Meet Erick Izaguirre | Custom Woodworking & Designs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erick Izaguirre and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erick, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I worked in insurance for 15 years. The money was good at times, but it was not fulfilling. I really wanted to be my own boss, have the freedom to do what I wanted. There were a few different ideas that I tested out, but they didn’t pan out. Around the same time, we were renting a house and getting ready to buy our first home. There were so many things around the house that we wanted, and I realized that I could figure out how to do them on my own. My girlfriend and I wanted to have a nice home bar, and at the time, pallet furniture was become popular, so I decided to build it myself. By researching how to do it online and watching some YouTube videos I was able to build it myself. Realizing how much I enjoyed it, and how much I learned from doing it myself, I started to expand my hobby into other homemade items. By now we had moved into our own home, so I also got to start expanding my collection of tools.

Woodworking became my afternoon hobby. Every day after work and into the evening, I would build and create. I made different items based on what I thought I could sell locally and on Etsy. I made wooden American flags to sell locally. I made coasters, cutting boards, and epoxy charcuterie boards. We would attend craft fairs and sell mostly online but it was right in the middle of Covid so it was very difficult to build my business. This was around the same time that I realized this could be a good business opportunity. Covid was messing us up but I had a lot of local interest and I loved working with my hands. I didn’t have anyone to ‘report’ to, I got to work at my own pace, and I got to test out whatever I was interested in – building any and everything we needed for our own home.

I really liked working with epoxy, so I started to grow my knowledge by creating and building custom river tables. It became a specialty niche, and I was able to produce quite a few live edge and epoxy tables. While I was still getting the opportunity to build tables, I started working with some local woodworkers to expand my knowledge. I began building large scale entertainment centers, cabinets, and vanities. I got a lot of experience and realized that my attention to detail was something I could build on. Most people just want to deliver a product and be done. I don’t want a one night stand I want a long term relationship.

I am delivering something that’s going to be in your home and last a lifetime. My reputation is important to me so I’m going to be sure you are happy with the item I built. You will know your options so you can make an educated decision. We’re going to design the furniture of your dreams and you’re going to see what you’re paying for. Maybe I am a perfectionist but when I am building something that is going to be looked at, I am going to be sure it is perfect. Just like every piece of furniture I put into my own home, I make it with pride and to last.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My attention to detail sets me apart from others. I will always go above expectations to ensure the product I have built not only meets the customers’ needs but exceeds their expectations. I got to this point by always learning more about my craft. In this field, there is always something new and different. By constantly learning and practicing new techniques, I am able to keep having fun while offering the best services to my customers. With my drive, I know that I can keep expanding my business and building my brand. The dedication and integrity that I value in my work is going to continue help lead me down the right path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in South Florida gives us endless possibilities! We would definitely spend a day out on the water, boating and stop by the sandbar. Just have a few drinks and take in that gorgeous South FLA skyline. If in season, we’re hitting up a heat or Dolphins game. At night, we’ll head over to the Hardrock or downtown Ft Lauderdale for drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two people who helped make this possible. First, my long-time boss who always encouraged me to go out on my own. He told me to take the chance and even became one of my first customers. He allowed me to work a flexible schedule, coming and going as needed, while I was starting my business. This allowed me to still have some income and support when I was first getting started. And then there is my girlfriend who was always supportive. It wasn’t easy at first, but she told me to not give up and was always my biggest cheerleader. She even put up with me taking over parts of the house with all my materials, offered to post on social media, and attended events with me.

Website: https://luxurywoodworkingdesign.com/

Instagram: @izzyswoodworking