Meet Kat` Houser | Woodworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat` Houser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat`, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” -unknown This is my business motto, as well as one of my favorite quotes. It brings this sense of hope and community that I want my business to reflect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work with all things wood, from art installations to furniture building, and everywhere in between. It’s been the medium that not only inspires me, but I also find the most soothing to work with. I love to try new things that I haven’t before. If it’s new, and a challenge, I’m in. I began to play around with woodworking as a hobby, but when I started making tables, people asked if they could buy them. I was suddenly able to do what I loved, and make money doing it. Being self taught, it took a couple of years working two to three jobs before I could do this full time. It was really difficult at times. I was working 15 hour days, learning as I went, putting literal blood, sweat, and tears into my little company. If you aren’t willing to lose sleep over something you love, then it was never worth pursuing fully. I want to create spaces where people gather to fall in love, share their lives, and even their heartbreak. I would love for my pieces to create a healing space for people. A place for people to make memories and pass them on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, man, that’s hard to narrow down. Colorado has so many great things to do and see depending on what season it is, so that’s difficult. If someone came to see me in the summer, I would take them first thing in the morning to Steam Coffee Shop in Platte Park, followed by a hike in El Dorado Springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m sure this is said quite a bit, but I have to give major credit to my partner, Marina De Salis. She really was the one who encouraged me to quit my other job at the time, and do woodworking full time. She believed in me so much (and still does), that it made it almost effortless to transition into doing what I love for a living. It was incredibly scary, sure, but the way she supported me made me feel like I could do it all, and be successful. I absolutely would not be where I am today without her.

Website: https://www.urbansmokesignals.com/
Instagram: @urbansmokesignalsdnvr