Saturday Spotlight
Fire & Iron Custom Metalwork
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
We are an artistic metalwork and blacksmithing shop that also does small commercial and residential jobs such as gates and railings. We are very much a community oriented business and we do as several charity events each year and we donate pieces to the silent auction tables of many other organizations.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
We are located in the heart of the Old East Village
at the intersection of Dundas and Rectory across from Aeolian Hall.
We sell our small artistic items at The Been Garden in London and Local Luxuries in Lucan.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
Yes.
and on twitter @fandimetalwork
and our instagram is fireandironcustommetalwork
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
As a Welder / Fabricator it’s been a hobby for decades, and as I got better at it and acquired good tools I began doing work and creating art for friends and family. It seems I do work that’s desirable, because eventually it spread to friends and family of my friends and family.
It became a business a little less than 3 years ago
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Our customers are our inspiration.
Because we are primarily a custom metalwork shop, people come to us with an idea or vision and we do our best to realize that vision in metal.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I couldn’t work without Music.
Usually it’s just the radio (which is the second thing I turn on after the lights in the morning) and it’s usually good old Rock and Roll.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Our craft is dirty, dangerous and heavy.
We literally put our sweat and blood into our work.
8. Describe your workspace?
It’s a very crowded 1000 square foot shop packed with machinery, material and projects.
The walls are covered in a random selection of odds and ends and leftovers.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
We were commissioned to create a Vimy Ridge war memorial which was installed just south east of the Trafalgar/Hale roundabout.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Go to the Small Business Center and enroll in the set of small business courses and seminars.
The $500 you spend there will translate into thousands of dollars later.
Knowledge is power.
Learn how to make a proper business plan and then make one..You’ll be surprised...Trust me.
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