Get ready to step into the workshop of Manly Made, the bespoke woodworking business proving that passion and natural skill can build a beautiful career!
Founded in 2016 by Kyle Laue, this company specializes in turning creative custom visions into tangible wood masterpieces.
The Spark that Started the Saw
Every great business has a compelling origin story, and for Kyle Laue, the spark began close to home. Inspired by a girlfriend who was adept at repurposing furniture, Kyle Laue realized they could skip the refurbishing and simply build similar items from scratch, given their inherent abilities and familiarity with tools. Kyle Laue grew up learning to work with their hands by watching their father. This natural aptitude is evident, as Kyle noted that what they do simply “feels easy to them”.
The Project That Affirmed the Passion
The moment the business idea truly solidified centered around a sizable piece: a six-foot farmhouse-style dining table. This first significant creation was a resounding success. The incredibly positive reaction from the customer upon delivery was a critical moment, firmly reinforcing Kyle’s passion and the viability of their craft.
Manly Made’s Promise: Always “One of One”
If you are seeking furniture with true personality, Manly Made is the destination. Kyle is unwavering in their commitment to making sure every piece created is a genuine “one of one” item. While creations might share a similar style, they are never exactly alike, always incorporating custom dimensions, unique touches, and designs tailored specifically to the client’s needs.
Kyle’s portfolio showcases an inventive range, including challenging commissions like a Batman-themed shelf designed to display a son’s figurines. However, the creation Kyle considers the most special is a personal one: the repurposing of a particle board TV stand into a charming dress-up stand for their daughter.
Leveraging the Community and Facing Hurdles
Kyle successfully leverages the “Manly Made” brand primarily through Facebook Marketplace and word-of-mouth referrals. They emphasize the crucial importance of community and group interactions on platforms like Facebook for spreading awareness about their custom-made pieces. Kyle also recognizes the immense value of community support, particularly in business areas where they lack expertise, such as social media and marketing.
Despite the creative success, Manly Made faces two major practical hurdles common to growing small businesses: capital and storage. Kyle requires upfront payment for materials or sufficient funds to purchase them independently. Additionally, finding adequate space to store large finished products before delivery remains an ongoing challenge. Kyle noted that finding a strong solution to the funding problem would significantly address the overall capital challenge.
Building a Full-Time Future
Looking forward, Kyle has a clear and ambitious objective: to transition Manly Made into a full-time job within the next three to five years. Achieving this requires securing enough year-round customers to ensure consistent business flow.
To reach this broader goal and showcase their capabilities, Kyle plans to increase participation in craft fairs. These events are the ideal setting for displaying smaller, easily reproducible items, which simultaneously serve as excellent examples of the unique, custom work that Manly Made is capable of crafting.
Reach out to Kyle and Manly Made on Facebook, or call 864.747.2835 to order some amazing original pieces.
