Sarah Nussman and Jenny Andrea, co-owners of custom furniture shop Willow Rust, are prime examples of how passion, hard work and a commitment to quality can turn a small venture into a successful and meaningful business. What began as a way for Sarah and Jenny to make a supplemental income has transformed into a thriving enterprise that produces beautiful, handcrafted furniture, supports local artisans and contributes to the community.
“Willow Rust started about nine years ago as a way for Sarah and me to make extra money as she went to school for accounting and I worked with kids as a mental health counselor,” shares Jenny.
Jenny and Sarah build custom handmade furniture pieces, working with their clients to create one-of-a-kind, quality items while staying within budget constraints. “From the beginning of Willow Rust, our goal has been to provide clients with quality products that would not only last for years to come but also fit into a range of budgets,” says Jenny.
When choosing the materials for their furniture pieces, Sarah and Jenny use two local mills that take pride in utilizing sustainable wood harvesting methods.
“Our pieces are made with 100% natural wood and are built by us. After getting the client's vision and any specific features they are looking for, we go to the mills personally and handpick the slabs of lumber,” says Jenny.
Jenny and Sarah love to take a client's idea and build it into reality. “They do not have to have it all figured out before contacting us and usually after a little time together we can design and get a good picture of what they are looking for,” details Jenny.
A great place to start is by stopping by the shop at The Greene in Beavercreek or contacting them via email or Facebook. Once an order has been finalized, a deposit is required to secure the materials and then the remaining amount is due when the piece is completed, typically about 8 to 12 weeks later.
Over the years, Jenny and Sarah have had the opportunity to create a variety of unique pieces for commercial settings including bars, desks and restaurant tables and for residential uses including beds and bathroom vanities. Their shop at The Greene not only showcases ready-made furniture pieces that can be purchased but also features home decor items that are handmade by Jenny and Sarah or by local artisans.
“We can engrave and make endless options of personalized gifts and branding items perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions as well as corporate and business events,” shares Jenny.
The shop is also home to artwork from world-renowned painter, Mike Elsass. “Now people can walk into our store seven days a week and purchase a beautiful piece of his work,” Jenny explains.
Mike Elsass is an acclaimed artist known for his distinctive work with rusted steel. His abstract paintings, made by layering various colors and textures on metal, are displayed in galleries, businesses and homes worldwide. Mike, who is also deeply committed to his community, often engages in charitable events and collaborations to support local nonprofits and artists. Mike is planning a live painting charity event October 15-30 benefitting local nonprofits with donation opportunities for Hannah's Treasure Chest and For Love of Children.
Willow Rust also offers stylish home decor and goods as well as a variety of plants for everyone who stops in, as Jenny and Sarah have created and curated something for every budget and need. Their passion, hard work and commitment to quality are evident in every piece of furniture they create and these qualities will live on in the homes and businesses that use their pieces every day to live, work and play.
For more information visit WillowRust.com or Facebook.com/WillowRust and Mike Elsass at MikeElsass.com.
Willow Rust
4435 Glengarry Dr, Beavercreek
937.361.0447