Meet Tina Pech

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tina Pech a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tina , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by finding inspiration in nearly everything around me. Nature often grounds me with its colors and textures, while pop culture and the energy of our local football and baseball teams spark playful, bold ideas. My daughters are a constant source of fresh perspective, and my husband’s culture adds depth and richness to the way I see the world. But my creativity isn’t only for my business—it’s also something I nurture personally. Sometimes that means sketching, coloring in a book, making a wreath, or crafting alongside my girls. When I create just for myself, it’s not about the finished piece but the process itself. That act of making soothes my soul, reminding me that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s in those quiet, hands-on moments that I feel most inspired and recharged, ready to pour that energy back into the work I share with others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Sawdust and Stain, everything we create begins with a story. We work with reclaimed and meaningful materials—like boat oars, baseballs, footballs, and even pieces of old bowling alley lanes—because we believe beauty lives in the history of what once was. Each piece is carefully shaped, sanded, and designed with intention, honoring both where it came from and where it’s going. Our laser work allows us to add delicate details that turn raw materials into personal treasures. What excites us most is that no two pieces are ever the same—each carries its own character, its own marks of time, its own soul. For us, the process isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about creating connections, breathing new life into what might have been forgotten, and offering something heartfelt and lasting to the person who receives it.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are creativity, perseverance, and connection. Creativity allows me to see potential in unexpected places—like turning reclaimed materials into something meaningful and new. Perseverance has carried me through challenges, reminding me to keep going even when things don’t turn out as planned. And connection—both with customers and within my community—has given my work purpose and heart. For anyone just starting out, I’d say nurture your creativity by staying curious and open to inspiration, even in small everyday moments. Build perseverance by giving yourself grace to learn and grow through trial and error. And most importantly, invest in connection—get to know the people around you, listen to their stories, and let those relationships guide and enrich your work.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I absolutely love collaborating and believe some of the best ideas come to life when creative minds come together. I’m always excited to partner with boutiques, salons, coffee shops, and other small businesses who share a passion for community, artistry, and meaningful products. I also enjoy working with makers and creators who bring their own unique vision and energy to a project—it’s inspiring to combine talents and see what we can build together. If you’re reading this and feel like our styles or missions align, I’d love to connect. You can reach me through Instagram at @sawdustandstain5 or by email [email protected], and let’s start dreaming up something special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sawdust-and-stain.com
• Instagram: Sawdustandstain5
• Facebook: Sawdust + Atain
• Linkedin: Sawdustplusstain
• Other: Tik tok- sawdustandstain5

Image Credits

Jennifer Lynn Blackburn