I've been a life long tinkerer. Whether it was helping my dad with projects around the house, putting together Legos/skateboards/drumsets, and later working on rowing shells, I've always loved creating and building with my hands. Woodwork, (particularly fine woodworking and furniture design) was a medium I'd been interested in, but never had the time or space to really explore.

 

In the summer of 2020, after a significant period of reflection and transition (While still in the midst of Covid) I answered a text that changed the course of my life. "I have some boats that need repairing, why don't you come up to the Farm/boathouse to take a look." So Stella (the dog) and I traveled up to Flatwater Farms and the Buchanan Rowing Club .... just to take a look ... and ended up staying for the better part of a year.

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With no idea how to begin woodworking, I bought a cheap craftsman job-site saw, a belt sander, a cheap set of chisels...and just started building. I started talking with other woodworkers, watched (a lot of) youtube, and made a ton of mistakes. My time in the shop started to become meditative. That little boathouse shop became my church, lab, and classroom. Before I knew it, I was spending every minute of my free time down there. 

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Eventually, I had to re-enter the "work-force" so I took a dream job in Chapel Hill, NC. The first thing I did when I arrived was set up my table saw. I couldn't scratch this new itch enough. 20 cutting boards later (sold exclusively to friends and family), I realized this could be more than just a hobby.

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The name comes from my Mom, Nancy. "Mombo" as we called her, was such a huge supporter of our creativity and drive. In her honor, I founded "Mombo Woodworks" as soon as I purchased a home and built out the shop in my garage. She always got a kick out of the fact making cutting boards in a boathouse with my dog.....so this is as much for her as anyone. Thanks, Mombo.

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I hope this inspires you to finally try that thing you've always wanted to try. It may just turn out as the very thing that inspires reflection and positive change.

 

Now ... go find your shop.

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-Austin 

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