Meet Shawn Ellis of Živel Natural Creations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Ellis. 

Hi Shawn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
It was on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (1/9/19) that we stopped off at the Cave Creek Sheriff’s station to bring some goodies as our way of saying thank you for their service. Little did we know that would be the beginnings of a woodworking hobby that then turned into a business in 2020. It’s been an amazing 3 years, and we’ve met some truly awesome people along the way. 

Živel translated means “elements”. Elements make up all things in nature. Our woodworking creations combine elements such as wood, stone, and metals to make one-of-a-kind cutting/charcuterie boards, tables, shelves, home decor, art pieces, and more. 

On the second Saturday of each month (September thru May) from 10 am to 3 pm, we have our creations, wood slabs, and DIY kits on display and available for purchase in Cave Creek, AZ. 

We source our wood locally, partnering with local arborists who are taking trees down (i.e., tree is too close to fence, pool is being built, tree is in fire break area, etc.).  We then slice the wood, strap it onto drying carts (to prevent warping) and dry it.  On average, wood has to dry naturally for one year before the moisture level is low enough to work with it.  This provides us our wood supply to work with for our creations and then the extra wood slabs we sell.  Ultimately, all this wood would be destined for the landfill.  This is where the phrase/tagline “Nature Transformed” stemmed from. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Launching a business is never easy, but launching a business two months before COVID hit (January 2020) was even harder. We weren’t able to hold our first monthly event until August 2020, which made it hard to get our name out there. But thanks to a local property management company for taking a chance to help out a new local business and allowing us to set up in their parking lot in Cave Creek. Since then, we’ve built up our following and have repeat customers. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Cutting/Charcuterie boards were the first products offered and continue to be one of our best sellers. Thereafter natural live edge tables and shelf creations were introduced. The goal has always been to use as much of the tree as possible which brought life other creations such bottle openers, wine stoppers, bar boards, stands, dice, magnets, etc. 

What sets us apart from others is the artistic flare in our creations. For example, anyone can make a charcuterie board but we highlight the natural voids and unique grain patterns and incorporate stone and resin to make one-of-a-kind creations. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
By day, I’m a VP of Human Resources but by night/weekend, I’ve fallen in love with creating with my hands one-of-a-kind wood creations. My son Ryan has been a tremendous help with the monthly shows and my husband Charles has been my biggest supporter.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@zivelnaturalcreations.com
• Website: www.zivelnaturalcreations.com
• Instagram: @zivelnaturalcreations
• Facebook: @zivelnaturalcreations