My Story
“I started out with nothing and I still have most of it”
My shop may be small but I still believe in true, handmade woodcrafts. No CNC, no lasers, no computer level accuracy. My products will never have that degree of perfection, nor would I want it. If you can’t tell something was handmade, why buy a hand-crafted creation? The work that comes out of my shop will always be of the highest quality but with subtle reminders that a Human Being built it, not a machine.
Hi, I’m Anthony, a New Orleans-based Professional Woodworker, with a focus on furniture, cabinetry, and intricate goods. I grew up in the rural heart of Amish country, Pennsylvania, whose roots instilled in me a passion for nature and using the resources around you to make what you need. The Amish community is known and revered for making quality wooden furniture, and witnessing their skills up close is what inspired me to become a woodworker.
While I always had a passion for creating, my path to woodworking was far from linear, as I began by earning a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and continued onto my Doctorate of Chemistry in New Orleans. It was during my time as a graduate student that I built my first dining room table with a single saw and some screws. As I grew disenchanted with chemistry as a profession, my love for woodworking blossomed, so in January 2020, I founded WoodWorking Chemist.
I thrive on the meticulous nature of this work and the patience required to craft a functional works of art that will last many lifetimes. There’s an incredible sense of joy associated with someone trusting you to transform their dreams to reality and adding to their life in a meaningful way, whether that’s a dining table where a family can share their meals, or a jewelry box that holds priceless heirlooms from loved ones. I’m grateful to pursue my passion in life and I’m glad you’re here to explore this journey with me.