Building Life

Anna Connors

When Eli Tomalka watched his parents build his childhood home in Michigan at four years old, he discovered a passion for working with his hands. From that time on, he knew one day he wanted to run his own woodworking business.

At 22 years old, Tomalka’s dreams are coming alive. Eli Tomalka Woodworks, based in Hendersonville, NC, sells epoxy woodwork, end grain butcher blocks, charcuterie trays, kitchen utensils and furniture.

Tomalka says his craft is about more than function; it’s a way to bring history into the present, by giving wood new life.

I think giving wood more of a second life rather than just looking at it is, you know, doing nature a little bit better.

ELI TOMALKA