The best businesses don’t start with a pitch deck. They start with a moment you can feel—like buying a house in December, hosting Christmas, and realizing there’s no table for the family to gather around. That urgency became a spark for Natalie and Julian of The Carpentry Shop, and it led to a purpose-driven studio known for showstopping custom furniture, warm wood countertops, and full-home millwork that turns houses into homes.

We talk through the leap from government work and outdoor builds to a thriving workshop in Northvale, NJ, and how COVID forced the team to slow down and sharpen their craft. Natalie shares what separates a handmade piece from a mass-market lookalike: careful sourcing, joinery you can trust, and wood with a past. You’ll hear how they rescue lumber from across the U.S. and South America, why pricing is shaped by tariffs and supply shocks, and how to educate clients on value without the jargon. We also explore their growing partnerships with designers and builders, from custom vanities and kitchens to built-ins that fit the exact life of a room.

Community runs through everything they do. The showroom doubles as a space for local artists like Andrew Weatherly, with proceeds supporting Infinity Equine Therapy Center. There’s a live epoxy demo, curated small-batch goods from independent makers, and an open invitation to discover how furniture is actually made. Natalie also gets personal about building a company with her spouse, raising daughters who aren’t afraid of a drill, and the hard truth every founder faces: purpose is what gets you up the mountain when the plan meets reality.

If you love design, small-batch craft, and stories behind the wood, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves handmade pieces, and leave a review to help more neighbors find the show. Then tell us: what would your dream custom piece be?

The Carpentry Shop
Natalie Dion
190 Veterans Drive, Northvale, NJ 07647
(646) 933-0736
[email protected]
thecarpentryshopco.com