Meet Jarrod Napierkowski of Ada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrod Napierkowski

Hi Jarrod, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started woodworking as a hobby in my early 20s after inheriting some tools from my grandfather. After “tooling” around with the usual woodworking projects (boxes, tables, etc.), I began focusing on jewelry in 2006 when a friend asked me to make her a pair of earrings. Word spread and I was soon attending local artist markets and selling my jewelry from behind the bar of the brewery where I worked.

For years, it remained a hobby and something that earned a bit of extra money. I continued working in the service industry in various positions and kept woodworking as a hobby, although the idea of taking it full-time always lived as a dream in my mind. Finally, in 2019, I left the restaurant industry for good and went all in on Brambles Woodwork. My wife, Francesca, and I were planning to start a family at the time and we thought it would afford us the ability to have a stay-at-home parent while still earning two incomes. We found that our audience couldn’t get enough and week after week, my work would sell out. Soon after, Francesca was able to leave her corporate marketing job to focus on the business/marketing side of Brambles. While the process has had its challenges, the benefits have made up for them in spades.

I work mainly with wood, much of which is found on hikes near our home in Ada, MI. I’m proud to say I don’t add any stain, dye, or paint to my work and all the colors you see are natural. I’m inspired by Mid Century design and the natural world, specifically our beautiful corner of the Midwest. Knowing that the art I create is helping punctuate someone’s style aesthetic is such a great feeling and I try not to take it for granted.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I wish I could say it has been smooth sailing from day one, most people who have ever started a small business know that that would be a lie.

I’m not the most numbers-oriented person, nor is Francesca, so the financial part of the business was definitely a learning curve. We wasted no time in hiring a CPA to help with finances saving both of us the frustration of trying to do our own accounting. Highly recommended if you can afford it as a small biz!

Also, while it’s really convenient working from home, it also comes with its challenges. I find it’s difficult to not work when I have a moment of free time, since my workshop is only steps away. I think a lot of artists can relate to that feeling. I try to take time to relax, but unless we’re on vacation away from the house, it’s really hard for me to stay away from work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My medium is wood and my focus is jewelry, specifically earrings.

I’ve been creating wood jewelry for around twenty years(!), so I’ve really honed my craft in terms of working with such a small canvas. After lots of trial and error, I’ve developed skills that transform the wood I work with into little pieces of art that can withstand a significant amount of wear.

I think what sets my work apart from others is the fine details and contrast found in my jewelry. Plus, the Mid Century inspiration comes through in much of my work, I believe.

What are your plans for the future?
My wife and I are busy raising two little boys, along with running Brambles Woodwork, so our goal for the immediate future is to maintain the workload we have currently. My priority is my kids and I won’t sacrifice time with them for more hours in the workshop. We’re fortunate to be in a comfortable position, business-wise, and our current plan is to keep that up while our kids are young.

There seems to be a lot of emphasis in American culture towards always striving to grow and grow and grow, and our goal, truly, is to live comfortably and within our means. Which, right now, means not necessarily growing the business. And that’s ok!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brambleswoodwork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brambleswoodwork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brambleswoodwork
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brambles_woodwork