We were lucky to catch up with Jason Flesher recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I think my confidence and self-esteem really started to develop while in the presence of brothers of mine in the United States Army. We all really built each other up and gave each other the encouragement, and confidence that we can do anything we set our minds to. This started in Basic Training and continued throughout our deployment to Uzbekistan/Afghanistan in late 2002. After returning home and exiting the military, I lost a lot of the confidence and self-esteem. I didn’t know my place in the world anymore. I let mental illness and drugs pretty much rule my life for many years. I am glad to say that I am one that has been able to pull myself away before it killed me but not before it destroyed a lot in it’s path. I stay strong hoping that i can repair some of that along my journey. I think being out of the city and in a small town as well as being a part of this community has really boosted my confidence. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to be doing what I am at the moment!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I started fractal burning 6 or 7 years ago. I was bouncing around to different friends driveways that allowed me to use them as well as their water and electricity. I will mention them by first name. Without them I would not be where I am now. They are Dana, Steve & Elisa, Nobbe and currently Jacklyn and Jonas. I do not have to bounce around anymore as I am somewhere I can work at home! I am very thankful to have had all these friends along the way but it is a great stress reliever knowing I can do my craft at home. I worked hard and signed up for many festivals and events where I was able to sale my items. They became a pretty big hit so I started to seek out permanent spots to sale my stuff in stores. I did some of these through wholesale and some consignment. I still have my items in a few places from peak to peak! I worked hard and tried to really make a name for myself and for my brand. I knew this storefront was opening at a great deal and waited for it to happen. I think I was one of the very first people to reach out. I now sale my creations at my own store, LitWood & Artisan Friends at 221 Gregory St. Black Hawk, CO. Along with my items I now have 36 other artisans who do consignment at the moment. We have a large variety of items and I’m always told that it is a nice store with a good vibe! I love hearing this! My focus is to remain here and continue to grow with the City of Black Hawk as next year they will be doing mine tours in an electric train and plan opening a museum along with many more shops and eateries!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I was unclear on many licenses I had to get and paperwork I had to complete when opening my business. My advice on this is do all the research you can to make sure you are running legally! Talk to other business owners who have previous experience on the subject and guide you in the right direction.
Your going to have failures and struggles along the way but just keep your eye on the prize and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Make sure you read what you are signing and that you are sure you agree with the terms. Unfortunately there are companies that will try to sneak things by you or take advantage of you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I think I am the only person who fractal burns on the scale that I do. I do everything from small cups and cutting boards to beds and coffee tables and dressers. I have done a lot of furniture. I want to go bigger!! I would love to collaborate with some carpenters who would like a fractal burned stair rail or steps themselves, some chair rail and trim, a bar top or any permanent structures in a home. I have done some mailbox posts and would like to do some more of these. Most real wood will burn, If anyone reading these would like to collaborate they can reach me by email at [email protected] or by texting (720) 756 – 0465!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://litwoodcreations.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitWoodCreations
Image Credits
Mary Wanna Gnomes
Pretty Glass
ELV8ED
Pezzo Apparel
Lung Story Short
Fused by Ali
Ev3lution
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
