Crafting a Better Business—and Beard

Home > Expert Advice > Beard Mustache Trimming

Crafting a Better Business—and Beard

Q&A with Craftsman and Serious Beardsman Tyler Shaheen

 

Not everyone gets to turn their hobby into a thriving business, but that’s exactly what craftsman and beard enthusiast Tyler Shaheen is pulling off. After working as an associate director for a local non-profit in New Albany, Ind., Tyler made the bold decision to leave his post and start his own furniture-making company. Now, this husband and father is putting his stamp on homes across the Greater Louisville area—and beyond.

 

We sat down with Tyler to find out what it takes to make it and how in the world his beard is so perfect. (Spoiler: We did send him the new Wahl High Visibility Pro Series Trimmer).

Q: What’s the most interesting thing about what you do?

A: I love a good challenge. When we get to design a new piece of furniture and then take that vision and make it a reality, it’s exciting. And I enjoy hand delivering the furniture so I can see the looks on our customers’ faces.

Q: The secret to your success?

A: Coffee. That, and the pride we take in making furniture. All the wood we use is carefully selected and sourced through sustainable practices and reputable partners. We hand make everything so the attention to detail is exact.

Q: Is it hard to juggle being a content creator and running a business?

A: It makes the days longer, but I enjoy sharing what we do and how we do it with our followers. There’s a lot of things I’ve learned over the years. To help someone avoid having to start over or waste money on their project is satisfying.

Q: Is the beard mandatory?

A: I think it is. Or it should be. It’s definitely something you see a lot of woodworkers wear. And for good reason—there’s a certain attitude that comes with sporting a beard and it fits my personality well.

Q: Your beard is on point. Is that a reflection of how you approach work?

A: It is, actually. First impressions matter, so when I meet with customers for the first time, it’s important that they see the pride I take in my appearance because that’s the same level of detail and care my team and I are putting into their furniture.

Q: Where might people find you when you’re not at your shop?

A: Playing with my daughter or at a park with the family. And if there’s time, I’ll be on my dirt bike hitting the trails. Hopefully, not injuring myself too bad.

Q: What’s the best part about what you do?

A: Giving a family furniture they’ll love and hand down to their children years from now.

Q: A portion of your proceeds go to local and international charities. What non-profits do you support? And why?

A: I came from the non-profit world, so it’s important that we do what we can to help those in need. Locally, we support Hope Southern Indiana, a faith-based organization that provides food and other essentials to deserving families. This is the place I worked before I started my own business so it’s a privilege to continue supporting their mission. We also give to an organization in northwest Haiti called Love for L’Allemand.

Q: Any words of wisdom on making a career out of a passion?

A: Don’t let fear of failing stop you. If it’s something you love to do and there’s a way to make a living or some extra money doing it, go for it. And if you have a beard, you’re already halfway there!

 

Tyler Shaheen is the owner of The Southern Craftsmen, a custom furniture company based in New Albany, Ind. Visit thesoutherncraftsmen.com and follow him on social: @thesoutherncraftsmen on Instagram and TikTok.

What You'll Need

Questions You Are Asking:

Question Title

Question Content

Question Title

Question Content

Question Title

Question Content

Related Articles