Summer Company Spotlight: Grayson Fairley

The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre is pleased to welcome a new cohort of students ready to launch their businesses and dip into the world of entrepreneurship – including Grayson Fairley of Upcycled Designs.

Upcycled Designs creates attractive and functional indoor and outdoor products for your home using recycled wood. They specialize in planter boxes, herb gardens, benches, side tables, dog beds, and desk organizers but can also work with you to bring your ideas to life.

Read on for a Q+A with Grayson.

What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?

I love that I can do what I enjoy. Everything from building my own creations, working with a schedule that suits me to being my own boss are all great things.

What inspired you to start your business?

I took a woodworking class in high school and really enjoyed working with wood and the machinery in the classroom. I was inspired by the pallet projects online and realized that I could make similar and new creations while offering them at a competitive price.

A man is working on some wooden crates in a garage.

What services or products do you offer?

I make custom planter boxes, side tables, coffee tables, shelves, desk organizers and herb gardens.

Who do you look up to for ideas and inspiration?

My mom! She always comes through with good ideas about what finishes and designs would look good on the different products that I offer.

How did you come up with the name for your business?

The name ultimately is a description of what I am doing; designing products with upcycled wood.

A young man using a circular saw in his garage.

What is unique about your business?

All my products are custom handcrafted with care and recycled wood.

What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?

I’m loving the waterfall coffee table because the beauty of the reclaimed wood really shows through and I like the design. However, the planter boxes have been the most popular item.

A wooden pallet planter with flowers on it.

A person holding a wooden box with three compartments.

What is one important skill every person should have?

One important skill that every person should have is an understanding of customer service and using technology to better communicate with customers. This directly affects the image and reputation of your business.

What is your favorite job you’ve ever had and why?

Can I say my current woodworking job? It has been fun to create products that people enjoy and are excited about.

Is there a type of music genre you listen to when working/creating?

Rock music keeps me in good spirits and keeps the energy levels high.

For projects and inquiries, Grayson can be reached through email info@upcycleddesigns.ca or you can send a message through Instagram, Facebook or his website.

Website: www.upcycleddesigns.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upcycleddesignscollingwood/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=upcycled%20designs