Layane Maximiliano: Unique Wood Furniture
“Max started flipping houses, so that’s how he started his tools collection. And I was working as a designer in a high-end cabinetry company for kitchens and bass. I loved it. I loved the designing process and customizing. But then, after a few years, we decided to come back to Texas.
We’d missed it. So, we came back, and Max opened a home remodeling company here. So, with interior design love, I just wanted to decorate my house. So that’s how we basically started.”
– Layane Maximiliano
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. With your host Steve Larosiliere today is Layane Maximiliano, an Interior Designer and founder of Unique Wood Furniture, together with her husband, Max. Layane and her other half Max are both immigrants from Brazil who are now residing in Texas for 13 long years! Layane did something worthwhile while waiting for the approval of their green card; she completed her Interior Design degree – which in turn will be the gateway to this well-established furniture company.
In this episode, Layane discusses how their first project was actually an accident that ended up being a huge blessing in disguise, their risk-taking experiences moving from Brazil to California to Florida to Texas, and the challenges of being an expatriate in a foreign country where the language serves as the primary barrier.
“No man is an island.” We rely on one another to survive and get through this thing called life. This saying rings true for the power couple, Layane and Max. Layane shares how they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how it helped grow their business.
To hear the entire story, listen right now!
“Max more than me. He’s braver than me. I’m always a little scared, but then he pushes me. So, it’s good to be together. We depend on each other a lot, and we work well together, which is great.”
– Layane Maximiliano
Building Business Network from Scratch
You can’t merely build a successful business by excelling at your job. Market penetration is equally crucial. To make a name for yourself, you should understand how to expand your network and sell your services. One of the practices is to offer our goods or services to our friends and family first; after all, who else might be there to support us through one of our “firsts,” right? But imagine how challenging it is for an immigrant to establish a network without their family and only a few random pals. Layane took advantage of the power of the internet, specifically, Craigslist, to leverage her network and sell their products. One thing led to another, and one day they just found themselves fully booked for 3-4 weeks ahead.
“I had like 15 pictures of pieces that we’ve done. I used to love bringing the pieces inside my house and taking pictures; I would just repost them on Craigslist if I found out, like if I leave that post there, if I leave the listing, people will see it. So, I feel like a little different than most woodworkers. I heard the story that they started selling for friends and family. We did not have a lot of networking here.
We didn’t have any family around. So, for us to put our names out there, it was through Craigslist at the time. And Marketplace was just starting. So, my brother was like, “Hey, why don’t you do a website? Let’s build a website so you can post these pictures. Just like our portfolio”.”
– Layane Maximiliano
Want to get in touch with Layane Maximiliano?
Contact her through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquewoodfurnituretx/
Website: https://uniquewoodfurniture.us/