Evan's Workshop: Junior Woodworker | Maker | Philanthropist

At just 16 years old, Evan from Evan’s Workshop is proving that passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic can take you far—no matter your age. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Evan has been woodworking since he was just three years old, inspired by countless hours spent in his grandfather’s workshop. What started as a childhood curiosity quickly grew into a full-fledged business and brand, with Evan gaining a loyal following on social media while perfecting his craft. From his first small projects to complex epoxy builds, Evan’s love for woodworking is evident in everything he creates. But his journey isn’t just about making—he’s also giving back. Through his work, Evan donates a portion of his sales to the SickKids Foundation, showing that craftsmanship and community can go hand in hand. In this spotlight, we dive into Evan’s journey, his biggest inspirations, and what it takes to balance school, woodworking, and entrepreneurship at such a young age.

Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired your love for woodworking at such a young age?

My name is Evan and I’m 16 from Toronto, Canada.  I’m in grade 11. I love to hang with my friends, play cards, go to overnight summer camp and more. 

I started woodworking when I was 3 or 4. My grandad, who used to be a hobby woodworker, tells the story simply. He has 4 grandchildren and he brought us all to his workshop when we were young and only 1 grandchild decided to stay -  me!

I spent hours watching my granddad build things. He showed me how to use hand tools and power tools. 

When I was 9, I started watching different woodworkers and makers on YouTube, learning from them and teaching myself new skills and techniques. That’s when I started Evan’s Workshop and began to build my brand. 

I am most proud of doing good by others and myself. I wear my heart on my sleeve. By working with me and my established brand, you are gaining access to my platform with an engaged audience and a spokesperson in an industry who’s part of the next generation.

What are some of your favorite memories from working in your Grandfather’s workshop?

One thing that stands was I always wanted to use my granddad’s power tools haha. He laughed and said not until I learn how to use hand tools first. I was taught to use hand planes, chisels and saws before anything else. I started small and worked my way to the bigger tools. My favourite times were just building in shop. My grandad told me that all I wanted to build was boxes.

What was the moment you decided to start “Evan’s Workshop”? What inspired you to turn your hobby into a business?

When I was 9, I remember asking my parents if I could start a business and have an IG account to share my woodworking journey. They asked why and I told them I wanted to be like Jimmy Diresta and other makers I watch on YouTube. They agreed and the rest was history. I launched my business and IG in 2018. 

From that moment onwards, I’ve had the privilege of being guided by a couple of mentors that have inspired me to keep at it, work hard and share my craft with others - Rob Medaglia from Concept Thirteen and Paul Lemiski from Canadian Woodworks. I met these individuals early on my journey and I still look to them for advice and inspiration.

As a young entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced running Evan’s Workshop, and how have you overcome them?

I think my biggest challenge is time. It’s difficult juggling being a student, doing homework, hanging out with my friends, making in the workshop, editing content and managing my social platforms. I can’t do it all. My parents are really supportive of my woodworking and help me achieve my goals as a successful entrepreneur and maker. It takes a village. I’m grateful to my parents for guiding me in the right direction and helping me overcome my challenges.

What is your favorite project that you’ve created so far, and why does it stand out to you?

The walnut/epoxy blackjack table. This was a complicated and challenging build. The main thing that stands out to me is the epoxy work. To make my blackjack table my own, I had an idea to use epoxy and cast casino items in it. I used about 26 litres of epoxy, by far the most amount of epoxy I’ve used to date in a project. I was nervous because I wasn’t sure how it was going to look and I didn’t want to mess it up. It took a few careful pours and a lot of monitoring. Despite my nerves, the blackjack table came out looking incredible and I couldn’t be happier with it. 

Also, I milled and shaped each of 70 walnut strips that made up the table base.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas or designs for your woodworking projects?

I love passion builds. They’re my favourite. When it comes to ideas or designs, I try to build things around my interests. For example, I love boating, playing cards and Rolex watches (though I can’t afford one ) so I built a boat, a blackjack table and a Rolex wall clock. There’s nothing more satisfying than working on a project that involves my interests. Soon I’ll be building a hand tool cabinet to store my hand planes, chisels, etc.

Who are some of your biggest influences or inspirations in woodworking or entrepreneurship?

That’s a tough one. I feel lucky to have been welcomed into the maker community at such a young age. There’s been so many influences and inspirations from the makers I’ve had the privilege to meet, hang out with and work with at different maker events. Everyone has been so supportive of my woodworking. 

When I was 9 and eager to start my own shop, I watched a lot of Jimmy Diresta and Izzy Swan’s content on YouTube. They were big influences for me because I wanted to do what they’re doing.

What tools or materials are your favorites to work with, and why?

I consider myself a hybrid woodworker. I use both hand and power tools in my woodworking. There’s a place for each of them. I was taught to use hand tools before any power tools so I definitely have a fondness for hand tools and restoring them. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a super sharp hand plane and the finish it provides. In terms of power tools, my favourite is a table saw, but I don’t have one in my shop. Everything I have built is done without one. I’m saving up for a SawStop one day. That’s the only one my parents will say yes to!

Also, I’ve been using epoxy since I started woodworking. I love working with it. Epoxy can add a nice flavour or richness to various projects. A lot of my clients love the look of epoxy as do I, especially for serving boards, boxes, tables, etc.

Do you have a dream project or something you’d love to create someday?

A bigger and better boat made with TotalBoat products.

Your decision to donate 10% of your sales to SickKids Foundation is inspiring. Can you tell us more about why this cause is so important to you?

When my parents allowed me to have my own woodworking business and IG account, they asked me to think about supporting my community along the way. I remember looking at all sorts of registered charities not really understanding what I was looking for, but when I found SickKids Foundation, a children’s hospital foundation in Toronto, it resonated with me.  The reason was simple…As a kid, I wanted to help other kids in need. 

In addition to donating a portion of each of my sales to SickKids, I love doing charity builds where I make different things, like tables, boards and other furniture pieces, and auction them off with all proceeds going to SickKids. 

To date, through my woodworking and giveback projects, I’ve been able to raise over $20,000 for SickKids.

Do you have any advice for other young people who might want to explore woodworking or start their own business?

My advice to young people looking to start a business and have an active social platform is…just start, don’t go at it alone and be cautious of what you’re showing in your videos or posts. 

As I said earlier, time is my biggest challenge doing it all. Having my family to help me along the way is critical. You need a good support network. My parents helped me grow my following and taught me several lessons along the way to help me achieve the success that I want. 

Finally, stay true to yourself. I only use my social platform to promote and educate others on woodworking and giving back. Sometimes, I show a little into my personal life. I never use my platform to share or promote anything negative or political. My parents taught me that it can take years to develop a good brand and seconds to destroy it. So, I’ve built my brand with that understanding.