PARTNERS in business and life, Jack and Claudia Massey have embarked on a brand new venture.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Woodworker's Wife combines Claud's social media savvy and Jack's hand-milled and carved Australian timber creations.
"I came up with this idea to start more of a gifting business that predominantly targets females, it's mainly beautiful timber kitchenware," she said.
"We've talked about starting a little business together for a while and at the start of COVID I was driving along and came up with the name The Woodworker's Wife and thought, 'That's it I reckon'.
"So we kicked it off."
The couple sell hand-carved cooking spoons, scoops, rolling pins, cheese and chopping boards made with wood sourced from around the region.
Jack has his own business making custom timber furniture, but found it tough to keep up with customer service, marketing and administration while milling his own wood and putting pieces together.
The new business means Jack can focus on the creative side while Claud uses social media to drum up support.
The timber itself takes about two years to properly dry and be ready for us, Jack said.
"A lot of the timber I mill is what's called green timber, so it still has moisture in it," he said.
We're pretty lucky I think, we love being together.
- Claudia Massey
It's that whole-of-life process that makes the pieces especially unique, Claud said, and while people can go out and buy cheaper options at Kmart, these have been made with love.
"It's quite a long process but we love it, we actually do," she said.
Read also:
"At the moment this is a side hustle but we've always said it would be great to turn Jack's woodwork into a business we could be doing together and this is a step in the right direction.
"We're pretty lucky I think, we love being together."
For every purchase made a donation is given to Tamworth Regional Landcare to combat climate change and be more sustainable, so far 100 trees have been planted as a result.
The pair hope to have a website up and running in the new year and to do markets across the region, but for the time being The Woodworker's Wife can be found on Instagram.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
