Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Wilson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Maker Monkey Workshop as a way for kids to learn how to use real tools to make art. My background is in jewelry design and metalwork and while my passion for art and design has played a huge role in my business, I would have never gotten here without my kids. Prior to Maker Monkey, I worked in the jewelry industry for over a decade and have always had a love for tools. I apprenticed for metalsmiths and sculptors, created several lines of jewelry, sold to galleries, and launched a couple of websites. Eventually, I reached a pivotal moment in my career after having kids where I was trying to figure out a way to continue working in the design field without compromising my family values. I wanted to stay true to myself as an artist without giving up so much time with my young family.
My kids were growing more and more interested in what was happening in my workshop, and one fateful day Ryder asked me to come to career day at his school to talk about my job. I gathered up my tools and put together a mini jewelry making class for the kids. Everyone talks about their “ah-ha” moment and well, this was mine. I will never forget the looks of amazement as the kids inspected my tool collection, picked up their hammers, and made their very own necklaces. It was pure magic and the beginning of what has become Maker Monkey Workshop.
Since that day in my son’s classroom, Maker Monkey has evolved into a series of after-school and weekend workshops that now include metalworking and woodworking projects designed for kids ages 2 and up. It is truly amazing what kids are capable and I absolutely love being there to help them realize their potential.
Our After School workshop series meets weekly and the Sunday workshops are hosted at The Wynwood Yard. We also design building kits for birthday parties and special events. All of the projects kits are handmade in my workshop and will soon be for sale on the website.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’d say it’s been a healthy balance of smooth sailing and rough seas. The response from the community has been incredible and I am so proud of how many kids and families have come out to the workshops. I can truly say that I love what I do. I feel inspired, the work is rewarding, my kids get to be involved, and I have a clear vision about where I want to take this. That being said, I know how much work I have ahead of me if I want to continue to evolve and grow… and it’s a little scary.
I think the most challenging thing that I went through in the beginning was confronting the fact that I basically decided to start over at the age of 37 without knowing how things would turn out. That was beyond scary and if I’m not careful, there is a little voice inside full of self-doubt that starts to get a little too loud for my liking. I never thought that I’d be experiencing this many “firsts” at this point in my life.
One of my favorite quotes is “A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.” (Dr. Joe Vitale). That is pretty much how I feel on a daily basis. In reality, almost every step is some kind of struggle but I have become so optimistic about the end result that I am ready and willing to do what it takes. I’ve even come to enjoy the daily challenges… as long as I can keep my inner monologue in check! And thanks to the kids and parents that have been involved, I have an endless source of inspiration.
Maker Monkey Workshop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My mission is to empower kids by teaching them how to use real tools to build, create, and design. We offer a variety of workshops including woodwork and metalwork where kids will learn new skills, build confidence, and express their creativity in a safe and fun environment. In addition to being a lot of fun, working with tools helps develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, independence, problem-solving, conceptualization, and mathematics skills such as counting measuring, sorting, etc.
At the workshops, every child receives the materials and instructions needed to create the project of the day which usually includes pre-cut and drilled wood pieces (all made by me in my workshop), tools, etc. The kids learn basic construction techniques, build the project, then decorate it and take it home. We live in a time where entertainment is dominated by screens. I pride myself on showing kids how fun it can be to step away from the iPads and focus on something tactile, work with their hands, and create something they can be proud of.
My favorite thing about the workshops is how proud the kids are of their creations. My second favorite thing is how surprised the parents are when they see what their kids are capable of! It is such an honor to be involved in this process and to watch a child’s confidence grow as he or she becomes more comfortable with the tools.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Having kids really put this all into perspective for me. You realize how precious time is and how quickly it passes. My kids are my priority, but I decided that I need to do something that is a true reflection of what I am passionate about outside of my family. For me, that involves my very first obsession which was art and design. I am not me if I am not making something. Part of success is staying true to myself and not denying myself the joy that comes from doing something that I love.
Another one of my criteria for success is making sure that whatever I am pursuing professionally allows time and space for my family. I love that my kids are so involved in what I do and working for myself allows me to control my schedule and the amount of time I spend with my family. That’s a must for me.
Lastly, I need to have a positive impact on the world around me. I need to make other people’s lives better and teach my kids to do the same. Right now that involves educating children, helping them express themselves creatively, and creating opportunities for families to bond.
Do good doing what I love and inspire my kids to do the same. That’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makermonkeyworkshop.com
- Phone: 310-508-4186
- Email: sarah@makermonkeyworkshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makermonkeyworkshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakerMonkeyWorkshop
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/makermonkeykids
Image Credit:
Courtney Ortiz, Lisa Reid
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