Check Out Carrie Nelson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Nelson

Hi Carrie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for working with my hands and building things. Growing up in a 200 year old farm house where I learned to repair, remodel or make everything we needed with my father and grandfather was an incredible platform to grow from. My journey to where I am today was anything but ordinary. I became a single mom left to raise my daughters on my own, and much of my life from that point on has been about finding creative ways to support my family while pursuing what I love.

Roughly 14 years ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and start 4 Chicks Furniture & Wood Art, a business I built from the ground up. It started with small, custom furniture pieces and gradually grew into a full-service shop offering custom cabinets, furniture, and closets for both residential and commercial clients. Along the way, I taught myself new skills, invested in high-end tools like a Biesse Rover K FT CNC machine, and took on challenges that pushed me to grow personally and professionally.

I even built my own house and shop, which was an incredibly empowering experience that taught me I could overcome any obstacle with enough determination. I’m now proud to run a woman-owned business that prioritizes craftsmanship, transparency, and community. My work has been featured on YouTube and appreciated by clients across Colorado and beyond, and I’m excited to continue growing my business toward my goal of $1 million in annual sales.

It hasn’t been an easy road—balancing my health challenges, raising my daughters, and overcoming debt—but every step has been worth it. Today, I’m proud to say that 4 Chicks Furniture isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the belief that you can create something incredible no matter your circumstances.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the challenges along the way have been some of the most valuable parts of my journey.

When you are a single parent, you have to balance building a business with supporting everything that is entailed in raising children. Starting a business from scratch, especially in a field as demanding as custom woodworking, required not just skill but determination and a willingness to learn every step of the way.

Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field has presented its own set of challenges. I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly, not just to clients but sometimes to peers in the industry. However, those moments have only fueled my determination to succeed and show that craftsmanship and quality have no gender.

Two years ago I had a tragic tractor accident and could not walk for 12 weeks. That experience taught me how to lean on help, teach instead of do and above all have patience!

Despite these obstacles, I’ve always been driven by my passion for creating meaningful, beautiful work—not just for my clients but also for my family. Building my own home and shop was a turning point that proved to me that I could overcome any obstacle.

Each struggle, whether personal or professional, has shaped who I am today. These experiences have taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of staying true to my values. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding, and I’m proud of what 4 Chicks Furniture represents: quality, craftsmanship, and the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and dedication.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in creating custom furniture, cabinets, and closets for both residential and commercial clients. Our portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, from beds, nightstands, and dining tables to conference tables, commercial bars, reception desks, range hood enclosures, libraries, offices, and entertainment centers. Whether it’s functional built-ins or standout statement pieces, everything we create is tailored to meet our clients’ needs and reflects our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Our work stands out because we focus on the details—precision manufacturing using our CNC machine, creative finishes, and thoughtful designs that balance aesthetics and practicality. We use high-quality materials, hardwoods as opposed to box store lumber, premium hardware, and customizable finishes to ensure every project is built to last.

We’re known for our ability to collaborate closely with clients, turning their visions into reality, with numerous repeat clients. Whether it’s designing a bespoke dining table for a family home, crafting a commercial bar that becomes a centerpiece, or building a reception desk that leaves a lasting impression, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results that reflect our clients’ goals and style.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built for reliability and transparency. In an industry where communication can sometimes fall short, we prioritize responsiveness and honesty every step of the way. Clients know they can trust us to deliver on time and with exceptional quality.

What sets us apart is not just our technical skills but also our perspective. As a woman-owned business in a traditionally male-dominated field, we bring a unique voice to the woodworking industry. Our mission isn’t just to create beautiful pieces; it’s also to inspire others—especially women—to see that they can thrive in trades and industries they might not have considered before.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If someone is looking for custom furniture, cabinets, or woodworking projects, we’d love to help bring that vision to life. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, we collaborate closely with clients to create bespoke solutions that balance beauty, functionality, and craftsmanship.

I am open to collaborations with interior designers, architects, contractors, and other businesses in need of custom woodworking. With our high-end equipment, and extensive experience, we can help other cabinet and furniture companies with design services, cutting cabinets, edgebanding, flattening live edge slabs and more.

Spread the Word: We love when people share their experience with our work, refer us to others, or leave a review. Word-of-mouth and referrals mean so much to a small business like ours.

Follow Us on Social Media: Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram and through our newsletters to see our latest projects, behind-the-scenes updates, and design inspiration.

Shop Local: Choosing a woman-owned, local business for projects helps us continue doing what we love while supporting the community.

We’re always excited to connect with people who share our appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. Whether it’s a potential client, a professional collaborator, or someone cheering us on from the sidelines, that support means the world to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.4chicksfurniture.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/4chicksfurniture/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/4ChicksFurniture

Image Credits
Headshot: Barry Donavon