Maker Spotlight: Barry Roitblat

Our maker spotlight series not only allows you to learn more about the maker, it also allows you to learn from the maker! 

Follow along and learn insight and receive advice right from the makers who make this creative maker’s market world so beautiful. 

Without further ado…

Meet Barry Roitblat, a woodturning artisan who transforms raw, often overlooked pieces of wood into striking functional art. Through his intricate bowls, platters, and peppermills, Barry reveals the hidden beauty inside every block he touches.

Name: Barry Roitblat

Business Name: Barry Roitblat

Instagram: @barry_roitblat

Website: http://barry.roitblat.com

What do you make? 

Specializing in exotic, burl, and embellished wood turnings of bowls, platters, peppermills, and other goods

What keeps you going on the hard days?

I delight in the beauty revealed as an apparently non-descript piece of wood becomes a polished, functional art-piece.  Every piece of wood has a prize inside.

What’s been the hardest part of being a business owner, and what have you learned from it?

I enjoy making, but I don't particularly like the sales process.

How has participating in markets impacted your business?

I don't really sell much through my website except as follow on business from folks that have seen me at markets. Also, at the markets I get to engage with folks, get feedback, and often new ideas. However, the markets also tend to redirect some of my energies to creating inventory for the markets.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new vendor applying to their first market, what would it be?

Come prepared for success, but also for disappointment. Just because a customer likes your work, doesn't mean they will buy it. Everyone has priorities and budgets and specific "spaces" they're looking to fill. Also, each market attracts its own mix of customers and not every mix will be a good match for your offerings. Don't get discouraged.

What does “community over competition” mean to you as a maker?

Market days are long. Vendors supporting each other helps you get through the day. Also, I don't see other vendors (even those selling similar products) as competition. Every piece we make is unique and, ultimately, if the customer has more choices, they're likely to be happier with whatever they pick. Finally, one of the reasons I started doing markets is to expose more people to what's possible in woodturning, whether they buy from me or not.

What does success look like for you right now?

Success looks like a past customer seeking me out at a show to tell me how much they've enjoyed their purchase.

How do you measure growth beyond sales?

As an artisan, growth comes from creative ideas and exploring the boundaries between what I can imagine and what I can create. As a business, growth comes from customer feedback and repeat business.

Make sure to give Barry a follow over at @barry_roitblat and keep a watch out for where to see him in person next!