Laura Zahn
Founder
Allied Woodshop
Los Angeles, CA USA
“Get some real world experience...I ultimately would have gotten so much more out of my time in school if I had known what I wanted to do and applied my education directly to [my passion].”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationLaura Zahn
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
She comes from a family where everyone had a talent for making things with their hands—her father was a hobbyist furniture maker and grew up learning from him.
Attended The College of William & Mary, where she received a bachelor’s degree in human biology, and later attended UCLA, where she earned a master’s degree in urban planning.
Early in her career, she worked in climate change policy and as an environmental organizer but ultimately found herself unsatisfied by the work.
Decided to take a year off and attend the College of the Redwoods’ Fine Furniture program in Northern California.
After moving back to Los Angeles, she wanted to find a woodshop collective that would give her access to machines and help her improve her skills.
When she was unable to find a place that met her needs, she decided to open a woodshop of her own.
She continued working her full time job in order to fund this business venture—gradually she made the career transition and launched Allied Woodshop in 2014.
She also teaches woodworking and furniture making classes at California State University, Long Beach.
Education
High School
Career
Founder
I run a community woodshop that offers classes and a collective shop space for LA woodworkers.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Business
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
The morning starts by answering emails and interacting with students and clients. I visit the shop to make sure everything is running smoothly. I might empty the dust collectors, purchase sandpaper, prep for an upcoming workshop, or handling shop visits from people who are interested in what we're doing. In addition to the daily work, running my own small business means that there's always a business, legal, or financial matters to deal with. I love the constant challenge.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Know your strengths and weaknesses. Assess what you've liked and disliked about your past jobs. Be honest with yourself. Be very, brutally honest with yourself. Then consider what path you'd like to pursue, and make sure that it's aligned with your strengths and passions. Surround yourself with people who will complement your strengths and weaknesses. Seek input from people with experience in your desired field. Be prepared to work very hard.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From undefined:
"You don't have what it takes to do this work."
Challenges I Overcame
Career Change
Gender Discrimination
Financial
Interviewed By
Skill Powered
Finding rewarding work without a four-year degree
