Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice & Billy Whitton
Hi Candice & Billy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story with BCW’s Rustic Decor & More began with a natural merging of our interests. Candice’s passion has always been in crafting, creating, and giving new life to old pieces through refurbishing. Billy has a genuine love for woodworking. It just made sense for us to combine those talents and start creating together. We began by crafting handmade wood signs, and we also enjoy building and refinishing furniture.
Some couples bond over shared hobbies, weekend getaways, or binge-watching crime documentaries. For us, our love language was wood and paint. I guess you could say I had a knack for breathing new life into forgotten pieces, while Billy had a deep-rooted passion for woodworking. At first, it started as a casual weekend hobby to spend time together. I would paint while Billy measured and cut. Before we knew it, we had a waitlist of friends and family requesting custom pieces, and BCW’s Rustic Decor & More was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but we’ve learned so much along the way. Everything we’ve built has been through trial and error. While we both had some foundational knowledge from interior design and woodworking classes in school, running a business is a whole different ballgame.
The biggest challenge we’ve faced is visibility. Since we don’t have a physical storefront, we’ve relied heavily on social media and Etsy. Learning how to utilize those platforms effectively has been our biggest struggle. We’ve had to learn the ins and outs of social media algorithms and the specific tricks to optimize our Etsy listings so that our products get seen. It’s been a constant process of learning and adapting, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But we feel every challenge has made us stronger and more knowledgeable.
Running a business means making mistakes—lots of them. BCW’s Rustic Decor & More wasn’t built on a foolproof business plan; it was built on trial, error, hope, and a prayer to be honest. But every misstep led to a lesson.
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is we can’t do it all on our own. In addition to just keeping up with orders, I’ve also had to navigate how to the CEO, CMO, on top of running the household and being a dance mom.
But Billy and I have always known what we were working toward, a strong and stable family business that gave us more time with our girls, and in so many ways it has. It’s been a constant process of learning and adapting, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But we feel every challenge has made us stronger and more knowledgeable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At BCW’s Rustic Decor & More, our work is centered around creating personalized, handcrafted wood signs and breathing new life into older furniture. We specialize in taking raw wood and transforming it into unique, rustic pieces that tell a story or capture a specific feeling for our customers. We’re known for our attention to detail, the quality of our craftsmanship, and our ability to create pieces that feel both personal and timeless.
What we’re most proud of is the ability to connect with people through our creations. When a customer tells us that a sign we made perfectly captures a sentiment or adds just the right touch to their home, that’s incredibly rewarding. We’re also proud of the fact that we’ve built this business from the ground up, learning as we go and continually refining our skills.
What sets us apart, we believe, is the combination of our artistic vision and Billy’s woodworking expertise. It’s a true partnership, where we blend our individual talents to create something truly special. We also prioritize personalization. We don’t just create generic signs; we also work closely with customers to understand their vision and bring custom visions to life. Every piece we make is handcrafted with care, and we put our heart and soul into each project. We care deeply about the quality of the wood and the paint, and the final look is very important to us. We strive to create items that people will treasure for years to come.
We don’t just create home décor—we craft memories. Every sign we make and every piece of furniture we restore is infused with meaning, whether it’s a family name, a favorite quote, or a cherished heirloom brought back to life. I would say that our passion lies in transforming raw materials into something deeply personal and timeless. It really is a true partnership, and that’s what helps to set us apart.
It’s not just our attention to detail, our commitment to quality, or the way we work hand-in-hand with our customers to bring their vision to life, it’s that each creation is a perfect blend of our talents, which allows us to create something truly special and unique for each of our clients.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
That’s a great question. While I don’t follow a huge number of specific blogs or podcasts, I do rely on a few key resources that help me in my creative process and business development.
For the visual aspect of our work, Canva is essential. It allows me to quickly create mock-ups for our custom signs, experiment with different designs, and visualize the final product. It’s a fantastic tool for bringing our customers’ ideas to life. Similarly, Silhouette Studio is crucial for the precise cutting and design work needed for our signs. These tools allow us to keep our designs professional and efficient.
Beyond those, I find that staying connected with the online crafting community is incredibly valuable. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for discovering new trends, getting inspiration, and seeing what other creators are doing. It’s a constant source of learning and helps us stay ahead of the curve.
Also, I believe in the value of continual learning through online tutorials and courses. When we encounter a new technique or challenge, we often turn to YouTube or online crafting forums for guidance. This helps us expand our skills and improve our craftsmanship.
Ultimately, I believe that staying curious and open to learning is the most important resource. Whether it’s through online tools, community connections, or just trying new things, we’re always looking for ways to grow and improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BCWRusticDecor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566525787553
