Meet Michael Gower | Maker

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

Hi Michael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted freedom. My desk job was destroying my mental and physical health. The lack of time to spend with my family and to pursue my real passions just didn’t seem right. I felt like I was always working and not getting anywhere in life. Constantly tired and mentally drained from just sitting at a desk doing meaningless work.

Now I’m home all the time with my wife and kids. I’m more physically active and have more energy to do the things I want. I enjoy what I do and get to create new things. It’s tough to leave the safety net of a consistent paycheck but I don’t think I’ll ever go back.

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 love to make pretty much anything. My main focus is woodworking but enjoy problem solving and trying new ideas. My parents played a huge part in me being creative growing up. Any time I needed a new bed or desk we’d build something that fit in my space instead of going out and buying something generic. My mom sewed, knitted, weaved and my dad was a jack of trades that could fix anything around the house. I didn’t realize how big that would be when I was young, it was just normal.

Building things has always been easy for me. From making cutting boards to remodeling houses. With everything you can learn through the internet and YouTube, it’s pretty easy to learn new things and find new passions. I think the hardest part about taking on new or difficult challenges is just getting out of your own head. Fear gets in the way. If you break things down into small steps and manageable pieces you can accomplish anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We moved to metro Atlanta in 2017 and love having friends and family come visit. Our go-to spot to show visitors are the Atlanta Aquarium and Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. We like to show them our favorite Gwinnett County Parks where my kids love to play, and stop by The Dawg House for a gourmet hot dog!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want shoutout my Family and friends. Everyone around me has been so supportive of me starting my own business. They’ve done anything and everything to help spread the word and get me new clients.

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Facebook: Mile 13 Studios