We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Clement and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always enjoyed making and creating things and before I launched Deep Roots Workshop I would create custom gifts for family and friends. As I became more skilled at woodwork I began to realize that I could turn my passion for creating into a way to pay for itself. I started my business as a way to share my desire to create with a wider audience. Getting paid to do something I love to do makes it less like work and more like a calling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wood is an inspiring media to work with. One of my goals is to create pieces that are useful but also unique and beautiful. Every creation is a combination of bringing out the natural beauty of the wood while also expressing my individual artistic style. The exciting part for me is that every piece represents a unique journey of discovery. Most of the time, when I am creating I allow the piece to design itself. I rarely know at the beginning exactly what what it will look like at the end. The only way to find out is get to the point where I can say, “that’s good. I am proud of putting my name on it.” Sometimes that means trying an effect (adding texture or burning or paint) that represents a point of no return. The adventure comes from the experimenting- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t! I’ll never know if I don’t try. But there is nothing quite as satisfying as creating a piece that connects with a fellow human. A piece that they want to own and treasure and display. A piece that brings them joy. That is my motivation for this venture called Deep Roots Workshop!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve always been more of a nature person than a city person so we’d have to spend some time hiking some of my favorite locations. Closest to home is Raven Rock State Park that is a family favorite to visit. I’m always inspired by the little scenes of fungi and fallen trees and little waterfalls that can be found here. For a week long stay we’d make the trip to the NC coast because beach time is the best way to relax and commune with family and friends. The Emerald Isle is a favorite not just because of its calm beautiful beaches but also for the Fish Hut Grill which is our favorite seafood restaurant on the coast!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost is my wife! Without her support and help (she handles all shipping and handling) Deep Roots Workshop would not exist. She is a crucial part of our business and a far better manager than I am. Many other family members have been supportive but I have to shoutout to my Dad who started his own business in 1984 and set an example for hard work and diligence that built a successful small business. His dedication has inspired me to a similar endeavor!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeepRootsWorkshop

Instagram: @Deeproots77

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100039388934398

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@deeprootsworkshop2700?si=VMnmfbN0KnOrb2f9

Image Credits
Portrait image courtesy of Jeffery Minnish

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