Northern Golden Designs: A Creative Journey of Woodworking and Entrepreneurship

Starting as a hobby, Northern Golden Designs has evolved into a unique business that blends artistry with craftsmanship, producing custom woodwork that speaks to the heart. Founder Makenna Laughlin’s journey into the world of woodworking is an inspiring tale of resilience, creativity, and adaptation.

Northern Golden Designs began as a creative outlet during a time of transition. Makenna, a former esthetician who had run her own business for seven years down south, faced an unexpected shift when the pandemic forced her to close her doors. Soon after, she relocated with her husband to Northern Ontario, where she found herself feeling isolated and disconnected from her once-passionate business life.

"I needed something that calmed my busy mind while working with my hands," Makenna says. "I needed an outlet of creativity I didn’t have anymore." The turning point came when she was gifted a scroll saw at the end of 2021. With no prior woodworking experience, Makenna began experimenting with various projects for her home and friends, quickly discovering a new passion. As her creations grew, so did the demand, with people reaching out for custom pieces. What started as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged business, transforming a space in her home into a fully operational woodshop.

The name Northern Golden Designs holds personal significance. “Northern” reflects her new life in Northern Ontario, while “Golden” pays homage to her two beloved Golden Retrievers, Luna and Lola, who are central to her world. The name "Designs" was chosen for its flexibility, allowing room for growth as Makenna wasn't entirely sure where her new venture would lead. As it turns out, this open-ended name has been the perfect fit for her evolving business.

While starting her business was never the original plan, Makenna’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been a driving force. "I’ve always had the entrepreneurial attitude. I like control of my schedule and always gave more than 100% in everything I did," she explains. Before venturing into woodworking, Makenna had run a spa for seven years, which included her aromatherapy line of products. Despite this major career shift, the skills she honed in her previous business continue to play a crucial role in managing Northern Golden Designs.

Entrepreneurship offers Makenna the ability to control her life, set her own schedule, and hold herself accountable, which is what keeps her motivated. Although she still works a 9-to-5 job, she remains hopeful that one day woodworking can become her full-time pursuit.

Starting a business is never without its challenges. Makenna has learned to adapt to the unexpected and accept that not everything will go as planned. “It takes determination, and showing up even when you don’t want to, but it’s super rewarding,” she reflects. One challenge many entrepreneurs face is balancing workload, and Makenna is no different. As her business has grown, she has had to learn to be more selective in the custom work she accepts, ensuring each project is something she is passionate about.

A milestone that stands out in Makenna’s journey is her connection with local businesses in Northern Ontario. She has created custom business logos for several local companies, gaining the trust and support of her community—a milestone she deeply cherishes.

What makes Northern Golden Designs truly special is the level of personalization each piece offers. Makenna specializes in handcrafting 3D wooden signs, recreating everything from animals to logos to nursery signs. She has also ventured into the realm of mosaic wood art, which allows her even more creative freedom.

As the business grows, Makenna is excited to offer more custom orders, allowing customers to create personalized signs for their homes or businesses. With each piece being unique, no two projects are priced the same, making the possibilities endless. Local pick-up is available in Field, Ontario, and Cavan, Ontario, and Makenna also offers local delivery and shipping services.

Northern Golden Designs is all about creating pieces that are personal, meaningful, and reflective of the client’s vision. Makenna invites the community to reach out for quotes on custom work. “The possibilities are endless to create the perfect sign for you or your business,” she says. Quotes are available through social media or email at makenna-laughlin@hotmail.com.

For Makenna, the journey is only just beginning, and she’s excited to see where her love for woodworking will take her next. The experience of turning a passion into a thriving business has been rewarding, and she is grateful for the support from clients and the community. With a future full of possibilities, Northern Golden Designs is poised to continue growing, one handcrafted piece at a time.