Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Scott.
Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve been asked “what got you into building things?” I’ve tried to come up with a cool and suave answer, but the truth is I started building things during the worst time in my life. I started my business back in 2015 as a newly single mom of two under two, having just left an abusive relationship. I had the clothes on my back, most of my kid’s belongings, and my dog. Looking back to when I finally had the courage to leave, I now realize what I thought I was only doing in the best interest of my kids was actually the best thing I could ever do for myself. My story isn’t unique in that there are, unfortunately, so many women (and men) who find themselves in a domestic violent situation, seemingly stuck, beat down physically, emotionally, spiritually and I know firsthand how hopeless that can feel. I know how fortunate I am to be one that got out alive and I promised myself that I would never look back, go back, and no matter what struggles would come my way I was going to face them head on and whatever it took to provide for my kids, I would do it. I have always had a passion for art, crafting and anything I can creatively get my hands on.
The first thing I built was actually a dog house out of some rough 2×4’s and some screws. I thought it would be a fun way to do something with my kids and get some hands-on therapy for myself. It turned out ok considering I had only an idea and a drill- which wasn’t even mine. I don’t even think the battery held a charge properly! Next, I built a headboard for myself, it was a little better, but there was something about building things that made me feel really good and forget about a lot of the bad things I had been through. This was around the time when Pinterest became popular, and I found plans for DIY projects… this was gold for me. I learned so much following these simple plans, and eventually became obsessed with wanting to get better, about learning proper and more technical joinery techniques, and then started building without using plans. My sister would become my first “client” asking me to build several wood pieces for her offices. A friend of hers then asked me to build a dining table, and I believe it’s still standing today! It was my friends and family who encouraged me to start an actual business, otherwise I don’t know if I would have! Then, I had a friend who asked me to build her family a dog kennel, that’s what really got my business going. I began building and designing custom dog kennels and shipped them all over the United States.
As my business grew, naturally so did my supply of tools. and it’s been quite a journey ever since. I transitioned from dog kennels to building a lot of different types of furniture. I don’t like to limit myself to one type of build. I’ve been fortunate to build some really cool pieces, for some really great people and families. What I truly love about building is that it is a physical and mental challenge and no piece is ever just the same. I love being able to make each build unique in its own way and I’m always learning something new. I have never spoken much personally or in my business about being a single mom, I never wanted sympathy from anyone. Call it pride, embarrassment, or whatever, I only wanted to be recognized for the work I did and my craftsmanship. But, I’m comfortable today sharing parts of my story because I want people to know that everyone has a past: good, bad, ugly, sometimes really scary. It won’t be without challenges but it is possible to turn things around, discover what you’re truly capable of, and find your true self again. There’s hope. I love being inspired, I love being able to create, and I am thankful for my business and the continuously evolving journey I am on with it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A lot of the challenges I have faced along the way have mostly to do with time management, and fear of failure. I’ve definitely learned some valuable lessons along the way. I’ve had a relatively smooth and steady journey with my business and I choose to accept little failures along the way as part of my journey towards success. Building has become a way for me to afford a life with my kids. To be available and accessible to them while they are so young and need me. I got so busy at one point that I felt like the whole point of being available to them went out the window as it became me stressing out all day and night over workload, project deadlines and it spilling over into my time with them. I am always working to find the balance of designated work hours and managing my workload. This whole quarantine situation has given me a lot of time to self reflect and really reassess how I want to run my business in a way that is professional, successful and self-fulfilling yet still be able to be a good mom.
I’m an artist: I love to create, but I’m always filled with anxiety when it comes to sharing the final product. Of course, I’m proud and I look at my work and think “wow I made that”, but there’s also the “oh man, are they going to like it? is it good enough?” I’m fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family who have been and continue to be my biggest supporters. I am very self-critical, borderline perfectionistic, but I am learning more and more to trust my abilities and truly accept the positive feedback I am given. As powerful as social media can be in promoting business, it can be equally as powerful in creating self-doubt and the fear of failure. I have found myself at times comparing myself to others and questioning my ability to be “as good as them”, but I’ve had to take a step back and remind myself of how far I’ve come in this industry, self-taught and on my own.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rachel Francis Designs – what should we know?
I make things. Big things, little things, unique things, all by hand. Occasionally I’ll fire up the CNC machine for some artsy pieces, but the craftsmanship is still me. For a while, I guess you could have said I specialized in custom wooden dog kennels. But I wanted to branch out and not limit myself to one type of build. I am most proud that I have self-taught and worked my way from building a dog house out of scrap pieces of 2×4’s to shipping dog kennels across the country to building some timeless luxury hardwood pieces… all out of my garage. Yep, my garage! I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, but I do know that I have a love for everything I build, I enjoy getting to know the people I am building for, and I feel like a little piece of me goes out with everything I’ve made. I take a lot of pride in my work.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My friends and family have been my greatest supporters since day one. From helping me with my kids, being a sounding board when I was overwhelmed personally and with work, and encouraging me not to quit just because things got difficult. For loving me unconditionally, even on days I’m covered in sawdust and/or paint… which is most days! I am super appreciative of my clients for supporting my business and trusting me to come through with the goods, and for promoting me to others for more work. I am also thankful to my mentors in the industry for answering my questions and giving me good advice along the way. Something that is really neat about the maker industry is how much support there is out there to share tips and tricks along the way. It’s not as much a competition as it is a collective effort to grow each other and succeed.
Contact Info:
- Email: rachelfrancisdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: @RachelFrancisDesigns
- Facebook: Rachel Francis Designs
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