Today we’d like to introduce you to Kobi And Ester Shamba
Hi Kobi and Ester, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We are Kobi and Ester Shamba, the heart and soul behind Gratitwood—not just as business partners but as a married couple and proud parents to a lively 5-year-old. Originally from Israel, we moved to the U.S. six years ago to build a future filled with creativity and purpose. Our journey together has been one of hard work, passion, and resilience—balancing family life with the rewarding challenge of running a business we truly love.
We started Gratitwood because we saw an opportunity to bring high-quality, custom woodworking to people who appreciate craftsmanship and attention to detail. What began as small projects in our garage quickly grew into something much bigger. Word spread, and soon, we were working on full-scale custom cabinetry, furniture, and accent walls.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Building a business from the ground up takes sacrifice, long hours, and a lot of learning along the way. We’ve had moments of doubt, challenges that tested us, and lessons we had to learn the hard way. But at the heart of it all, we stayed true to our values—craftsmanship, integrity, and gratitude.
Today, Gratitwood is a thriving business, but more importantly, it’s a brand that stands for excellence and personal connection. Our team has grown, our projects have become more intricate, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in custom woodworking. But no matter how much we grow, our core mission remains the same—creating beautiful, functional pieces that bring joy to our clients.
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 journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped shape us into who we are today. Moving to the U.S. six years ago was a big step—new country, new culture, and starting a business from the ground up. But we’ve always believed that with hard work, creativity, and persistence, anything is possible.
Building Gratitwood has been an incredible experience. We started with small projects and gradually grew into the fully custom woodworking business we are today. Along the way, we learned to be resourceful—improving our skills, upgrading our equipment, and refining our process to make each project better than the last. Every step forward has been exciting, and we’ve embraced the learning curve with open arms.
Balancing business and family life has been its own adventure, especially with a young child, but it’s also been a huge source of motivation. We love what we do, and knowing that we’re creating something meaningful while building a future for our family makes all the hard work worth it.
Through every challenge, we’ve stayed focused on our passion for craftsmanship and our commitment to our clients. Gratitwood isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of who we are, built with love, dedication, and gratitude for the journey we’re on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Gratitwood, we specialize in 100% custom cabinets, creating beautifully crafted kitchen cabinets, mudrooms, Murphy beds, laundry rooms, built-ins, and more. Every piece we make is fully tailored to fit our clients’ spaces and needs, designed with both function and aesthetics in mind.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship and the personal touch we bring to every project. We don’t just build cabinets—we design spaces that feel intentional, seamless, and uniquely suited to each client’s lifestyle. Our work isn’t about mass production or cookie-cutter solutions; it’s about creating something meaningful and one-of-a-kind, where every detail matters.
We’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built along the way. Our clients trust us with their homes, and we take that responsibility to heart. The best part of our work is seeing their excitement when a project comes to life—when a space transforms into something they love and feel connected to.
Beyond the craftsmanship, what makes Gratitwood special is our approach. We blend artistry with practicality, ensuring that every design is both beautiful and functional. We listen, collaborate, and bring passion into everything we create. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to make every space feel special, with quality work that lasts for years to come.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For us, success is about more than just the finished product—it’s about the entire journey and the impact we make along the way. True success is seeing our clients happy, knowing that we’ve created something that adds value to their lives and makes their spaces more functional and beautiful.
Success also means growing Gratitwood while staying true to our values—craftsmanship, quality, and creating meaningful connections. It’s about finding the perfect balance between our work, family, and personal life. If we can do work we love, provide for our family, and contribute something valuable to the community, then we consider ourselves successful.
We also define success through the relationships we build. When our clients trust us enough to turn their homes into something extraordinary, and when they’re excited to refer us to others, that’s a true measure of success for us.
At the end of the day, success is about leaving a legacy of quality, integrity, and warmth in everything we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gratitwood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitwood/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/gratitwood/
Image Credits
All images were taken by the photographer we work with – Shani Uritsky Photography
