Our Story
Beech Tree Studio is truly a place, an idea, a family, and a labor of love. I love working with my hands, and I love teaching poeple that they can too. I have a passion for empowering people in the most accessible way, and I could not be more grateful for the beautiful community this business brings together.
The brains, creativity, and passion behind this little shop stems from the beautiful people behind it.
What We're About
Every shop I've ever worked in has been dominated by cis, straight, white men who don't share the same affinity to welcome others into the fold. Enough is enough - that's where we come in! Everyone should have access to these skills - trying power tools, learn handy skills and join a community of makers.
We meet you where you're at.
We're here for you to work at your own pace.
We're here to help you learn, play and create in a supportive and safe environment.
The Team
Claire
Founder & CEO
Claire is a self-proclaimed Carpenter Barbie with over 10 years of experience in the craft. Former theatrical carpenter, technical engineer and educator, Claire has always had a passion for teaching and empowering folks in all things creative. From teaching at NYC College of Technology and Pace University, to running the scenery crews at NYSF’s Shakespeare in the Park, she has worked up and down the theater spectrum.
Beech Tree Studio is her baby - a culmination of years of creating, teaching and collaborating with folks from all different backgrounds, all different experiences and all levels of artistic vision and creativity. Finally, this is a space for it all to come together!
Diana
Co-Founder & Creator
Diana Dávila is a creative force and fierce advocate in all aspects of her life and career. She lives on the border of U.S./Mexico in El Paso, Texas, and works as an artist, technical engineer, and educator with a borderlands and laborer-first philosophy. She is currently a graduate student in the Borderlands and Ethnic Studies program at New Mexico State University, where she works to visibilize traditionally invisible labor in institutions - think physical labor in the arts, custodial/ janitorial work in universities, and patriarchal expectations of women in the workplace.
Claire and Diana met in New York City, after hearing of one another for years and barely missing each other - once the meeting happened, they have continued to collaborate as laborers, artists, and community-focused creatives. Diana is incredibly excited to be a part of Beech Tree Studios and looks forward to serving the Ohio community!
De aquí pa' lla con mucho amor
EJ
Chaos Coordinator
EJ is a union Electrician in Cleveland’s IBEW Local 38, and has been wrangling Claire’s chaos in a spousal sense since college. Claire and EJ have lived so many lives together, it only seems natural to add an entire business into that collection. As a former theatrical electrician and lighting designer, EJ has a completely different lens into making the creative process practical.
Avid reader, writer, gardener and axe-throwing champ, they are the perfect person to round out the Beech Tree team! They can't wait for Claire's next crazy idea.
Lily, Luna & Stella
Shop Cats
Three little Voids, helping as best they can.
... so, not at all.
