068 – Anneliesse Gormley of Spoon + Hook on Learning to Say No and Ask for What You Want

In this episode, we interview Anneliesse Gormley, a woodworker, artist, and owner of Spoon & Hook in Asheville, NC.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Anneliese shares her story of heartbreak and how that uprooted her and led to her path of woodworking
• Why Anneliesse would tell people that she was a “woodworker” before she felt like she really was one
• Learning to say “no”
• The first channels that Anneliesse used for selling her work and why she loves Shopify
• Lessons on being okay with failure
• How Anneliesse learned woodworking and where gets her inspiration from
• Why she says it’s important to not only say what you want but ask for it, too

Enjoyed this interview? We think you might also dig this episode with local jewelry maker, Molly Dingledine.

---

• Ariel Alasko – female woodworker in NYC – The artist who Anneliese gathered her inspiration from. Check out her work at http://www.arielealasko.com/
• Lisa Zahiya – Anneliesse took her business class. Check out her episode on Making It In Asheville: https://makingitinasheville.com/episode/065-lisa-zahiya/
• Kristy Quinn – Owner of 5 Walnut Wine Bar
• Tim Gormley-  Husband of Anneliesse and Co-owner of Burial Beer and Forestry Camp 
• Toni Ewing – Asheville Craft Realty in West Asheville – Anneliesse’s realtor
• Emmy Bethel of Alchemy – Acupuncture clinic/tea shop just off of Charlotte St. in Asheville
• Workshop master, artist, video producer Jimmy DiResta. Check out his work at his Jimmy DiResta website.
• Cherokee Macon Bird Clan of Kentucky – the Native American Lineage that was traced back when Anneliesse was gifted the spoon that would change her course of direction from her grandmother.

Books & Music

• “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down!” Chumbawamba’s famous words.
• The Alchemist, book by Paulo Coehlo 
• Sapiens, book by Yuval Noah Harari
• Too Much and Never Enough, book by Mary Trump

Quotes to add to your life

• “Anytime you hear a snapping turtle, they won’t let go until it thunders” – a saying that Anneliesse’s grandmother once said. It’s something that has never made sense to Anneliesse but she appreciates it. We are always here for a great quote from grandma. 
• “Throw a boa on it, throw some glitter on it, who cares, you only live once!” – Referencing her overall inspiration from Cher. 

Preferred Tools & Products

• Swiss Made– Hand tools Anneliese uses to create her one of a kind pieces.
• Two Cherries– Woodworking tools for when you’re feeling crafty.
• Rifle Paper Co.– Journals & paper products that make you excited to get some ink to paper.

Events

Johnson City – Storytelling Festival annual