A Maker’s Gotta Make
Hi, I’m Jen and this is our story of what started out as a personal need to create something (self-expression) but became something bigger.
A multi-year project of discovery, possibility, and love.
The kids were 6 (Grace) & 4 (Leo) at the time and there wasn’t anything on the market that met the criteria of what (1) what Grace wanted—a beauty salon—and (2) what I envisioned it looking like.
So I started putzing around in the backyard. A neighbor introduced me to the basics of woodworking. Everything from the beauty of the carpenter’s square, when to use screws vs. nails, and how to avoid cutting off body parts with the circular saw. The basics of framing and roofing went from there. I’m forever grateful to you, Marty!
I was pleasantly surprised to find carpentry skills were similar to sewing skills (a familiar hobby) in the sense that wood is just slightly less malleable (forgiving) and nothing some trim and a heavy coat of paint can’t mask in the end. Besides, perfection is overrated. Part of the charm is the learning-by-doing process—imperfection by nature itself.
I’ll choose character over perfection any day. 🙂
With the kids’ guidance, we created space for a spa lounge (second floor); added nail polish display shelves, mirrors, a mailbox, and a sign-in clipboard for the full customer experience.
All tiny. All pink.
Salon chairs were kindly gifted by Ruth (another beloved neighbor) completed the scene.
The Beauty Salon was now open for business!