Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Young.
Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
25 years ago I took a weekend stained glass class with my sister-in-law. I could design the patterns I wanted to create and cut the glass without any troubles. But I couldn’t solder the pieces together to save my soul. The instructor told me that after his 30 years teaching stained glass classes, I, single handedly had wasted more solder than in all of his experiences combined. I thought this was rather harsh. But on the last day of class, he showed us how to etch glass – and the light bulb went off.
THIS I could do.
I began etching only simple designs on glass with acid cream. Then began making my own designs and moved to sand blasting glass and stone.
20 years ago, in 2006, my husband had a project meeting in the first makerspace that had just opened in Metro Detroit – Tech Shop Detroit. He came home from that meeting, had me jump in the car and took me there to see my first C02 laser. I was hooked and never looked back.
With access to lasers, I was able to expand my media to almost everything. Acrylics, fabrics, powder coated aluminum, glass, ceramics and wood.
I offered trophies, medals, etched tumblers, ornaments and glassware.
In November 2017 TechShop closed without warning. Everyone was scrambling to find other makerspaces. I was at a makerspace in Ann Arbor briefly, but the lasers there were overused and scheduling time with the influx of new members was difficult.
I was online trying to find time at the beginning of December 2017 when I saw a link showing other places that offered similar services, in case the Ann Arbor location wasn’t a good fit. When I clicked it, I found a makerspace that was less than a mile from home!
When I called to see if they had lasers available, I found out that they had just opened the day before and they absolutely had lasers.
The front of the WorkShop was the ToolShop, that sold tools on consignment. This was run by a husband and wife and their son. I went the next day and was member #5 at The WorkShop. I was even asked if I knew how to use the laser because they had purchased it, but had no idea how to use it. I gave them my billing information for my monthly membership and let them know they would be seeing a lot of me.
While I was in Ann Arbor, I had purchased a laser for myself. This was sitting in the crate waiting for me to set it up.
I asked the owner if they would be interested in purchasing it from me, and they eventually did.
December 2017 was also when I “re-fired” from Corporate America, and my laser work went from an expensive hobby to my joy and career.
On my last day of Corporate America, I had given my teammates etched tumblers. A co-worker asked if I could “work with metals, plastics, wood and such”. I said I could.
And he said: “Why aren’t you doing custom gun stocks?”
And I thought “Why aren’t I doing custom gun stocks?” but couldn’t see how that would work.
An hour later my Contract Company showed up to let me know that I wasn’t going to be hired direct after the New Year. And that they were in fact clearing out my desk as we spoke. But they would look for another placement for me.
I replied, “No need. I have a plan”. I then went home and told my husband, “Surprise! I’m a custom gun stock engraver!”
And with his full support, that is what I did. I made sample gun stocks and engraved them at the WorkShop. I found a group that had Gun and Knife Shows weekly all over Michigan. I engraved boxes, glassware, photos and the gun stocks, loaded up the truck and started attending the shows.
At my very first show I met Dave and Gail Vodjansky, owners of SkyArms. They loved what I did, and we got our tables next to each other. At this time they were working our of their home, and in 2018 moved into a brick and mortar shop in Canton, MI. But they had plans.
In 2020 they brought me to the Shot Show in Las Vegas. They were moving to a larger facility and building the first Live Fire Range in Canton and wanted me on site as their Laser Engraver.
I purchased both a C02 and a Fiber laser and was very excited for this new chapter.
But then 2020 happened. Construction ground to a halt, but I was able to continue my work at the Work Shop.
In 2022 the Work Shop had to close its doors, and the range wasn’t ready, so I was in limbo. I found a temporary makerspace and crossed my fingers. And in 2023 I was finally able to uncrate my lasers, and go solo.
During my time at the Work Shop, my focus turned towards Laser Photography that allows me to take almost any photo I’m given, and laser engrave it onto slate and wood.
I had a request for a table top that showed the Great Lakes in depth. And my obsession with 3D Wood Art was born.
My works are anywhere between 3 – 12 layers of laser etched, cut and painted/stained birch, walnut, cherry and maple woods. I can base these designs off photos I am given, or suggestions on what someone is looking for. The Tree of Life is a meaningful image for me and I have several designs I’ve done. Guitars and musical instruments are also favorites for me to work with.
I began at Craft Shows and am now concentrating on Fine Art Shows. Creating lights me up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles have always been finding a place to call home. Lasers are a very popular tool, and scheduling enough time to be able to complete projects has been tricky at best.
Of my shared work spaces, the Work Shop was by far the best. I had the room to not only do my laser work, but finish the pieces I was working on.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of being able to give my clients exactly what they are looking for. I treat every $10 sale with the same respect and gratitude as if it were a $10,000 sale. I love seeing how my designs have evolved from the very simple to the exquisitely detailed.
I am also a Stand Up Comedian and Storyteller. Being able to make a room full of people laugh and forget their troubles for moment is intoxicating and addictive in the best way possible.
What makes you happy?
Being able to bright light and joy to others fills me. To know that something beautiful didn’t exist until I created it is all I can ask for.
Pricing:
- My artwork ranges from $10 to $1,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sys-etching.com
- Instagram: @Sara.Young
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYSCustomEtching
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarayoung1511
