SUMESH NARAYANAN
From a young age, I was drawn to the magic of creation. There was something enchanting about the way raw materials transformed under skilled hands, becoming something entirely new. I was a self-professed binge-YouTuber, endlessly devouring videos from makers across the globe, each offering a glimpse into their unique methods and designs. Then, in the bustling streets of New York City in 2016, fate intervened. Amidst the chaos of preparing for a concert, I found myself face-to-face with one of my idols, Jimmy Diresta. His workshop had been my virtual sanctuary, a place where craftsmanship and creativity collided in a symphony of sawdust and sparks. As I stood there, my heart racing, a mere ten-minute conversation with Jimmy ignited a flame within me—a passion that would propel me into the world of making and designing.
And that's how I founded WoodDen.