Recent Positively West Virginia guest, Andrew Rice, has dedicated his career to bringing the art of blacksmithing back into the mainstream design world. As the owner of Sky Forge Metalworks, located in Preston County, West Virginia, Andrew believes in pursuing the thing that makes you happy.
When Andrew graduated with a Physics degree, he had no idea that he would soon uncover his true passion for metal forging. He first discovered this passion in a metal forging class that was a gift. He described his first experience with metal forging as feeling like second nature to him as if he’d done it in another life.
Andrew’s first steps into the business world with his craft were complex. Over time he has found that his business is very dependent on his dedication to both it and himself. He’s had to learn to take jobs that are out of his comfort zone and to accept all opportunities that come through the door, whether he is excited about them or not.
A big part of Andrew’s job is learning and forming his own techniques. He said, “You sort of have to think backward from where you want to be.” This is primarily due to the fact that blacksmithing is so ancient and now so uncommon that much of the art and knowledge of the skill has been lost to time. Luckily for Andrew, determination and trial and error go a long way in this craft.
Developing Sky Forge Metalworks hasn’t been an easy task, but Andrew really values the lessons he has learned from the venture so far. Because of his business, he’s learned a new sense of resilience, self-care, and craftsmanship that he will continue to develop as his business grows.
If you ask Andrew, success lies within commitment and love for doing what you do.
Listen here: https://positivelywv.com/podcast/episode-170-andrew-rice-sky-forge-metal-works/
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- PIECE OF ADVICE: “You can’t take care of your business if you’re not taking care of yourself,” said Andrew.