Rising Stars: Meet Zak Bonham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zak Bonham.

Hi Zak, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When I was sixteen, I started welding courses at the community college. After obtaining my welding degree I went on to study at Arizona State University Herberger Institute of Art. During my time at ASU, I focused on large sculptures and refined my skills focusing on foundry and woodworking. After graduation, I worked in a foundry while starting my business ZJCreates. When I first started my business, my focus was on knife making and welding as I specialized in making tools for pipeline workers. As many people experienced, once COVID hit and the pipeline industry was shut down I focused on expanding and adding handmade artisanal wood and metal products that everyone could utilize and enjoy in their homes.

As the world began opening up and the Farmer Market re-opened, I began selling my unique handmade cutting boards, serving boards, and hand-forged metal items. Over the past two years, I have expanded my business and in addition to the cutting and serving boards, I now offer a wide variety of items some of which include hand-forged knives, campfire cookers, salt cellars, sushi plates with chopsticks, and more. Many of my live edge serving boards are from local Arizona trees that have fallen or been removed that I then mill into slabs utilizing my Alaskan mill.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges as they have allowed me to expand my business in new ways and create new products.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, there have definitely been bumps along the way. COVID and the pipeline industry being shut down were two major hurdles that required restructuring of my business.

Today, the biggest struggle is the rapidly rising cost of lumber and materials. It is a fine line between raising product cost and also keeping it affordable for the average family.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hand-crafted artisanal wood and metal pieces that are both functional and decorative. I am best known for and most proud of the hand-forged knives that I make with custom handles and hand-sewn leather sheaths.

The thing that sets me apart from others is that I am able to take local trees and mill them myself into slabs creating useful unique decorative pieces which bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
During college, I was able to find many professors that I looked to for mentoring.

I do a lot of networking online talking with other artists around the world using social media. Trial and error along with feedback from my customers is what has worked well and allowed me to grow as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: zjcreates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjcreates/