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Brian Brace, an artisan furniture maker, began his career with an 8,000-hour apprenticeship in Vermont before opening a business in Black Mountain, North Carolina in 2010. After holding several woodworking positions in Naples, Florida, Brace returned to his passion for furniture making and navigated the effects of the 2008 financial crisis by accepting any available work. Now the only Roycroft master in North Carolina, Brace has started a new project called “from tree to delivery”, where he crafts local wood into furniture, and has future plans to build an artisan village to train more craftsmen.
Furniture Maker Balances Craft and Business
Brian Brace, owner of Brian Brace Fine Furniture, has been balancing craft and business from his Black Mountain base since 2010. Starting his woodworking career in Vermont at 16, he completed an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, with the records of his daily work meticulously logged by hand.
By the time he graduated high school, Brace had already accumulated 2,400 hours towards his apprenticeship, which ultimately proved more appealing to him than college. After six years under his mentor, he realized that the craft had much more to teach him.
When his mentor returned to solo work, Brace moved to Naples, Florida, where he took different woodworking jobs. Although initially deemed unqualified, by his fourth job, he was supervising others in the same role after acquiring necessary skills. However, he ultimately missed building furniture and started his own shop in 2007.
Despite the economic downturn that year, Brace worked hard to keep his shop afloat, taking on any project to pay the bills. Tiring of Naples and concerned about hurricanes, he relocated his business to Black Mountain in 2010.
Since then, Brace has achieved significant success. He was named a Roycroft master in April, becoming the only one in North Carolina. His Greene & Greene style pieces have been sought after, with some reaching California for the original Greene & Greene homes. He’s crafted display pieces for private collections, including cases for a witch’s hat from “The Wizard of Oz,” a helmet from “Saving Private Ryan,” and a Superman cape.
Brace is currently undertaking a project he calls “from tree to delivery”, where he turns local wood into crafted furniture pieces. He considers it a remarkable experience to process his own lumber and deliver a piece with a comprehensive story. Looking forward, Brace aspires to build his own artisan village for training more apprentices and growing his business.
Besides his work, Brace finds it crucial to strike a balance between work and home life. Despite the business challenges, Brace finds immense satisfaction in his customer interactions and seeing their reactions to his work. His passion for his craft is evident, and he encourages everyone to find a job they love.
For more on unique local items, check out our Black Mountain holiday gift guide.
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