Meet Nick Ferro | Designer & Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Ferro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For better or worse, the potential downside of a risk has almost never dissuaded me from following my instincts. Those few instances in which I have doubted my gut are amongst my greatest regrets. Taking a risk is an act of trust in yourself, rooted in a comfort with the unknown. I believe that I can pivot and adapt to meet unforeseen circumstances, and I accept that I cannot control every outcome. One can never know everything that will follow from any decision, but we can always expect the opportunity for learning and growth. The more risks I take, the better I become at facing and adapting to change, strengthening the likelihood of success in future decision making and demonstrating to myself that I am capable of navigating new territory. I feel comfortable saying that every meaningful thing I have experienced or accomplished in my life and in my career is downstream of a gamble. And though at times I have been met with disappointment, or the occasional failure, I am resolved to go “all in” on myself again and again. The call to adventure demands risk, and I refuse to sit this one out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I kept the name of my company (Ferro Works) intentionally vague so I would not be pigeon-holed into one single creative pursuit. I am a woodworker by trade and love making custom furniture, but have spent many years designing and building interactive exhibits for museums as well. It is important to me that my days are rarely the same, and that I take on challenges that expand my abilities and knowledge. Currently, I have a deep desire to create more chandeliers- the bigger, the better. But I will always follow my curiosity, wherever it leads.

Managing to continue this endeavor on my own terms has required a great deal of sacrifice. There have been months-long stretches of 100 hour weeks, years of full-time school while working two jobs, and countless times I have worked through the night to complete a project despite my exhausted, aching body. At critical moments during my journey, there have been people whom I loved dearly and trusted deeply who tried to talk me out of following my instincts and my dream. No doubt, the words of caution they offered me were the very same they had told themselves. While their fear on my behalf was intended as kindness, my rejection of it was the ultimate gift I could offer myself.

That being said, the main lessons I have learned are these: Learn to follow your curiosity and to embrace the uncertainty. Recognize that what you think of as your “best” is just another limit you have placed on your potential. Always trust your heart, and always take that next big step.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Temaki Den at the Source or Kumoya in the Highlands if we are doing sushi, and we better be. Hopefully we are hitting up some concerts at the Marquis Theatre or Mission Ballroom. Drinks at the always wonderful Fort Greene, and maybe a trip to the Clocktower Cabaret if we are looking to get weird.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today if it were not for the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. There, under the mentorship of Chris Van Dyken and with the support of Kerri Atter, I was encouraged to strive and allowed to fail. They took a chance on me when I had a desire to create, but had yet to develop any practical skills. Nothing is more powerful than someone believing in you, and the value of an opportunity to explore a craft with a safety-net cannot be overstated. It is truly a magical place and I am forever grateful to everyone there.

Website: https://www.ferroworks.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferroworks_inc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/create.devote.destroy/