Meet William Mancera | Woodworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Mancera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Driven by a simple gift for my wife, my journey into woodworking evolved into a profound passion and love for the craft. What began as a heartfelt gesture transformed into a fulfilling pursuit as I delved into the artistry of woodworking. Each project became an expression of creativity, a testament to the intricate details and dedication woven into every piece. From crafting personalized items to exploring the nuances of different wood types, my love for woodworking has become an integral part of who I am, blending sentiment with skill in a symphony of sawdust and craftsmanship.

Embarking on this woodworking journey, I initially possessed no knowledge of how to wield power tools. The gift for my wife acted as a catalyst, propelling me into a world where each project became a hands-on lesson in mastering tools and techniques. From the hum of saws to the precision of drills, my learning curve mirrored the evolution of my newfound passion. Despite the initial lack of expertise, the joy of creating with my hands and the allure of shaping raw wood into meaningful pieces fueled my determination to overcome the learning hurdles. This passion soon blossomed into a business idea, as friends and family began to notice the unique quality of my work and encouraged me to share my creations with a wider audience.

To further my skills, I immersed myself in the world of woodworking education, devouring books and consuming countless hours of online content. This self-guided learning process allowed me to refine my techniques and expand my knowledge base. As my proficiency grew, so did the admiration from friends and family, who encouraged me to transform my hobby into a business. What started as a heartfelt gift has now grown into a thriving venture, blending sentiment, skill, and entrepreneurship. I sought advice from friends with successful businesses, quickly learning that this wouldn’t be an overnight success story. From creating an LLC to figuring out the logistics of shipping and building a social media following, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding.

Today, WillMade, LLC is shipping custom pieces nationwide, from typical households to NFL players. The grind hasn’t stopped, and neither has my education in running a small business. I find myself learning something new every day. I am beyond grateful for what this craft has provided me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Every piece I create is a reflection of my passion and dedication. Some hold a special place in my heart more than others. Did you know, before I delved into woodworking, I was a professional DJ? I started spinning tracks at the age of 13, and my love for music is just as strong as my passion for woodworking. It’s incredible how both of my passions have intersected in recent years.

I’ve had the privilege of crafting multiple DJ booths for local DJs, and there’s something truly special about a DJ creating something for fellow DJs. I believe what sets my brand apart is the love and attention I pour into every detail. I take my time because I want each piece to be perfect. Someone once told me, ‘It’s evident that you love what you do because it’s all in the details.’

Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes, my meticulous focus on details consumes a lot of time. But in the end, the result is always worth it. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and recognize when a custom piece is complete. It’s a skill that comes with experience and confidence.

My commitment to quality craftsmanship and my passion for both woodworking and music are what drive me to create pieces that not only meet but exceed expectations. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others through my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is a beautiful city. The options are endless. From Trinity Groves for a family outing to the night life all through the city. There is plenty to do here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a special shout-out to my neighbor, Mr. Ed. He was the person who first introduced me to carpentry. When my wife and I purchased our first home, he came over and helped us install all of our baseboards. He didn’t ask for any payment; he did it out of love. It was through him that I first encountered a miter saw. Though Mr. Ed has since moved away, I’ll never forget him. He is the one who sparked my interest in woodworking.

I can’t forget the most important person, the main reason why this journey even began: my wife. Her love for makeup and my desire to give her something special led to the creation of my first vanity mirror. Over the years, she has continued to support me and push me to be the best version of myself. I love you!

Lastly, a huge shout-out to my family and friends. I am beyond grateful for all the support. From my father, Raul, making custom shipping boxes for me, Always helping me with the logistics of shipping, to my late friend Erik Rosto, always encouraging me to keep going and to teaching me to value my worth. My friend Johnny Perla, for the endless knowledge on how to run a business and your countless word of encouragement.

Thank you all!

Website: https://itswillmade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willmadewoodworking/

Other: Willmadewoodworking@gmail,com

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me. Will