Meet Sarah Walker | Wood Ya At That | Colorado Cornhole Craftswoman

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

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Wood Ya Look At That. was just a seed planted in 2019. Primarily a side business to get by and raise money for a mission trip to Brazil coming up in Spring of 2020. Winter of 2020 began and so did the pandemic. I had left my formal places of employment, anticipating being stuck in Brazil for much longer than a normal mission trip. March 14 2020 international flights were canceled. Without much for a plan or even a place, I started working. I rented a storage unit, and began making cornhole boards out of it.  Wood Ya Look At That went viral on TikTok and I started shipping nationwide. I went from homelessness, working out of a tiny storage unit, staying on my parents couch, to a home with a little shop in less than 6 months. It happened organically, with extreme tenacity, grit and joy making Wood Ya Look At That come this far.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a woman in woodcraft and I create custom handcrafted cornhole boards. I purchase, build and design the boards independently. I’m very proud of my work and turning a passion into a life giving and a successful business. I got here because Jesus has really blessed me. He’s given me a strong foundation in understanding my value and worth. I used my experiences from previous jobs in sales, marketing and customer service, to be a complete sole proprietor. So far, I’ve done it with the support of my family and friends but ultimately, on my own. From building and designing the boards to creating social medias, shipping, selling, networking, logos, web design… it’s been a one man band and it’s been hard. But it has been so incredibly worth it. Not one step has been a textbook definition of easy. Jesus and wisdom from family and friends have helped overcome many of the early obstacles in starting my own business.

I have learned and loved implementing my values into my business:
-don’t leave wood out in the rain
-discipline is imperative in order to be successful
-being accountable is honorable
-to accomplish things well, you need thanksgiving and joy
-you cannot be a weak woman in the craftsmanship world
-you cannot let other people’s intimidation and weakness, stop you from doing what you’re called to do
-rest is productive
-everyone needs a fresh coat of clear every summer

What do I want the world to know about my brand and I??

Did you ever play the “made you look” 👌 game in school? This game has always been a staple of mine. I’ve played it since I can remember. My sister and I came up with my business name, right after I “made her look” 👌 – and Woo(d)👌 Ya Look At That was born.
I’ve always had a good playful fun sense of humor and that has been a huge part of my business and a huge thing to lean on, when times are tough.
Jesus, light hearted fun, grit and hard work has made me the business owner, mom and woman I am today.

I am launching merchandise (hats, shirts, stickers) this fall and have more big things coming out in the future, including portions of profit, going towards local and international non profits to help women entrepreneurs and women leaving s*x trafficking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wood Ya Look At That originates out of my small home town of Windsor. Visiting Windsor and surrounding areas, there’s a few choice places to adventure. -I’m always a fan of a backroads drive, so I would have to take the long way around to show some of the scenic weld county farms (it’s the little things right?)
-Peculiar Brewery and The Windsor Mill is a small town staple
-mo betta gumbo
-we’d have to swing into The Pineapple Market – sweet boutique off 5th
-High Hops Brewery just as we’re leaving town.
-if it’s a Thursday, a night for a summer concert at Lake Windsor is never a bad time.
-a trip to Estes Park is always a necessity, especially to pick up some salt water taffy and an old time portrait.
-I’d take the long way back down 36 to drive through Lyons, stop off and float the river,
-get a treat from Colorado Cherry
-I love a good archery range – Windsor has a new one both 3D and targets right along the poudre river.
-‘shoot, we’d go for a float after the archery range, Windsor’s poudre river float is definitely a fun one.

After some fun in northern colorado we’d have to take the adventure southwest to do some ziplining, hot springs and site seeing. Colorado is diverse but I’d have to showcase my favorite things: the farms, the small town, the mountains, the water covers the bases pretty well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to Jesus first. My Son second. My family and close friends third. And, to all the women, overcoming and becoming who they are called to be. May my path, help others, find their way.

Website: Woodyalookatthat.com

Instagram: @woodyalookatthatco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodyalookatthatco?mibextid=9R9pXO

Other: TikTok: @sarahwatcher

Image Credits
Mariel Hansen at Mariel Francine Photography @marielfrancine.photography