Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Hossle.
Hi Justin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a child, I had a passion for building, whether it was with straw bales or plastic bricks.
Building was in my DNA. But in school, I fell in love with live theater. After years in a career as a Stage Manager for a large regional theater, I purchased a home and began tinkering with building things again – this time with wood. A few fixer-upper projects here and there took place, and eventually I stumbled upon furniture making.
Despite my first pieces being pretty rough, I fell in love with the process and began designing and creating furniture for our home. More time passed, and with every new piece I gained more skills. Eventually I went from building for myself and friends, to building commissions for people.
Flash forward to now, and my business is thriving and successful, and I work full-time designing and handcrafting mid-century modern furniture and decor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have certainly been minor bumps along the way, but no more challenging than any new business experience.
I had to learn accounting, social media, advertising, and some simple graphic design. There were machine breakdowns and the occasional unsatisfied customer. But I don’t think I’ve faced nearly as many obstacles and challenges as I expected.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to get to where I am today. Since officially launching the business in 2018, I’ve always had a waiting list for commissions and have only grown and developed my craft in positive ways.
We’ve been impressed with Relic Modern, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I create mid-century modern inspired furniture and decor products. I’m known for pieces that highlight both function and form, with a touch of modern and minimalist flair added in. My signature designs use layered Baltic birch with solid wood facing – leaving the striped layers of birch visible along the sides of the pieces. It’s a striking look and a nod to the designers of the mid-20th century, in particular Charles and Raye Eames.
I strive to keep my products accessible to folks of all income brackets, with art pieces as low as $20.
I have a strong commitment to sustainability, which is why every product I sell plants trees, thanks to my partnership with One Tree Planted. In addition to this, I use the highest quality and most eco-friendly materials and natural finishes and work to keep my business as carbon neutral (or negative) as possible.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Play. Discover. Make mistakes. Keep going.
Pricing:
- Decor Starting at $19
- Furniture Starting at $699
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.relicmodern.com
- Instagram: @relicmodernfurniture
- Facebook: @relicmodernfurniture
