Meet Sev

What do you get when you combine a creative, multi-talented man and a bland, automaton existence in the corporate world? A DISSATISFIED, creative, and multi-talented man; a man that is willing to take the financial risk of a career change during economically turbulent times in the effort to truly be himself and no longer be treated as a hollow, expendable figure in some pathetic corporate numbers game. That's right, we said it.

After twenty-five years, a once promising and enticing business career in the world of information technology had lost its luster. Every day, as Sev drove to work, he became more and more aware of his growing dissatisfaction with his job. When asked by his wife, “How was work?” his predictable reply was, “They pay me, so I go.” He began to feel strongly that something was missing. With the economic down-turn, Sev was laid off once again. He felt like he was standing at a crossroads.

Sev wanted to do something with his hands that would give him the sense of gratification that comes with creating something. He always admired the creative talent and artistic ability of his dear friend, Jon Schulps (RIP), who was a former pro-football player for the Vikings and the Giants, a potter, a scrimshander, an artist, and a knife-maker, who also happened to hold a Master’s degree in architectural ceramics from UCLA. Jon was truly a modern day Renaissance man. Knowing Sev’s respect and admiration for Jon Schulps, Sev’s wife suggested that he go visit Jon for a week or so and give him a hand with his family business, Schulps Pottery and Knives. This trip to visit Jon ended up changing Sev’s life in a way that he had never imagined.

During his visit to Jon in 2006, Sev tried using the wood lathe Jon had in his workshop. It was a tool he had never used before, but it unearthed a talent and a passion Sev never knew he had. Sev was finally creating something, something that felt very organic and in tune with nature. When he came back home and enthusiastically told his wife and daughters about his new-found abilities, Sev’s wife said, “You have a Master’s degree in business, and a craft you love doing, so let’s start a family business!” So we did and Sev has never looked back.

sev pakradouni workshop

Meet the Team

  • sevs wood crafts

    Anni Pakradouni

    Manager, Craftswoman, Artist

  • sevs wood crafts

    Diana Saba

    Website and Social Media Manager

  • sevs wood crafts

    Katherine Pakradouni

    Pyrographer

  • sevs wood crafts

    Jennifer Ching

    Guardian Angel

Sev’s Philosophy

I strive to find and bring out the natural beauty of each piece by letting the wood guide the design. The colors and patterns that emerge as I turn the wood on the lathe are original works of art from Nature itself. Thus, each item I produce is completely unique and a fine representation of that particular piece of wood.

I try to be conscientious of where I get my wood. At times, I have scavenged wood myself (e.g., fallen or trimmed branches), but I most often use online sources to buy wood. When I buy wood online, I look for wood identified as "cut-offs."  These cut-offs are discarded pieces of wood others deem unsuitable for their projects. The wood pieces may have been discarded for various reasons, such as inappropriate size, color, or pattern. In any case, these discards become my treasures. I also continue to purchase wood from tree salvagers, tree trimmers, and sustainable growers, or tree farmers who replace what they use or cultivate.

Using every last bit of the wood I get is important to me. Since I create a variety of products in various sizes, when I have leftover wood, I evaluate what is the best use of the wood available and then make something out of it.  I even use the sawdust produced from my lathing.  Very little goes to waste.