Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Elia.
Hi Ben , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hey, I’m Ben!
I’m a 28-year-old wood who followed his passion and carved his own path—both literally and figuratively. While I work as a custom furniture maker, I prefer to call myself a wood artist. For me, it’s more than just building furniture—it’s about transforming raw materials into functional works of art. That creative process is what fuels me every day.
Growing up, I spent countless hours in my dad’s woodshop, surrounded by sawdust, tools, and the steady rhythm of hard work. My dad, a lifelong carpenter, was and still is my biggest influence. From an early age, he taught me how to use my hands, build with intention, and pay attention to the details. I learned so much just by watching him work, soaking in the environment even if I didn’t realize at the time how deeply it was shaping me.
That said, my main passion as a kid wasn’t woodworking—it was sports. I spent most of my childhood and teen years focused on athletics, and that eventually led me to earn a degree in Exercise Science. I followed that passion through college, fascinated by how the body moves, grows, and performs. But while that path taught me a lot, something kept pulling me back to the woodshop.
That moment came during college when I built my first epoxy desk for my apartment. I figured I could sell a few to help pay for school—and I did—but more importantly, I found myself completely hooked. That project reignited something in me I didn’t know I was missing. I had built a guitar not long before, and together those two pieces reminded me how much I loved creating with my hands. From there, I leaned all the way in.
Though I spent years working alongside my dad on home and kitchen remodels, I knew I wanted to take my own path—one that allowed me to express creativity and craftsmanship in my own way through custom furniture design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The past five or so years have been filled with hard work, trial and error, breakthroughs, setbacks, joy, and growth. There were times of doubt, but also incredible moments of clarity and pride. Today, I wake up grateful that I get to do what I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
pieces that are not only beautiful, but also serve a real purpose in people’s lives. From handcrafted tables, big or small, to full built-in entertainment centers and one-of-a-kind statement pieces, I bring visions to life through wood.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I believe this industry will continue to grow as more people prioritize craftsmanship and quality over mass production
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.builtbybenwoodco.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/builtbybenwoodco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19HpbDANKX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
