Meet David Quinones

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Quinones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

Hi David, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

**Take Risks and Be Daring: How Embracing Fear Transformed My Life**

I’ve always tried to live by the motto: *“Take risks and be daring!”* Looking back, it’s clear that this mindset has shaped who I am today. Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, but without taking risks, I wouldn’t have grown or discovered my true potential.

Growing up, I struggled with the fear of standing out. Like many kids, I just wanted to fit in and avoid embarrassing myself. I grew up in the heart of the ghetto, and while it came with its challenges, it was home. I had friends who often went to great lengths to be accepted by others, but I didn’t want to follow that path. Instead, I sought authenticity—though, at the time, I wasn’t sure how to achieve it.

**The Foundation of Faith**

The answer came from an unexpected source: my mom. She’s a woman of deep faith, and church was her refuge in tough times. She often dragged me along, much to my dismay. I hated it. I especially hated being forced to participate in front of the congregation. Once, I had to join the other kids to sing at the front of the church. Feeling awkward and out of place, I deliberately turned my back to the crowd. Laughter erupted. I was mortified and told my mom I didn’t want to go back.

But life has a way of coming full circle. As a teenager, I returned to that same church. This time, I used my voice—not for singing but to encourage and motivate others, especially the other teens. I found myself doing things that weren’t typical of the church culture, and it made me stand out. Surprisingly, I loved it. It wasn’t just about standing out—it was about helping others break out of their comfort zones.

**Taking Risks and Reaping Rewards**

That experience made it easier for me to take risks in other areas of my life—at school, in my community, and even online. One of the biggest leaps I’ve taken was launching a woodworking business on Instagram. It was scary to put my work and my life in such a public space, knowing it opened the door for criticism. But I reminded myself of my motto: *“Take risks and be daring.”*

To my surprise, one of my videos went viral. That single moment validated my efforts and motivated me to keep going. Today, I use the platform not only to promote my woodworking but also to showcase my private practice. It’s become a space where I can share my passion and connect with others in meaningful ways.

**The Lesson I’ve Learned**

Taking risks isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether it’s overcoming fear, breaking out of your comfort zone, or simply showing up, every risk you take brings growth. Life’s most rewarding experiences often come when you dare to be bold.

So, if you’re standing at the edge of an opportunity, unsure whether to leap, I encourage you to take the plunge. You never know where that risk might lead.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

**Therapy and Woodworking: Finding Connection in Two Passions**

If you had told me a few years ago that my journey would revolve around therapy and woodworking, I would have laughed in disbelief. Pursuing a career in psychotherapy while diving deep into the art of woodworking is an unexpected combination, but somehow, it makes perfect sense to me. What’s even more fascinating is how I’ve found meaningful connections between the two.

**Bridging Two Worlds**

My woodworking platform initially started as a space to share content about the projects I completed. Over time, it evolved into something more. I began using stories and posts as a way to provide insights into mental health, combining both of my passions. It felt natural to draw parallels between crafting a piece of furniture and helping someone shape their personal growth—both require patience, vision, and a willingness to embrace imperfection.

Currently, I focus on creating DIY project plans for others to follow. While I don’t ship my builds yet (maybe someday!), this approach allows me to share my work and empower others to create. It’s reminiscent of a lesson I’ve carried with me for years: sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone—maybe even embarrassing yourself—can inspire others to let their own light shine.

**Looking Ahead**

This year, I’m setting new goals for my platform. I want to spark deeper conversations and foster collaboration with others in woodworking, mental health, or similar creative spaces. One of my biggest dreams is to start a podcast. I envision it as a space to share my story, highlight other inspiring voices, and explore the intersections of creativity, mental health, and personal growth.

Both therapy and woodworking are about transformation—whether it’s helping someone process their emotions or turning raw materials into something beautiful and functional. I’m excited to keep exploring this journey and seeing where these passions lead.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

**Sincerity, Vulnerability, and Determination: The Keys to Growth and Success**

These three qualities—sincerity, vulnerability, and determination—have shaped who I am today. I talk about them often because they’ve been essential to my journey. And while society sometimes overlooks or even questions these traits in men, I truly believe they’re crucial for anyone striving for success.

Being sincere starts with being honest with yourself. When you embrace sincerity, you naturally open the door to vulnerability. This can feel scary—it’s exposing. But it’s also powerful. Vulnerability pushes you out of your comfort zone, making you willing to risk failure. And in that risk lies determination—the drive to face challenges head-on and keep going no matter what.

Here’s what I’ve learned: sincerity and vulnerability don’t just build inner strength; they also build connections. They show others that you’re human—that you have feelings, struggles, and triumphs just like they do. And that relatability fosters trust and respect. It shows that if you can face your fears and grow through them, so can they.

If you’re just beginning this journey, start with self-reflection. Ask yourself one simple yet profound question: *“Why?”* Why are you chasing this dream? Why does it matter to you? The answer might reveal both the beauty and the challenges within you—your own “beauty and the beast.” But it will also bring clarity and self-acceptance, two things you’ll need as you move forward.

If this kind of deep self-analysis feels overwhelming, that’s okay. Instead of avoiding it, lean into the discomfort. Ask yourself why it feels so hard. Challenge the inner voice telling you to stay closed off. Growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone—it comes from questioning, learning, and opening up.

Remember: sincerity, vulnerability, and determination aren’t signs of weakness. They’re your superpowers. Use them to build trust, overcome challenges, and ultimately achieve whatever it is you’re working toward.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would love to connect with other people that would love to share their story or are just looking to have something built for their private practice or event!

Contact Info:

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