Ok, so we may be a little obsessed with data. It is only because it tells us amazing stories about what our clients are up to and how they are economically impacting their families and their communities.

It tells us that there are some amazing women-owned businesses in the CWE community!

Each month, with their permission we are going to tell those stories. We want to celebrate their wins because not only does it shed light on exceptional women, but it also inspires the community to reach their goals as well.

CWE NH Client Spotlight September

What a Wood Work

A Native of Mexico originally, Laura Rios and her family moved to the U.S. 9 years ago. She loves exploring new places and cultures and has a healthy bucket list of places she still wants to see, though she can check off having lived and worked in four countries already! She is passionate about business and entrepreneurship. Her previous career was in purchasing for large manufacturing businesses according to her feels like another lifetime ago. While in the purchasing and sourcing industry she pursued a degree in international Business studying at Babson University and earned an MBA in Global Business Strategy from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.

Laura is a Mom of two amazing girls who keep her on her toes while she manages the two brands in the U.S. and Mexico so it is only natural that her best friend is coffee these days!

When COVID hit, she thought about her enthusiasm for creating product demand in a way that benefits the entire supply chain resulting in economic benefits for all parties. She also took note of the number of puzzlers that were created because of being stuck in their homes during the pandemic. What a Wood Work is a women and mom run business built out of Laura’s inspiration to stimulate movement in manufacturing while providing something beautiful for communities of puzzle enthusiasts!

Let's get to know more about Nia and her business:

CWE NH: What does your company do?

Laura: We make attractive wooden puzzles at an affordable cost. Puzzles that last and satisfy the global market. We turn your photos, artworks, and landmarks into fun and durable jigsaw hobbies.

CWE NH: When did you start your company?

Laura: May 2021

CWE NH: Why did you want to start your company?

Laura: As a result of the COVID lockdown, puzzles were in short supply. Recognizing the need for products that promote calmness, I took action and utilized the unused machines in my family's wood workshop in Mexico.

CWE NH: What milestone(s) has your company reached this year?

Laura: 2023 has been a great year so far! I am on the way to reach my revenue goal for 2023 which is a 60% Increase from BY2. Additionally, I have received some amazing opportunities to grow and to be recognized!

Awards, Scholarships and Opportunities:

2023 CWE Andrea C. Silbert Award Nominee

2023 Marie Accelerator Program Certificate. Nonprofit Dedicated to Sales Coaching for Women, Immigrant, and Minority Entrepreneurs

Accepted into curated juried shows with more than 50 years of tradition in new England like the Castleberry Fairs. This group has made the Top 200 in the Nation – #33 in Traditional Craft.

CWE NH: That is something to celebrate! What else can we celebrate about your business?

Laura: Selling in person is a daunting thing when English is your second language. I challenged myself with 20 days of in-person shows this calendar year.

CWE NH: What is something truly unique to your business?

Laura: My wooden puzzle business is unique because it operates globally from abroad. I face diverse challenges in language, currency, time, culture, law, policy, and quality across countries. We are also eco-friendly utilizing MDF board for the pieces. MDF is created with the wood fiber, shavings and other wood parts that would normally be discarded. In addition, I designed smart packaging that protected fragile handmade wooden boxes for international shipping, while cutting costs and carbon footprint. Recently, we have been working with local artisans as well.

CWE NH What is one thing about being an entrepreneur that you didn't expect?

Laura: If you lack time management skills, transitioning from a 9-5 job to working for yourself can easily result in working 24-7.

CWE NH: Why did you come to CWE, what has CWE helped you accomplish?

Laura: CWE offers a supportive system that provides tools and inspiration to help women pursue their goals, I required access to such a community.

CWE NH What does it mean to you to have a business resource dedicated to serving women?

Laura: I wanted to connect with other women who share my aspirations and challenges. I have found a supportive network of mentors who guide me toward achieving my goals.

CWE NH: Have you used other Small Business Administration Resource partners (such as NH SBDC, SCORE, VBOC) in your journey? How were they able to support your business goals?

Laura: SCORE. They have great courses on how to use Quickbooks and good intros on Google ads.

CWE NH: Give us a glimpse of where you and your company will be in 2025!

Laura: My plan is to buy equipment to set up a small workshop to offset some of the current costs of international shipping..

CWE NH: Where can we find out more about your business?

Website: https://www.whatawoodwork.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhataWoodWork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatawoodwork/

Let's Spotlight your wins!

In the last 6 months have you. . .

Started a business
Hired an employee or 20?
Did you receive that business loan you have been working on getting?
Have you seen business growth or unexpected gross revenue?
Did you enter foreign markets or sell your business?
Or anything else the is big news for your company!

Tell us and you may get featured as a Client Spotlight!

Either way we would love to celebrate with you! And if you're not quite hitting those goals we want to hear from you as well! We would love an opportunity to work through the data and help you strategize those wins!

Tell us about your milestones!

SEE ALL UPCOMING WORKSHOPS