Meet Mallory Jacobus

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mallory Jacobus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mallory, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

I grew up in a split home. My dad gained full custody of me and we lived in a little house; a cinder block I believe, next to our landlord, an old man, and his wife who owned a used car lot in front of our house. Our place was perfect for the two of us and we had everything we needed. I truly enjoyed growing up there. A big field in the back, and some other neighborhood kids we would ride our bikes like crazy every day after school. My life was full and my joy came from being out in nature and connections with my peers. Later when my mother was well we lived in the same trailer for years in a trailer park and then on top of a mountain in Endneyville, in an Apple Orchard. The sunset was stunning. We had chickens. My stepfather built on an addition. the apples were divine. I think simply growing up with fewer luxuries than most around me allows me to empathize with those born and raised in similar situations and to truly appreciate where I am now and the path that got me here. You never know what someone is going through. Sometimes people are too proud to ask for help. When we offer to lend a hand, things are easier.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I love what I do because I truly believe in the health benefits; physically and mentally of incorporating natural materials into our everyday lives. How it reduces stress and anxiety, helps balance moisture, and cleans the air. Honestly, though, I never imagined I would be in the lumber industry. After traveling extensively in SE Asia, I realized I loved sharing information, photos, and experiences, I am passionate about via Instagram, but I never thought that would lead to a job opportunity. A year later a local lumberyard with a knack for seeing the future wanted someone to do just that. And here we are, 13 locations later.

The natural beauty of our pine reminds me of growing up in WNC. It reminds me of my aunts and uncle’s homes, my grandparents’ fireplace, and the friend’s house that always felt like my own. Learning that our company was first established by using what was considered run-off material was just icing on the cake. We truly care about our footprint and want to use every bit of what we have – no waste. We plant trees back and sustainably harvest pine. Sharing my love for the materials, and their applications and knowledge of this species of lumber specially is something I truly believe in. I love my job.

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

I think that confidence is key in any area of life and I believe that the best way to do that is to start from within. You want to keep promises that you make to yourself first and foremost. Giving you the confidence to trust your instinct and your talents and others to support you as well.

I think that knowing what morals and values you align with is very important. You want to know what you stand you and draw that line in the sand. Once you know what you’re about, it’s easy to find your way home.

Being open to criticism is important. I can say that this is not my best quality but I am a work in progress as we all are. It is important to separate yourself from your work and not to take things personally. It can be hard to not see it all as an extension of you but it is important to learn what works and go from there.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We are always looking for people in natural interior design to work with us. We love helping people learn more about shiplap, tongue & groove, and flooring and the natural benefits of having it in your space. We also like working with local Boy Scouts on their building projects. We would love to find other organizations that work with children in wood working.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lumberandsupply.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nc_lumbersupply/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nclumbersupply/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lumberandsupply

Image Credits

Chance Ragan, Suzanne Halterman, Shea Hayes, Jordan Forcier, Carter Derrick, Geroge Kutz