Veteran Abbie Smith (Abbie Smith)
Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur and furniture maker, Abbie Smith, served as an airframe mechanic on the C-130T model aircraft. She was stationed in Europe on the beautiful island of Sicily and frequented the historical environment. Little did she know she would become an artisan of fine furniture shortly after completing her military tour, her medium changing from metal to wood. The beautiful architecture of the local area and Rome inspired her and changed her perspective on art.
Smith while in the Marine Corps (Abbie Smith)
Smith says, “I think when you see the architecture of these old places and realize that artists spent their whole life making one magnificent palace, your reference of what can be accomplished shifts, and you reach higher with your own work.”
While serving as an airframe mechanic, Smith became dexterous and mechanically inclined. She gained an ability to work on things with her hands which, before being in the military, she didn’t know she could be good at. In addition to the trade skills gained, the military helped her build skills in leadership, persistence, and giving it her all in everything she did.
“I embody and live the traits the military honed in me every single day. I think that leading by example is what helps those around us the most” – Smith.
Smith while in the Marine Corps (Abbie Smith)
One year after completing her military tour, a co-worker of Smith’s was attending the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. This co-worker’s passion for furniture made Smith consider it.
The GI Bill allowed Smith to pursue this artistic passion and she went to trade school where she earned a journeyman’s license in furniture making. Before joining the military, Smith didn’t like seeing people’s reactions to the 2D art she used to create.
She says, “Finding who I was while serving in the military helped me feel substantial enough to accept both criticism and praise.”
Smith at furniture craftsmanship school (Abbie Smith)
This newfound confidence gave her the drive and courage she needed to both create furniture, something she had never done before, and to open her own business selling it.
Now, Smith is a fine furniture craftsman and creates custom, high-quality furniture that is functional and enjoyable but also a piece of art. She takes the time to create a relationship with each of her clients to establish what their needs and aesthetic preferences are and then makes them furniture that is their own. Her furniture crafting skills range from Shaker to Colonial, Chippendale, Queen Anne and Windsor, but she works mostly in the Chippendale and Queen Anne styles which incorporate relief carvings and the generous curves she enjoys.
Today, Smith lives in Maine with her husband and child and is a dedicated mother, wife, furniture maker and entrepreneur.
You can find Abbie Smith’s furniture on Facebook at SmithCraft Custom and on Instagram @Smith.teddy.smith
Furniture piece by Abbie Smith (SmithCraft Custom)
Furniture piece by Abbie Smith (SmithCraft Custom)
Furniture piece by Abbie Smith (Abbie Smith)
