Interview with Bryan Muir, founder
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Soulcrafting was born in the aftermath of last year’s Colorado floods. My home suffered damage and I needed help making the repairs. I had the great fortune of meeting some terrific local craftsmen who invited me to work alongside them. We got everything fixed, had a really fun time getting to know each other and I learned a ton along the way. The experience was a transformative one for me. It opened my eyes to other opportunities for hands-on learning. With Soulcrafting, we’re partnering with some of the most talented craftspeople in the country to create unique experiences for people looking to feel more connected to the furniture they put into their homes, the jewelry they wear, or the food they put into their bodies, to name a few examples. In that way, the goods and services that people normally buy become rich life experiences.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: As far as we know, Soulcrafting is the first business of its kind. Our whole reason for existence is to help connect people to craftsman and craft, and we’re doing that by dissolving barriers that have traditionally kept people apart. Soulcrafters are inviting customers to look behind the curtain and experience what it’s like to get their hands dirty and participate in their craft. It’s a powerful shift and one that’s predicated on real world, human relationships.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: There’s nothing better than hearing people bask in the glow of their Soulcrafting experiences. They’ve put themselves out there, tried their hand at something new and created something that they’re proud of. That feeling of accomplishment and connection is at the heart of all Soulcrafting experiences. We recently worked with a young couple who just moved to Denver and hosted their family for Thanksgiving this year. They teamed with one of our craftspeople to design a dining room table for their new home, working with the craftsman every step of the way. The experience of bringing that piece to life will make many holidays to follow even more special for them. It’s exciting for Soulcrafting to be a part of that.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: We’re a very small team so our biggest challenge is figuring out how to introduce Soulcrafting to more people. Next year, we’ll be adding craftspeople in new markets, which is a huge step for us. And on the technology side, we’ll be making it easier for people to design and help build some incredible new products.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We help make certain things like custom furniture more affordable for people. Our customers bypass retail stores to work directly with the expert, reducing costs by as much as 50 percent. By investing sweat equity into the piece as part of their Soulcrafting experience, they can save even more.
Profile
Business: Soulcrafting
Address: 3327 Brighton Blvd.
Hours: Online 24/7
Founded: 2014
Contact: 413-348-9231,
Employees: 2
