Wood | The family edit

I have always loved wood. I think I may have mentioned this before. A few times. Which is partly why we were excited when this wonderful, family run company decided to join us. Not only is it run by a family in Wales, they also work with families across Europe. There beautiful wood products are made from sustainable sourced wood. Currently Home of Juniper stock their Beech (shown in the image above, this lovely light wood looks beautiful in a kitchen) and Cherry wood products but we have our eye on a few other pieces we will plan on introducing in autumn. Another lovely thing about these kitchen and dining products is that they are affordable, prices start at 95p. This means you don’t feel guilty buying them for yourself. They also make gorgeous gifts for someone who loves to cook or bake, either single products or gift sets. Remember if you ever want us to mix and match products into a gift set to just email us ([email protected])

A family business, with two generations currently working at the company. We asked the ‘daughter-in-law’ of the business, Lucy, to tell us a little bit more about the history of the company.

‘My husband Michael, his mother Julie and Step father John established Wood’n it be nice in 2007.
Having worked in the timber industry for over 40 years and owning a company with a 125 year manufacturing history, Julie and John recognised the gap in the market for wooden home accessories and utensils.
Whilst sourcing hardwood timber from Europe, Julie came across a beautiful range of timber homeware products made by family co-operatives. With Michael’s help she decided to trial the products at various local shows and they were a success, with many people commenting on the quality and craftsmanship of each product.

It was then that the potential of Wood’n it be nice was recognised but Michael, Julie and John were unable to commit to it full time due to the primary manufacturing business they all worked for, so they decided to draft me in. With a background in sales, I quickly got to work sourcing stockists, establishing ranges and learning about timber. Growing the business by increasing our presence at trade shows.’ 

Wood Spoons from 95p each…perfect for baking!

Family businesses always have a different dynamic compared to other companies, they use generations of knowledge. Family businesses also inevitably link personal with work life. This can be both positive and negative. Working with their Mother in Law is many peoples worst nightmare. So we asked Lucy the question we all wanted to know…

What is is like working with your Mother in Law?

Julie and I have been friends for over 12 years, meeting each other in a local village pantomime. Michael and I became single at the same time and Julie was a primary instigator of our first date, even though we didn’t think we were right for each other, she did and reluctantly we agreed to go. Ten months later we bought a house, two years later I started working for Wood’n it be nice and three years later we were married! Julie is my rock in the business, we bounce off of each other with ideas and support one another as the only two ladies in a factory of 11 men! As Sagittarians we are scarily like each other but this works really well in the office as we always have a good understanding of what the other is thinking and when to just make a cup of tea!

You have to love a good love story! This is a company that seems built on love. Son and parents;  husband and wife; daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. Not only a love for each other, but also a love for their work.

Baking and cooking has always linked with families with me-my mum and grandmother both taught me to cook- so the fact these products have a beautiful family link make them even more special in my mind. And whether making drinks, baking, cooking, or teaching someone to do any of these things- these are lovely pieces to use, and to present on and to leave on display. Check out the Jig Saw board... not only can you serve and chop on it…you can use it to hold a wine glass, or connect a few as a runner on a table.