Today we’d like to introduce you to Sol Cutler.
Hi Sol, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My design journey started in Mexico, fueled by a love for precision and color. After graduating, I jumped into the fast-paced advertising world of Mexico City, designing for global brands like Heinz, P&G, and Koleston. While that milestone was incredible, it helped me realize my true purpose was not there. I wanted to create something useful that became valuable. So I threw in the towel on corporate design and began exploring the world: traveling, trying different extreme outdoor sports, and discovering new ways to create with my hands—exploring skills and finding others.
I worked in a few other places and realized that it doesn’t matter what you do for work; the most important thing is that it inspires and motivates you. Two years later in Guadalajara, Mexico, a good friend (who later became my business partner) introduced me to woodworking. It was the perfect combination of design and creativity, the colors of nature, the ability to move around wrestling big slabs, a completely different challenge every time. I really connected with it.
We started by making pieces for our own home, with a strong focus on design—every little detail had to be complex and thoughtful. Then we began fixing furniture for friends and family. With each project we would buy a new big tool, and eventually we had so many customers that we ended up creating woodwork for the government of Guadalajara, as well.
Seven years later, I got married in California and decided to continue the business on my own. I began again, and in order to do that I had to learn how everything works in a different country. So I started working for an incredible master woodworker in Grass Valley (Ghostown Woodworks), where I learned about woods, finishes, suppliers, and techniques. A year later, with the support of my husband, I finally built my own shop at home.
The key for me was having a very clear idea of what I was looking for
what kind of woodworking I wanted to do, building a stronger portfolio, and developing good relationships with customers who would later share and recommend my work. So in every project, whether inexpensive or costly, I tried to make it look perfect without cutting corners on details.
I still have that feeling that I get excited when a customer comes with a new design I didn’t try before.
And that is another key: never give up, trust the process, and keep skills fresh—take courses, read books, seek inspiration, learn about new techniques of woodworking and master woodworkers. Stay visionary and motivated.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Breaking into woodworking as a woman meant navigating an industry where trust was hard to earn and female peers were rare. Instead of letting skeptics or dismissive suppliers deter me, I focused on absolute precision, letting the caliber of my craftsmanship speak for itself.
My resilience was tested further when I relocated internationally. I had to completely relearn my trade in a new language, using unfamiliar techniques and native wood species. Driven by deep curiosity and guided by a supportive master woodworker, I mastered these new techniques and successfully launched my own independent studio.
Today, I embrace the natural ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, transforming quieter business periods into opportunities for creative experimentation and marketing—constantly sharpening both my business skills and my craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I like to design with your specific space and lifestyle in mind, using only quality, durable materials. So the most important part for me starts at the source: I hand-select every piece of lumber, searching through my trusted suppliers’ inventory for the perfect grain, curve, and live edge to bring a vision to life. While my signature style is “modern-timeless”—blending rich wood tones with playful details—I enjoy taking on projects of all sizes and styles. My commitment is create a useful, valuable product that brings joy to your life and fulfillment to mine.
What matters most to you?
Keep moving, motivated, inspired, and visionary.
Because that allows me to focus on creating quality custom products and services the same honest way I expect for myself.
While also helps me maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and hobbies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.integralwoodwoodworks.com
- Instagram: Integral.wood
