Meet Kristen Willis of Morning Wood AZ in Gilbert

Kristen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always enjoyed working with my hands and considered myself a crafty person. When I became a mom in 2014, I wanted a sign that said “Eat Fart Laugh” but couldn’t find anything that fit my sense of humor. So began my sign making. I quickly dove into making more and selling them online. I have since expanded my skill set into building furniture and other DIY adventures. I frequently involve my five-year-old daughter and teach her new skills. I have used woodworking to teach her a lot of lessons on patience and focus. She loves to help me, and I love teaching her.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t know any entrepreneur who hasn’t struggled. The struggles are learning experiences. Unfortunately, I partnered up with a few unscrupulous business owners who either declared bankruptcy and kept hundreds of dollars that they owed me (right before Christmas too) or simply expected me to run their day to day operations for free. If I pay to have a spot in a consignment store, I will gladly stage my area in a clean manner, but I don’t want to work retail and be responsible for someone else’s financial upkeep.

I have also had a company try to bully me out of the market by claiming I stole their idea. Parallel thinking is common in design work. I have a lawyer review claims of patents and ensure I am not selling items that infringe upon any designers rights. If I use an image (such as a marine logo), I give the item away as a gift and do not sell such items.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Morning Wood AZ story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in custom laser engraving. I have made a lot of wedding decor, home decor, and yard games. If you’re throwing a party, I’m a good person to contact.

I have had many clients ask for things that I haven’t tried making before, and it pushes my skills to new levels. I am always up for a new challenge.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I hope that my market moves into the multi-level marketing direction with bloggers teaming up with makers to help sell and promote items. I would love to make a few items that a trendy marketer could keep one and sell the remaining items to help cross-promote. Similar to how Rhodan and Fields, Lularoe, and essential oil companies do business.