Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Aultman.
Hi Lynn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Woodworking is a “retirement career” for me and one I started accidentally. My husband, Buddy, had started his retirement career a few years prior as a wood sawyer, taking trees and logs and turning them into rough-sawn lumber. I’ve always loved the natural look of wood objects and appreciate the inherent and intrinsic beauty of wood, so it seemed a natural extension of the business. I knew nothing about woodworking, so I had a huge learning curve. I had no woodworking equipment, so we gathered the basics from family, auctions, sales, etc. I crashed the men’s woodworking club, took over my husband’s shop, got many hours of help from a cousin-in-law with long-term wood-crafting experience, and watched many instructional videos to learn the basics of the trade. I have learned so much, but there is still much to learn. There is a term that I have embraced—Rational Ignorance! You cannot be an expert in everything, so choose the things that are crucial and of most benefit, and let the others go or save for later.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First, as I mentioned earlier, there was a huge learning curve. Going from zero to anywhere requires considerable time and money, adjustment of expectations, and acceptance of limitations, among other things. My mentor said I was too meticulous and would never get anything done. Admittedly, I pursue perfection—not perfect, but as perfect as I can make it. That takes more time than some are willing to invest, and some will not even recognize the difference in the piece, but I do, so I take the extra time!
Second, adequate equipment to accomplish my goals is essential, and woodworking equipment is expensive. Setting goals is key, and as one learns more, the goals move, so it is hard to know in the beginning what will be needed further down the road. My husband has been supportive and insisted that we make a reasonable investment for me to succeed. We chose to purchase older equipment that was still in good working condition and replace it when new skills and goals required a more sophisticated item. Once I reached the point where my work was desirable to the public, finding a way and place to sell it was challenging. Festivals—these are hard work; online platforms—they require a lot of time to photograph, post, package, and ship; consignment—those commission rates are staggering.
Third, pricing is also daunting. What should I charge to cover my time, creativity, and expenses? What is the competition charging? What is the public willing to pay, and does it offset my investment?
Finally, this other item is more an ongoing frustration than a struggle–being a woman in a stereotypical man’s world. I get a lot of “you can’t be serious” smiles, skepticism, slow awareness, or surprise that I know what I am talking about. At one fundraiser where I donated a piece for auction, and my bio and picture were prominently displayed, one man said, “I see that it says Lynn, but I bet it was Buddy [who made it].” Now, that was downright infuriating! Overcoming these struggles and challenges is an accomplishment I have not done alone. I have made many woodworking friends who have helped and continue to do so. Buddy has been primary in my journey. It all started with his sawmill activity, and even though he does not do any woodworking, he has provided the wood and support in so many ways for me to pursue this passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your work.
I do all kinds of projects such as serving boards (charcuterie, cheese, cutting, sushi), flight boards, Lazy Susans; wine corks with walnut shell inlays, keepsake boxes, display stands, coasters, home décor, art objects, small furniture pieces combining wood and metal. I do a lot of custom work, too, and the feedback from my customers is so fulfilling and validating! The finishing process and outcome are a source of my satisfaction and recognition. My finishes have been described as buttery, smooth as a baby’s butt, so smooth. I follow a process recommended early in my venture, and there are a lot of steps. I have been told that I am working too hard to get this finish, but I have established a reputation for my finishing, and I am not willing to sacrifice or minimize it, so I spend the extra time to get it.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Woodworking has been around forever, and I don’t see it going away. That does not mean that things don’t change. Technology has significantly improved processes and outcomes, making them less labor-intensive and allowing woodworkers to complete projects quickly. Let me mention safety here. Never take a piece of equipment or process for granted. Know and follow the safety rules and guidelines. An accident can happen in a split second even when being careful, but chances are much improved when caution is observed. Trends change. For example, charcuterie boards are hot now but won’t always be. Staying ahead of the curve and anticipating what might be following will be a bonus. Innovation or finding a new way to present a current item or practice makes your work stand out. Know your market! What do they want? What do they need? What do they need that they don’t know they need? 😊 Customer Service! There is no substitute for good customer service. Don’t take that for granted, either.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aultmanwoodworks.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/aultmanwoodworks
- Facebook: facebook.com/aultmanwoodworks
