The Pathway of a Maker
Esther is retired. She spends many of her days at the BB2C Makerspace, working on different projects in our woodshop. In a way, her work today comes full circle with where she started. But her journey between then and now has been unique; filled with trying, learning, doing, and changing.
Esther was introduced to woodworking as a kid through a summer camp. She always liked creating and working with her hands and the idea that she could take a pile “stuff” like wood and turn it into something functional and beautiful was exciting to her. After high school, Esther earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a minor in biology. But she chose to apprentice with a cabinet maker in New York after college, where she learned about the properties of wood, wood working techniques, and different finishes. When that business closed, Esther worked in a production cabinet company. She then started her own business, which allowed her to build, repair, and refinish furniture.
Esther relocated to the Mid-Ohio Valley in her late thirties and looked around to find her next career opportunity. She chose to go back to college and studied at Washington State Community College (WSCC) where she earned an associate’s degree in Information Technology. She was then able to work there first as a support technician and then as a faculty member. She received her master’s degree in education technology from the University of Rio Grande and was the Program Coordinator for Digital Technology at WSCC for 25 years. She loved teaching and had the chance to work with multiple student interns during her time there.
Today, Esther’s beautiful artisan projects include trays, cutting boards, puzzles, and lazy Susans. She sells them at local businesses including Jeremiah’s Coffeehouse in Marietta and the Village Cakery in Vincent. Proceeds from the sales are donated the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, Habitat for Humanity, and Washington County Harvest of Hope. She also donates items to local fundraisers for GoPacks and BB2C.
When asked about her experience at the Makerspace, Esther shared, “I love spending time at the Makerspace working with really creative people. It gives me a chance to make wonderful woodcrafts, sell them to raise money for great local charities, and enjoy spending time with other people who come to enjoy the Makerspace.”
For more information about becoming a Makerspace member, visit bb2careers.org/makerspace. Stop by 107 Lancaster Street in Marietta to visit and to learn more about our seven spaces: creative arts, fiber arts, laser, media, tech, stained glass, and woodshop.