Owned by Rachel Shaw and her mother Claudia Gonzalez, AR Workshop Garland is truly a family effort. The mother and daughter team get help from Rachel’s dad, brother, nephews and niece. And they all had a hand in decorating and setting up the shop.
Rachel and Claudia love what they do.
Photos provided by AR Workshop.
“It’s a lot of work,” Rachel said. “But working as an executive assistant at my previous job taught me how to juggle lots of tasks at once, which is what I need to do here.”
She added that she had been laid off from a job at an oil and gas company in 2016. Then one day she saw a sign on Pinterest that she wanted to make. The link led her to the AR Workshop website, and she found a location in Frisco.
Claudia, who was working at a law practice, went with Rachel to see the shop and they fell in love with the concept. Rachel checked out similar businesses, but she loved the AR Workshop, the colors and the feel of it and the designs.
Claudia was ready to reduce her hours to part-time and work at home for the law firm, so the two of them applied for a franchise. However, they were denied on the first try. They found out that it was because of the location for which they were applying. So, they applied again and asked for a franchise in Garland. Two days later they received word that they were approved.
Garland was great because it’s where Rachel grew up. Also, it was halfway between where she and Claudia live.
When people ask Rachel what she does, and she answers that it is a DIY wood workshop, she’s not sure they understand. When they visit the shop and see all the amazing projects, they get it.
“We do wood projects like porch signs, lazy susans, canvas projects like pillows, chunky blankets, and bolsters, just all sorts of things,” Rachel said. “I think the most rewarding thing about it is when someone comes in and says they aren’t a crafter. Then, by the time they leave, they have a beautiful, finished product for their home, customized with their colors and with their family name on it.”
Rachel and Claudia love the new friends they’ve made. In addition to Garland, they get visitors from Dallas, Rowlett, Richardson, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie and Rockwall to name a few.
Photos provided by AR Workshop
Even though Rachel enjoyed her previous job, she’s much happier at the workshop. Claudia agreed. The work is different but there’s less stress and they love it.
“That makes all the difference in the world,” Claudia said. “I feel so much better now.”
Rachel said that she always encourages people to find something they love. It might not be a high-paying job, but in the long run, you’ll be happy and that’s what matters.
The shop is in its third year and, like everyone, COVID affected them negatively. However, the corporate office helped by creating DIY to go kits and doing virtual workshops.
You can go in individually or with a group and have a party! It’s great for kids’ parties, birthday parties, date nights, girls’ night out, team building events, employee appreciation events and more.
Check out the website to see exactly how it works. Briefly, you select a project from the site. Use the calendar that shows which projects are available on each day and decide when you want to go. Make your reservation and pay online. Then you’ll receive a confirmation.
When you go in, you choose the details like paint or stain, color, technique, etc. so that everything matches your colors and décor.
AR Workshop is located at 3003 President George Bush Freeway, Suite 600, Garland, Texas 75040. Stop in to see what it’s all about – or better yet, schedule a party! You and your friends will love it.