Anne of All Trades: The Inspirational Journey of a Modern-Day Renaissance Woman
Anne of All Trades, also known as Anne Briggs, is a Nashville-based woodworker, farmer, builder, and educator. She is a true modern-day Renaissance woman, juggling multiple passions and talents to create a unique and inspiring career. From woodworking to farming, Anne has carved out her own path in the traditionally male-dominated fields of woodworking, carpentry, and construction. In this article, we will delve into Anne’s inspirational journey, her creative process, and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
An Inspiration Passed Down from Generations
Growing up, Anne was inspired by her late grandfather, a DIY enthusiast who sparked her love for woodworking and craftsmanship. His workshop, a former four-car garage, was a magical place where Anne spent her childhood dreaming of creating and building. After his passing, Anne made a vow to carry on his legacy and pursue her passion for creating with her own hands.
Finding Her Feet in DIY
After graduating from college, Anne embarked on a journey to reconnect with her love for DIY projects. She started with a vintage car restoration project, fulfilling a shared dream with her grandfather. Despite the challenges she faced, Anne’s determination and passion for craftsmanship led her to explore the world of woodworking and carpentry.
Building Her Workshop and Skillset
In 2012, Anne acquired her first set of tools and set up a workshop in her garage in Seattle. She scoured Craigslist for broken tools, fixed them herself, and resold them to finance her projects. With each project, whether it was a bed or a workbench, Anne honed her skills and documented her progress on social media.
The Power of Social Media
In 2013, Anne discovered the social benefits of platforms like Instagram. Through sharing her projects online, she connected with like-minded individuals and expanded her virtual community. Her blogging and photography skills caught the attention of industry influencers, leading to opportunities to showcase her work and share her knowledge.
Empowering Through Education
In 2015, Anne was offered the opportunity to run a woodworking school in Seattle, where she learned valuable skills and techniques from experienced craftsmen. This experience fueled her passion for education and inspired her to start her own craft school, the School of All Trades, on her farm in Nashville.
A New Chapter in Nashville
In 2018, Anne and her husband made the bold decision to move to Nashville, where she fell in love with the city’s vibrant woodworking community. With the support of her online followers and friends, Anne embarked on a new chapter in her career, focusing on creating content for her YouTube channel and expanding her reach.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Community
Despite facing setbacks and challenges along the way, Anne embraced vulnerability and leaned on her community for support. Through crowdfunding and virtual classes, she raised funds to realize her dream of building a woodworking school. This experience taught her the importance of community, resilience, and the power of collaboration.
Advice from Anne of All Trades
As a trailblazer in the woodworking world, Anne has valuable advice for aspiring woodworkers, especially women looking to break into the industry. She encourages others to build a virtual community, embrace vulnerability, and seek support from like-minded individuals. Anne’s motto, “Community over competition,” is a testament to her belief in the power of collaboration and mutual encouragement.
Anne’s Recommended YouTube Channels
For those looking to dive into the world of woodworking, Anne recommends checking out some of her favorite YouTube channels that helped her get started. These channels offer valuable insights, tutorials, and inspiration for woodworkers at all levels of experience.
In conclusion, Anne of All Trades is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring woodworkers, builders, and creators everywhere. Her journey from novice DIY enthusiast to accomplished woodworker and educator is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. Through her work, Anne continues to inspire others to embrace their creativity, hone their skills, and build a supportive network of fellow craftsmen. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a novice beginner, Anne’s story serves as a reminder that with dedication and determination, anything is possible in the world of woodworking and beyond.
