Meet Taylor Nagelvoort: Woodworker

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

Hi Taylor, how does your business help the community?
I really like to think that the work I create brings people together. I created my business based on the idea that people would gather and be able to use my products for years and years to come. The kitchen is extremely important to me. I grew up spending most of my time in my parents kitchen, my grandparents kitchen and now mine as well. Food is the love language within my family and it’s what brings everyone together. There’s nothing better than everyone talking over each other, laughing, telling stories and passing food around the table. I wanted to create products that people can share with others and gather around for the most loving moments. My work may not be changing the world but I hope it’s bringing everyone together.

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 can’t quite describe what it feels like to wake up every day knowing that I get to go work with my hands and play in my shop for 8-10 hours. Every single day I’m excited to work and make. I always say that anyone can pick up woodworking and it’s true but I feel as if it’s the love for what I do that really sets me apart from others. The appreciation for my materials and the wood itself is a huge part of my aesthetic. Art school definitely taught me how to think and create like an artist but I really appreciate my work being simple and functional. For a while, the pandemic really affected my business. I was unable to work for a few months and all of the summer art shows I partake in were cancelled. About 95% of my business came from selling in these art shows so I really had to push myself to get online sales with posting on my instagram. For a few months, it was very hard. By the end of the summer, I participated in two art shows and had a few orders so I was trying to stay busy. It wasn’t until a store in Steamboat Springs found my work and wanted to order wholesale from me. Christmas time rolled around and I was lucky enough to take part in an outdoor holiday market in Cherry Creek. From that, I met tons and tons of people who have been giving me the opportunity to really grow my business. I’m still incredibly busy which is shocking because January – March are usually my slow months. I’ve worked very hard the past 5-6 months to really get my business back and growing regardless of the pandemic. I spent two solid months working all day every day and never took a day off. I really push myself when it comes to working and making my products as clean and pristine as possible. There’s no question when it comes to pushing myself for the people who support me. I feel so empowered every single day working, making and growing my business. I don’t think people really understand how big of a presence there is with women in woodworking. I follow so many women who inspire me and really push the boundaries in woodworking. Women are changing the game and I tend to think we take a different approach than men when it comes to making. I always talk to other women about their work and the pieces they create. It helps me grow and continues to empower me as a female. It’s actually really funny to see how many people are shocked when I tell them what I do or show them my work. The disbelief sometimes is a little frustrating but I hope its changing people’s views about what women are able to accomplish. One of the things I’ve learned from the past couple of months is that my drive will always take me further. I’ve worked so hard and I’m actually starting to see my business grow into something I thought would take years. I’m making more custom furniture pieces, which is truly my passion, and also finding that my smaller items just bring so much joy in peoples lives. I’ve received so many emails and exchanges where people tell me that their family member received my work as a gift and how incredible it is. I’ve had more people come back for more for themselves and to share with other family members and friends. There are no words for how this makes me feel. I want people to know that I create for myself, yes, but I create for those moments of happiness in others. My work means so much to me but it means even more when I know someone is using and enjoying what I make.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If anyone comes to visit me I take them straight into the mountains. I’m not a huge city person whatsoever. I love eating outside in Frisco. All of the mountain towns are making it really easy to dine in. The main streets are blocked off to cars so that people are able to support restaurants and eat outside. There’s literally nothing better than eating outside with a mountain view especially in the winter. Breckenridge is beautiful as well. My husband and I were married in Breck in someones backyard and took pictures on Boreas pass. It gets really busy but my dad and I are early risers and we enjoy walking through the streets hunting for breakfast before the rush. For hiking, snowshoeing and anything backcountry, I would take my friends to Rabbit Ears Pass right outside of Steamboat. I love Rabbit Ears in the winter, it’s beyond incredible walking through the snow-covered trees, watching my dogs plow through the deep snow. Aspen is pretty expensive so whenever we visit, we stay in Carbondale. I love going up on the lift to have a drink on the mountain. The view from the deck is one of best, I think, in Colorado. My favorite restaurant, Meat & Cheese, is always a must whenever we visit Aspen. It’s so freaking good. I love a good charcuterie board, steak and bread board. If anyone visits Colorado, the have to go into the mountains. Its soul cleansing especially for the people who have never experienced it. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly there are so many people who support me every day and I’m incredibly thankful. Friends, family members, friends of friends, people I meet at shows, my dedication list is insanely long. My husband, parents and my sisters are by far the most loving, encouraging, supportive people when it comes to my business. My parents just recently moved to Colorado and its been nothing but incredible having them here. Whenever I need help with running errands, getting organized and any heavy lifting, my parents never hesitate. My sisters try and eat lunch with me at the shop and bring my pups to visit which just absolutely makes my day. Everyone is always asking me if I need anything or how they can help. My husband is without a doubt the greatest and coolest guy. He is starting to learn how I do specific things in the shop and takes total interest in it as well. He’s now able to help me with specific tasks which gives me time to work on something else and time is extremely important to me. He makes my business life easier and lighter even when I’m at my breaking point. It’s crucial to have a supportive partner in life. His positivity is something I really envy and I’ve never once experienced negativity with him when it comes to my business or our life together. I can’t thank my family enough for what they do for me. It’s incredible being surrounded by tons of people who are rooting for you to succeed every single day. The constant support helps with my work and my drive.

Website: https://baregoodsco.com
Instagram: Bare.Goods_

Image Credits
Myself – Taylor Nagelvoort