Meet Jordan Jarrard

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

Hi Jordan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I had been working as a craftsman with my dad doing finish carpentry in custom residential properties for most of my adult life. Through this I discovered the love of working with my hands and the joy of seeing a piece come together. I started building furniture on the side but hadn’t had my “big break” so to speak. Weeks after finding out my wife was pregnant with our first child, I was approached by a prominent interior desiger from Atlanta to build a custom bed frame for the television show, This Old House. After that, a few jobs trickled in and my wife told me to strike while the iron was hot. We were terrified. How many jobs could I get? How can we keep ourselves afloat while I built my portfolio? Would this career change sustain us in the throes of early parenthood? It felt absolutely insane to start a business venture at such a pivotal time in our lives, but it was my dream and we decided that it was time to take the risk and make it a reality. I have had months with few projects coming in, and months where I was so busy that I spent 70+ hours in the shop. Slowly but surely, things have leveled out with a steady flow of work. Every morning I wake up excited to walk the 30 feet from my back door to my shop and create more art. I am so glad I took the risk!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My favorite piece of furniture I’ve crafted is the black walnut dresser I built for my daughter when she was born. This project was deeply meaningful and pushed me in ways that contributed significantly to my growth as an artist. Achieving my current standing has been far from easy; it’s a continuous endeavor to keep the work flowing, constantly seeking the next project or client, and dealing with the uncertainty of where I’ll be six months from now. Although the journey has been challenging, my passion for what I do makes the decision to continue building furniture straightforward. I wouldn’t want to pursue anything else. My art is not just my livelihood but my consuming passion. The unwavering support from my wife and the imperative to provide for my family have driven me forward, leaving no room for a Plan B. One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of recognizing when I need a break to avoid burnout. I want the world to know that my brand is dedicated to crafting heirloom-quality pieces designed to be passed down through generations and to stand the test of time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When a friend visits Atlanta for a week, I want to ensure they experience the best the city has to offer. From famous southern restaurants to unique speakeasies, vibrant event spaces, and engaging daytime activities, Atlanta is a treasure trove of exciting destinations. Through the week, we would have to visit some of Atlanta’s best restaurants that emphasizes its southern cuisine and soul like Mary Mac’s Tea Room (my wife’s favorite), The Colonnade, and Paschal’s. Luckily, Atlanta also has a rich night-life, andThe Blind Pig is a speakeasy with vintage vibes everyone should experience at some point in their lives.
We’d obviously need to hit up some local events and tourist attractions- The High Museum features artists on a rotating schedule, The Fox Theatre has some of the best musicians and shows in the world, and The Tabernacle is an amazing concert venue with fantastic acoustics. We could also visit Piedmont Park for great views and possibly catch an art event like The Dogwood Festival.
Atlanta’s charm and vibrant culture will allow for my friend and I to create some awesome memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my father, Wayne Jarrard, whose guidance and support has been unwavering since I could first lift a hammer. I am also profoundly thankful to my wife, Colie, whose steadfast support and encouragement have been instrumental in my pursuit of my dreams. Finally, I wish to acknowledge my one-year-old daughter, Clara, whose presence is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Website: sunbleachcustomwoodwork.com

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