Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian and Vicki Carroll.
Hi Brian and Vicki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started when our son needed a cutting board for a culinary arts class in high school, so we decided to build one together from materials we had in our shop. The instructor raved over the cutting board Tanner brought to class and asked him where it came from. Once he explained we made it, she immediately wanted one of her own and suggested we sell them. We took that advice and our cutting board business began.
Family owned and operated since 2010. We started selling at little local craft shows then we expanded to shows around TN. and in other states. For the last 9 years we have had a permanent location at the Nashville Farmer’s Market in one of the farm sheds. While the Nashville Farmers Market has been the main venue for selling our cutting boards we still enjoy doing a couple of local Art and Holiday shows.
Walnut Hill Woodworks takes pride in producing heirloom quality products, such as end-grain cutting boards, charcuterie boards and other kitchen items. My wife and her Aunt Edie offer Aprons, made with re-purposed shirts, bringing some fun color to our store! Our goal is that through our products we help create traditions of cooking and hosting in kitchens for generations to come. Our business consists of myself, the lead builder, my wife Vicki who handles shipping, sales, purchasing and other administrative tasks, and now our son Tanner, the one who had a big part in the beginning of Walnut Hill Woodworks has joined us in the learning the art of cutting board making.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall we have had a smooth road in growing our business. We have met so many nice and interesting people from all over the world selling our craft.
Some of the biggest challenges of taking a business on the road to various shows is dealing with the weather. Storms, rain, and wind are not your friend when setting up for an outdoor craft show. The weather can make or break an event.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make cutting boards for a living. I have always been in the wood industry, owning several sawmills over the years. I starting building with wood and loving making things back in jr. high school shop class.
I specialise in making END-GRAIN cutting boards. This is the most durable kind of cutting board you can have. It will last a lifetime if you take care of it.
I am honoured that so many people have my cutting boards in their homes and cherish them. I love when they come back and get more for gifts for others or send others to get one of my boards, because they love theirs. This is an honor.
Although I take pride in my work, we are careful not to be proud about the beauty of the boards we build. We give all the glory to God for the beauty in each one. We are privileged to be able to have a small part in showing them off.
One thing that sets our business apart from others is that we offer a lifetime guarantee on all our products. Our goal is to build trust and confidence with all our customers so they know that their money that they spend with us will be money well spent. That has in turn, leads to many repeat customers, and we also have several that are collectors of our boards.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In the artisan world there are many talented individuals. I enjoy talking with others in my field on a facebook group called the “Cutting Board Mafia” it is great to put out ideas or get questions answered by others either desiring to do what I do or those in the business making a living like myself.
Over the years you gain lots of friends and acquaintances by putting yourself and your skills out there for all to see.
Pricing:
- $240.00 large end-grain boards
- $140.00 small end-grain boards
- $150.00 3 Piece Puzzle Charcuterie boards
- Charcuterie boards $45.00-125.00
- Cheese Slicers and Aprons- 35.00 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://walnuthillwoodworks.com
- Instagram: Instagram@walnut_hill_woodworks
- Facebook: Facebook@Walnut Hill Woodworks
- Other: https://linktr.ee/walnuthillwoodworks
