I have always had a deep love for nature that started in my childhood and has never faded away. As a child, I spent endless hours exploring the wilderness, playing in frog ponds, and collecting monarch caterpillars. As I grew older, my passion for nature evolved into landscaping and gardening. However, I did not realize the significance of using native plants until a friend suggested I install a native flower garden.

Witnessing the incredible increase in birds, bees, and insects that I had never seen before, I became inspired to replace most of my landscape with native shrubs, flowers, and trees. But soon, I realized that I needed nesting sites for these creatures, and lacking dead or dying trees, I turned to building nest boxes with rudimentary tools and limited woodworking knowledge.

Starting with a simple bluebird box, I progressed to building a screech owl box and continued to create boxes and feeders of various types and styles. My passion for the craft grew with every box I built, and I eagerly acquired new tools to improve my skills and create even more elaborate designs.

As the number of nest boxes piled up, I began to wonder what to do with them all and how to support my hobby financially. This is when I came up with the idea of The Nest Box Barn. I transformed my one-car garage into a workshop, and I began selling my beautiful nest boxes and feeders online and at local farmers' markets. Though it was a small business, it allowed me to share my love of nature with others and to continue pursuing my passion.

In conclusion, my story showcases the incredible power of passion and love for nature. With dedication, hard work, and a little bit of creativity, I was able to turn my hobby into a fulfilling and rewarding journey while also making a positive impact on the natural world. It serves as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference and to pursue our passions, no matter how big or small they may seem.