Meet Evan Patterson of Christiani Modern Wood Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Patterson.

Hi Evan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s 2015 and my wife and I just got our first place together. We both had furniture but it was a combination of childhood furniture and hand-me-downs, which was great! But it wasn’t exactly the look we were going for when it came to our home. We both really liked a more modern/clean look and I found an end table for the living room that we both liked and it was nearly $400, each! At the time, there was no way we could responsibly afford a pair of those end tables. After looking at the picture for a while, I decided that I could make it myself. (Mind you, I’d never made a single piece of furniture, nor did I own a single tool! In fact, making a piece of furniture was on my bucket list!) My brother had some old pallet wood I could use so all I needed was a few tools.

So for the next week or so after work I cut and sanded each piece of wood on the floor of our apartment with a hand saw and sanding block. And to my surprise, it came out great! And then the flood gates opened… lol my wife asked if I could make a headboard. Check! And then a pair of nightstands. Check! And then the most ambitious build (at the time) a dining table. And what do you know? Check! At this time, a few months had passed and she looks at me and says, “you should sell your furniture!” I immediately shot it down. Absolutely not. It wasn’t something I wanted to do at all. I had a lot going on at work and didn’t want to add anything else to my plate. (Not to mention, starting a business isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world) but she kept telling me I should sell my work. And then her friends would say the same thing and they started asking me to make items for them. So in June of 2016, I stepped out on faith and started an LLC and opened an Etsy shop to begin selling my pieces to the world. And once again, to my surprise, people actually bought my furniture! And now fast forward 4.5 years, through MANY ups and downs, we now have pieces in homes and businesses in nearly all 50 states, in 12 countries on for continents. It’s true what they say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” And the most amazing thing of all is we’re just getting started!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s known that starting a business is one of the hardest things you can do in life, and my journey has been no exception to the rule. While the business didn’t take long to pick up, it didn’t come without its share of setbacks. I’ve had to shut down and pack up my shop immediately when the owner of the space I worked in decided they didn’t want me there anymore. And at this point, I’d come a very long way from only having a hand saw and drill. I had to store my tools in my in-law’s garage until I could find another place to work. I never found that place. And my wife and I decided to move in with her parents Because her father’s health had gotten worse. So I began to work outside in the backyard. It worked out well until it rained and I had to hurry and move all my tools back into the garage. But I made it work. And then my father in law passed and that was absolutely devastating.

Over the next six months, I was still selling on Etsy but with having been put out of my workshop, moving in with my in-laws and having to work outside only when the weather permitted, and my father in law passing, I’d fallen behind on getting my orders sent out. And at this point, Etsy made the decision to close my shop permanently. Just like that, my business was gone. I had to start all over. I had to get/build my own website and start marketing my business somehow. Things were rough. Business slowed dramatically now that I didn’t have a platform to sell on. And I can’t lie, I decided to quit a few times and my wife never said it outright but she strongly inferred that I needed to consider putting the business on hold and getting a job. Because at this time we’d started a family and as you know bills never stop. But I couldn’t bring myself to let it go. The road was (and still is) long and tough, filled with an impressive amount of blood, sweat, and tears. But through it all, we persevered. And now business is better than ever. I cannot thank my wife enough. If not for her, the road would’ve taken me out several times over. But she’s been my rock and stood by my side throughout it all.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Christiani Modern Wood Designs?
At Christiani Modern Wood Designs (CMWD), we’re known for custom, handcrafted furniture for the everyday home and small business. Such as custom shelving, media centers, tables, etc. But it’s deeper than that. Life is about people, and Artisanship is about connecting with and inspiring people through your passion and to help improve someone’s life. And that’s what sets Christiani apart. I love what I do and I pour that love into every piece that I make. I’ve committed myself to the mission of leaving this world a better place than I found it, and that’s why a portion of all proceeds go toward cancer research in honor of one of my dear friends, as well as my father in law, and all those that have fought this battle.

We also partner with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every item sold. And what was most proud of as far as our brand is our commitment to professionalism at all times, providing a quality product at a price you can afford, commitment to our client’s needs and building a lasting relationship, and simply meeting people where they are when it comes to their needs and financial situation. So whether your budget is $100 or a million dollars, if you’re interested in adding to your home/business decor, please feel free to reach out at any time!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve always believed that you should never stop learning and growing, both personally and professionally. So I always find time to read books on business and self-help, listen to inspirational speakers, and simply to watch others on YouTube creating different types of furniture. I couldn’t go through my day without FB, YouTube, and Pinterest! And a book that I read recently that really changed a lot for me both professionally and personally is Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Read it and apply it, it’ll change your life.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: CMWoodDesigns.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/ChristianiDesigns
• Facebook: Facebook.com/CMWoodDesigns