Success Story: Brown’s Wood Shop

Chiseling Out a Digital Presence for Traditional Craft

Location: Northern California | Amador County | Pioneer 

Business Type: Artisan Goods / Woodworking / Handcrafted Art 

CalOSBA Partner: California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce | Rural Business Center 

Assistance Received: Digital Marketing Training, Social Media Strategy, One-on-One Business Consulting 

California State Assembly District: 1 

California State Senate District: 4 

Visit Brown’s Wood Shop online. 

Suzanne Brown is the owner and artisan behind Brown’s Wood Shop, a handcrafted woodworking business located in Pioneer, California. Her work blends traditional craftsmanship with artistic creativity, producing layered, three-dimensional wooden nature scenes and decorative objects. Each piece is meticulously cut using a laser or CNC machine, then hand-stained or painted to create a truly unique finish. Suzanne’s creations are both artistic and functional, representing a fusion of generational woodworking heritage and modern artistic expression. 

Suzanne’s inspiration came from her family’s long lineage of woodworkers and her inheritance of a fully equipped woodshop. Initially, she specialized in crafting unique furniture pieces, but as she approached retirement age, she shifted her focus toward lighter, more manageable projects. This evolution allowed her to continue creating while adapting her craft to her changing lifestyle, preserving her family’s woodworking legacy in a way that remains sustainable and fulfilling. 

However, working in rural Amador County presented challenges. Prior to connecting with the Rural Business Center, Suzanne faced isolation from other creative professionals and a lack of visibility for her work. Amador County offers limited artistic and business development resources, which made it difficult for her to expand her audience or access professional guidance in digital marketing and business promotion. 

That changed when Suzanne discovered the Rural Business Center, a program operated by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Through the Center’s partnership with the Chamber, Suzanne attended a free seminar led by a media expert, which introduced her to digital marketing tools and strategies. This initial exposure led her to sign up for personalized one-on-one sessions with instructors Lisa and Joe Fairgood. These sessions focused on using Canva and social media to promote her work effectively. 

The training was transformative. Suzanne not only gained technical skills but also the confidence to apply them. After creating and posting a short video of her art on Instagram, her work was noticed by Sutter Creek Gallery, which immediately invited her to apply for their next art exhibit. Without this exposure and the individualized instruction she received, Suzanne might never have connected with this opportunity. 

“Working with Lisa and Joe has been an incredible experience—they’re such a dynamic team!” Suzanne shared. “With their guidance, I feel like I’ve launched into a whole new realm. I’m deeply grateful to Sherri for connecting us and making this opportunity possible. The classes provided via the Rural Business Center have been truly transformative, and I’m excited to share my future successes. Thank you for all you do!” 

Suzanne found the one-on-one instruction to be the most valuable component of the technical assistance. The personalized sessions provided clear, accessible explanations of various social media platforms and their effective use for small business marketing. The hands-on, supportive approach helped her gain confidence in digital tools that once felt intimidating. 

Today, Brown’s Wood Shop showcases Suzanne’s artistry through multiple channels. Her layered wooden pieces have found an appreciative audience that extends far beyond her rural community. What began as a family legacy in a workshop has transformed into a thriving business that honors the past while embracing modern marketing strategies. 

Visit Brown’s Wood Shop at 25970 Forest Knoll Ct, Pioneer, CA 95666, or explore their work online. You can also follow their artistry on Instagram at @brownswoodshop and @mrsbrownbear, or shop their collection on Etsy at mrsbrownbear.etsy.com. 

And, if you’re a rural entrepreneur in California looking to grow your business, connect with the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce | Rural Business Center to access free training, personalized business consulting, and digital marketing support designed specifically for businesses in rural communities. 

Updated: 2/23/2026