Valarrie Fay Joseph has made the journey from fashion and advertising to woodworking, a testament to determination and creativity – and a challenge to gender norms in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Some people can look at a simple piece of wood and envision endless possibilities – whether it’s a cabinet, a table, or even an entire bar crafted from it. Valarrie Fay Joseph is one of those individuals, possessing the unique ability to see the potential in a timber log and transform it into a work of art.

A FEMALE CARPENTER

Valarrie is the mastermind behind Joe’s Wood Works – a name based on Valarrie’s surname. She is not only the owner of this woodworking company, but also designs furniture and other interior objects for her customers. Located in Puchong, Joe’s Wood Works may be a small business, but there’s nothing small about its vision and impact. Valarrie began her career in fashion and the advertising industry before taking the bold step to establish her own business eight years ago. She is an artsy person with a bubbly character who learnt carpentry from YouTube tutorials. It all started on her porch at home with just one hammer, a few nails, and some discarded wood. Her quirky designs made all the difference.

Starting a small business is not for the faint of heart. It demands tenacity, hard work, and the resilience to navigate countless challenges and setbacks along the way. The journey to success is filled with obstacles, but overcoming them is what defines a thriving business. However, Val from Joe’s Wood Works will tell you that it’s well worth the struggle to own your own business with the hope that your business will thrive. The single mother of one decided to ignore the occasional snide remarks and whispers of ‘a female carpenter’ – a profession regarded by many as an exclusively male domain.

FROM SELLING CLOTHES TO MASTERING CARPENTRY

Valarrie has always been an enterprising type, and she shares her journey with us. “I have a diverse background, having sold plus-size women’s clothing for many years and also running a small business specializing in plants displayed in glass jars. My career later took me into the advertising industry, where I worked as an office manager.

In my spare time, I once crafted a wooden chessboard purely for the joy of it. It wasn’t made with any intention to sell or showcase – just a personal project created for my own enjoyment. When friends and family saw it, they asked if I could make more for them.” Val shows us the original chessboard that she made years ago. The pieces and the board look fabulous, and the design is beautiful in its simplicity.

“Following that, the demand for my custom furniture designs and wooden wall decorations increased rapidly, marking a swift and exciting expansion of my business.” Val then quit her job as an office manager and started collaborating with a professional carpenter. Nowadays, she has her own workshop, equipped with a carpenters’ team and power tools. With nine years of woodworking experience under the belt, Joe’s Wood Works has developed a diverse range of products like custom interior fit outs, furniture, homeware, and gift products. Occasionally, Valarrie picks up a hammer herself, but she mostly leaves the work to her professional team of carpenters. She collaborates with clients to design a wide variety of furniture pieces. Dog houses, tables, cabinets, beds, garden furniture, dollhouses – you name it, and Valarrie and her team can make it.

“Things really took off when I was commissioned to design and create the interior for La Cava bar in Bangsar. The following year, we had the incredible opportunity to craft tables, chairs, and other custom items for Puteh Beach Bar at Balok Beach, Kuantan. That project was not just a success, but an absolute joy to bring to life! The owner wanted a white bar concept, so we came up for a site visit, discussed the project, and took a lot of ideas back to KL with us. I sat down at the drawing table and send my plans to the owner, who was immediately enthusiastic. We built most of the furniture here in KL in a month’s time and after that it took us five days’ work on site.”

SUSTAINABLE CARPENTRY

Over the years, sustainability became an important consideration at Joe’s Wood Works, where the carpenters minimize wood waste by carefully planning projects, utilising scrap wood and sawdust, and recycling or repurposing waste materials. Efficient cutting patterns, precise measurements, and quality craftsmanship help reduce errors and waste. Leftover wood pieces are sorted for use in other projects rather than ending up in landfills. Salvaging barn wood, factory pallets, and demolition waste gives materials new life while reducing waste. Valarrie comments, “When I first began woodworking, I worked primarily with pallet wood. Now, I’ve transitioned to using pine, ironwood, and rubber wood, offering superior quality and a much drier, more durable material.”

GIVING BACK

As Val’s company is of course a woman-owned business, Joe’s Wood Works is committed to empower single mothers across Malaysia. “Some are entrepreneurs like me,” she explains, “while others are full-time single moms – an around-the-clock job that deserves recognition and respect. I help them by sharing their products online to get exposure, and sometimes my support extends to helping them launch their business with funding, wood materials, or even training. In July, I hosted free laser engraving workshops specifically for single mothers at my workshop, providing them with useful skills and creative outlets. I also have conducted workshops for B40 children, teaching them how to craft wooden earrings. I then sold these handmade pieces on their behalf, helping to empower them financially.”

Val is also dedicated to uplift the Orang Asli community in Malaysia by offering free carpentry workshops for them. These workshops provide valuable skills that help participants rebuild their lives and improve their livelihoods. The initiative began when Val was approached by an organization focused on supporting the Orang Asli. The community had already acquired power tools but lacked the necessary skills to use them effectively. Val and her team stepped in to fill this gap, teaching essential carpentry techniques that empower the Orang Asli to increase their economic opportunities and sustain their families. Her efforts go beyond just teaching; she also raises funds and continually seeks ways to support this community in meaningful, lasting ways.

THE CUSTOMER IS KING 

Valarrie and her woodworking team prioritize customer friendliness. If a piece of furniture isn’t to the client’s satisfaction after delivery, the carpenters will come back to adjust it. As Val says, “A satisfied customer not only returns, but also spreads the word about our work. That’s why we are committed to ensuring our clients are 100% satisfied with our products. If that means we need to revisit and refine our work multiple times, we gladly do so. Our priority is delivering excellence, every time.”

Each year before Christmas, I design and create personalized Christmas ornaments that add a unique touch to the holiday season. These ornaments are in high demand, so if you’d like to order some, it’s best to act quickly – November and December are my busiest months!”