgeous maple ply cover.

Kelley has worked hard to create a place for makers to make. ADX provide all the tools, knowledge and space accessible as a membership-based business. From a full woodworking shop to a welding shop, if you want to make something and don't want to buy all the tools, this is the place for you.

Lizzie creates handbags using hide on hair leather that allows the natural beauty of the hide to be its own work of art. While working her full-time job at a design agency Lizzie built and launched her bag line, she was able to quit her job and become her own boss after just 6 months. 

Agnieszka Zotowski is the maker entrepreneur behind ORU, a jewelry company using a unique weaving technique and beautiful Japanese glass beads, based in Portland, Oregon.

Welcome to the Work Undone Podcast. Each episode I sit down with maker entrepreneurs to find out how they are able to make a living selling physical products made by hand.