Meet the craftsmen at The Willow Workbench
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LEWISTOWN -- Lewistown, with its deep-rooted history of fostering local commerce, welcomes another gem to its collection.
The Willow Workbench, the town's latest addition, offers more than a shopping experience. It brings a story of passion, family, and the allure of handcrafted wooden masterpieces.
Opened over a week ago at 29 West Market Street, this charming store is the brainchild of Melvin "Petie" Price and his wife, Stephanie. The couple, not new to the intricacies of design and craft, have turned a shared hobby into a thriving enterprise.
Stephanie and Melvin Price III pose with their children, Paisley and Bellamie, in front of The Willow Workbench, a shop that they opened in downtown Lewistown last week.
Sentinel photo by SAVANNA WOLFE
Stephanie and Melvin Price III pose with their children, Paisley and Bellamie, in front of The Willow Workbench, a shop that they opened in downtown Lewistown last week.
"Inspiration came to us in the form of a hobby to engage in together," Petie said. "And when we posted to social media, everyone wanted to buy what we were making. So, we figured, 'Why not make money while spending time together?'"
The journey from hobbyists to entrepreneurs has been one of learning and love. While the storefront graces Lewistown, the heart of their operation, their workshop, hums away in Granville. This is where the magic happens, with lasers meticulously crafting and engraving their wide range of products.
But the Prices' craftsmanship doesn't stop at woodwork alone.
"We offer items that can be engraved or cut with one of our three lasers, such as home décor, signs, keychains, and much more," Stephanie said. "We also offer items such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, air fresheners, and wristlets."
But the willingness to work closely with their customers makes The Willow Workbench stand out. Their commitment is evident when Stephanie adds, "Yes. We offer many customized options for a variety of products."
The story behind the name "The Willow Workbench" is as endearing as the couple themselves.
"We planted a Willow Tree at our house early on in our marriage and decided to name our business after it so we could watch both grow with the love we put into them," Stephanie said.
Love and growth seem to be recurring themes for the Prices. While both grew up surrounded by various talents, they discovered their true calling when they started mastering their lasers.
"Our real talent is learning our lasers and mastering the craft. We've been learning and operating our lasers for three years," Petie said.
The couple's aspirations for The Willow Workbench are as warm and welcoming as their store.
"Our goal is to bring joy with our creations and gifts. We would love to grow as a business to offer more services, such as painting events to be held in the evening," Stephanie said, envisioning a picture of a community brought together by art and creativity.
The Willow Workbench is not just a business; it's a testament to the Prices' shared journey.
"We are a family-oriented business. We love to make people smile with our creations. Our gifts can be as unique as you make them. We love seeing our customers happy and love to see them return," Petie said.
In an era of mass production and fleeting trends, The Willow Workbench stands as an example of personal touch and enduring craftsmanship. It reminds us of the beauty in handcrafted pieces, the joy of shared passion, and the timeless allure of wood brought to life by the hands of those who cherish it.
Step into The Willow Workbench, and you're not just a customer; you're part of a story, a legacy, and a family that values the passion poured into every creation. Welcome to a world where wood, lasers, and love come together in perfect harmony.
The Willow Workbench is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. They can be reached at (717) 513-5979 or (717) 247-8427.