About 15 years ago, my husband and I remodeled our 800 square foot railroad house. We had two kids and one on the way, so our small house needed to expand with our family.

Allison was one of the carpenters on the remodel project and it was during this time that we connected. It was inspiring to see a local woman working alongside the male construction crew.

With her artistic eye and a skillful use of woodworking tools, Allison created the special touches to our new home.

But it wasn't over her woodworking talents that we connected. It was her ability to hold space for me when I needed it most.

Holding Space is the Art of Being Present with others. It is a conscious act of being open, allowing, and protective of what another needs in each moment.

During the nine month remodel - I lost my father to lung cancer; I was living out of our garage with a new born and two small kids; my husband was working out of town ; and I just learned my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I did my best to be strong and hold it together for my kids, but one day I was just swept away by the overwhelming events of life.

It was a moment that I felt very weak and vulnerable as a mother, daughter and a woman.

As I was having my emotional break down, I remember watching Allison work and felt empowered by her strength, creativity and natural beauty.

She just let me be sad and stayed with me until my breath became stronger and I could go back to being a mom for my kids.

Allison has a quote in this interview:

If we are not ourselves, our very unique selves, we are not sharing with the world our greatest gift.

Allison was just being her unique self.

I hope she always will be.

Artisan. Carpenter. Cyclist. Cabinet Maker. Furniture Designer. Horse Girl. Swimmer. Road Tripper. Animal Lover. Sun Seeker.

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What did you daydream about when you were a kid?

As a girl I would daydream about riding every horse I saw whether real, imaginary, or plastic.

What is your favorite thing about your studio or workspace?

My work space is filled with the tools of my grandfather, uncle, and my dad.

I love knowing they are with me while I create pieces using the same machines they used in their own shops many years ago.

What have been some of the greatest challenges in your career?

Although I have always worked with kind, honest, helpful coworkers it has been a challenge being the only woman on the job.

I feel as though I am having to constantly prove myself in my abilities and strength along side the men.

What does success mean to you?

Collaborating with a client's vision, problem solving along the way, and ultimately creating something unique that my client is pleased about feels like success.

How do you deal with self doubt or insecurity?

When I can exercise whether it be in the pool swimming laps or in open water, putting some miles on my bike, or quietly being with my horses in nature, my cup is full.

I can see things more clearly and find inspiration seeping back in where doubt and fear have taken hold.

It's an energy shift, like wind in my face, or feeling the support of water all around me as I swim, and always the awe of nature and its creatures puts everything back into perspective.

Who or What inspires you?

I feel like I am being inspired all the time.

Simple things can inspire me.

My mom's positive attitude and curiosity about life and people at age 76. I'm inspired by my husband's grueling work ethic while still being able to be a great dad and present partner. I'm inspired by nature and animals all the time.

The raw beauty of just being.

Of course I am inspired by other craftsmen/women and artists. I look at others work with curiosity and respect yet am encouraged to better what I see and put my own twist on the idea

What advice has been the most helpful in your life?

To stay true to who you are is the most helpful advice in life.

If we are not ourselves, our very unique selves, we are not sharing with the world our greatest gift.

Tell me about a failure that you learned from?

Failures are really growing pains in disguise.

My boss and friend Leo trusts my eye for design but sometimes the execution may be a little off.

All those pieces are in his cabin in northern Minnesota!

I have never made the same thing twice, its who I am.

Tell Me - Why you do What you do?

I love walking into my shop in the a.m. I love the smell. It is my space to flow and be uninterrupted in my process of creativity.

Do you have a favorite song, book or quote that motivates you?

In my younger years, my motivating quote was "you only regret the chances you didn't take".

Today I'm more cautious. But being the mom
of two young girls I always try to encourage them to try new things that stretch their comfort zone.  By doing so, I am reminded to lead by example.

Name 1 or 2 women who you admire?

Merrilee Thomas is my sister (in law) who exceeds all the talents and abilities of Wonder Woman.

I admire all women who have been on this earth longer than me.  They are the trail breakers, the wisdom keepers, the legends that I am honored to know.

If you could look back and give yourself some advice as you were starting out, what would it be?

Being a woman you can rock any roll!  Believe in yourself and your abilities. This is something I must live by to be a good role model for my girls.

Last Question! What one piece of advice would you give to young girls who are trying to navigate their future?

Work with good people who treat you kind and with respect.

Be open to their advice, they are a lot of the tricks of the trade that are so cool and will save you time in your process.

Although a cliche, learn from your mistakes. This is where your greatest growth will happen. Mistakes are gifts.

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