Meet Gabi Carrasco

 

We were lucky to catch up with Gabi Carrasco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabi, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Like so many, I struggle with severe depression and anxiety since early childhood. I’ve experienced three anxiety attacks and two near death events in the past 15 years. During those events, your body is in fight or flight, but the periods of time before and after are quiet, energy draining and isolating. I’m so fortunate to have my mom, my sister and my husband that rally by my side to help carry me from one stepping stone to another.

To avoid confronting my depression and anxiety, I kept building pieces that I really didn’t enjoy making but they would sell, it was instant gratification. I was mentally, emotionally and physically burnt out. With the help of my family, I made small steps to recover. I restarted therapy, addressed my vices, and became more cognizant of the foods I was eating. I’ve rested more in these 8 weeks than I have in years and my mental health is finally stabilizing. I’ve surrendered to healing, I’m putting in the work and I’ve received nothing but abundance in return.

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’m Gabi, founder of Chiqui Wood Working. I’m from Brooklyn, New York and live in Flemington, NJ with my husband, Jay, and our dogs. I have an Environmental Engineering background but have always dreamed of designing and building sustainable pieces and spaces that promote mental wellness and productivity. The majority of people spend over 80% of their time indoors and our physical environment plays an integral role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. I think in this lifetime, I’m here to find a purpose that resonates with me. And I have this visceral desire to create environments that foster the connection between nature and humanity, and of course with animals.

Chiqui, was the nickname of my grand uncle, Constantine, who emigrated from Cuba to the States for a better life. He was like a father to me and my sister. When his dimentia had worsened, he’d confuse me for my sister, but he always asked if we were working hard. He is why I do this. For Chiqui, by Chiqui.

A goal I have for within the next five years is to redesign an animal shelter to incorporate biophilic and sustainable elements that create a calmer space for animals while not compromising the level of upkeep for the volunteers. I have been studying biophilic design and how it affects our emotions and stress levels. Biophilia is a concept that details human tendency and affiliation with nature. It is a project that lends itself to the purpose of Chiqui Wood Working.

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

A strong work ethic, studying, and ‘i don’t know how, but I’ll figure it out’ mindset. I’m really not naturally smart and learning new concepts don’t come easy to me. I’ve always had to put in the work, always had to put in the time, the sweat and effort to get a result that I was happy with. In my design/ build business. most of the pieces I’ve created, I’ve made for the very first time. From mirrors, to wood and epoxy tables, to a stone wall, I had no idea how to do it, but I had the desire to figure it out and am very fortunate to have so many talented maker friends that guided me along the way. Leaning into a supportive community of like minded people is one of the most rewarding experiences a maker can have.

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

Oh absolutely. The people that have come into my life recently have taught me so much about design and sustainability. In a way, it’s been a collaboration of the minds in everyday conversations. I’ve been designing and rebuilding our home with my husband, and am excited to do the same with other places and spaces. I think redesigning an animal shelter would be top of my list, so collaborating with rescues would be huge. If anyone is interested in collaborating a design for a piece or space, feel free to reach out to me at chiquiwoodworking.com.

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