In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger introduces the podcast’s new direction—highlighting sustainable practices, community empowerment, and innovation in woodworking. Guest Marji Medina, founder of It’s Not Trash, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood of salvaging materials to building a furniture business rooted in sustainability, affordability, and purpose.

Marji discusses how her Build-a-Bed model empowers customers to customize affordable furniture, and how she balances paying her team a living wage with staying financially sustainable. The conversation touches on reclaiming materials, creating accessible designs, and building a supportive work environment. She also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and mentoring the next generation, all while staying true to her mission of conscious capitalism and community connection.

Takeaways

1. Marji Medina’s early experiences with salvaging materials laid the foundation for her sustainable furniture brand, It’s Not Trash.
2. Her Build-a-Bed concept makes furniture affordable and customizable, bridging the gap between quality craftsmanship and accessibility.
3. Marji prioritizes paying her staff a living wage, proving that ethical labor practices can coexist with smart business strategy.
4. Community-based movements like “Buy Nothing” help reduce waste, showing how local initiatives can support global sustainability.
5. Empowering young people through financial literacy and mentorship is central to Marji’s mission of driving systemic change through business.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast

01:04 – Marji’s Journey: From Trash to Treasure

04:02 – The Evolution of Furniture Design and Sustainability

09:52 – The Middle Ground: Affordable Quality Furniture

13:04 – Community and Conscious Capitalism

18:03 – The Joy of Woodworking and Creative Fixing

22:22 – Designing Affordable Furniture

25:09 – Innovative Business Model: Build-a-Bed

31:11 – Balancing Employee Welfare and Business Profitability

39:06 – Empowering the Next Generation Through Financial Literacy

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

To join a network of woodpreneurs: See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

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You can connect with Marji at: 

https://itsnottrashdesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/itsnottrash/