Today we’d like to introduce you to Chappell Hollingshead.
Hi Chappell; so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Chap’s Choppin’ Tops began with a purpose to carry out a legacy encompassing the woodworking craft taught to me by my grandpa, Big Papa. Big Papa had been a dentist for decades, constantly working with his hands, and he was the epitome of a Jack of all Trades. He can make fine jewelry, beautiful mesquite furniture, and anything with intricate precision. I was a Junior at Texas A&M when I asked my grandpa to teach me how to chisel. We began working on a scrap slab of mesquite that was propped up on a fish cleaning station in Port Aransas, Tx. I had moved down to the coast for the summer to work, fish and make things with my hands. It hit July, and after many failed attempts at leatherworking, I thought woodworking would be a better calling. Big Papa brought me four chisels and a mallet hours after I had called for help in his arena. We spent the entire July hammering, chiseling, and working on the propped-up slab. Once I engraved multiple names and brands into the board, my grandpa looked at me and said I was a natural. For the next two years in school, I would travel back and forth from College Station to our family ranch in Fredericksburg, picking up wood, picking up talent, and finally distributing cutting boards to friends and family. I became obsessed with the craft and soon after obsessed with entrepreneurship. I wanted to share my grandpa’s craft and showcase his ability to make beautiful, natural, handmade products. The venture has become an ideal way to spend time with my grandpa, working, learning, and creating something people truly enjoy. Chap’s Choppin’ Tops aims to share a family legacy and handmade art.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I constantly have to remind myself that I am a woman in a man’s field. The job requires a lot of physical labor, bartering on materials, expertise in wood, and overall woodworking skills. All factions in the field that I have a large disadvantage to. Everyone stares when I walk into lumber yards, price out materials, move, stack, and cut my own wood. A few yards have refused to sell me wood and poke fun at the cutting board operation I run. These aspects of the company seem daunting to most, but I secretly love it. The company has been up and running for over three years; not a week goes by that people don’t doubt me. I have heard it all, such as “Oh, does your husband make these for you?”, “You are not strong enough,” and so on. Yet these comments have never offended me; the doubts drive me, so I’d have to thank the speculators for that. Another hurdle I am working on overcoming is the need to constantly prove myself in the business world. This is a huge mental struggle I deal with and I think the desire to be taken seriously stems from my age. In my head, I have to prove that I can market and work with established brands, I have to prove that I can make the best cutting board, I have to convince manufacturers to take me seriously and the list goes on. A mentor of mine finally sat me down and said “Chappell relax, you have proven it. Moreover, the positive reinforcements I receive from my clients and the public are overwhelming compared to the struggles. I have also had wonderful mentors in the field who constantly take the time to appreciate what I am trying to accomplish and are steadfast in helping me grow. Most people are enamored with Chap’s Choppin’ Tops, what we do daily, and the work and talent involved. Although I have struggled to make my way into the woodworking field, I have had amazing men and company owners who have taken me under their wing and teach me what they know.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chap’s Choppin’ Tops aim to add rustic character, luxury, and functionality to your kitchen with custom charcuterie and cutting boards. Each top is made from hand-selected slabs of beautiful mesquite and hand-crafted to accentuate its stunning natural grains, lines, and patterns. Your top can be fully customized to your tastes and needs for entertaining, the everyday kitchen, grill, and outdoor living. Each top is one of a kind and includes hand-chiseled customizations. The charcuterie boards and Choppin’ Tops evoke warmth and authenticity and bring excitement to hosting. From natural, elegant charcuterie boards designed for wine and cheese nights to hardy, durable chopping blocks to accompany a barbecue pit, Chap’s Choppin’ Tops are perfect for any occasion.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I listen to “How I Built This” by Guy Raz daily. I am obsessed with how people built and grew their companies; the podcast is inspiring.
Pricing:
- Custom Charcuterie Board $200-$300
- Custom Cutting Board $250-$500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chapschoppintops.com
- Instagram: @chapschoppintops
- Facebook: @chapschoppintops
- Linkedin: Chappell Hollingshead
- Twitter: @chapschoppintop
- Youtube: @chapschoppintops3403
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Hannah Vista Photo, Hannah Gresham HB Photography, Hannah Egbert
