1. FURNITURE IS A LANGUAGE: Woodworker Luis Peña on storytelling, making, and creativity

In the premiere episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the wood shop of Luis Peña, furniture designer and woodworker behind Peña Made, to explore his creative journey from graphic design and filmmaking to handcrafted furniture. Together, they discuss storytelling through objects, the power of a beginner’s mindset, building a business rooted in craft, and the deeper meaning behind making things by hand. This episode offers a soulful look into the world of modern artisanship and what it means to create with intention.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork – a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🪵Where to find Luis Peña:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penamade.sf/Check out his work: https://penamade.com/🛠️Where to find The Trades Show:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTv8cpMzFfwRjaSHiT9e2AInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetradesshowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – Luis PeñaHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio Creative Direction, Filming, Editing & Show Art – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane MusicSpecial Thanks: The Whiskey & Wood crew for hosting this conversation :)📺 In this episode:00:00 – Introduction01:21 – Meet Luis Peña & his journey into woodworking04:48 – From graphic design to filmmaking to furniture10:53 – Storytelling through furniture design13:09 – Family roots, memory, and inspiration16:54 – Designing without formal training19:27 – Collaboration, community & creative flow24:43 – Making pieces that hold a life of their own27:05 – Wood types, materials & working process31:41 – Blending handwork and CNC technology33:20 – Scaling the business while staying small35:27 – The business side: learning on the fly37:55 – Advice for aspiring artisans40:42 – Mentorship, risk, and failure45:30 – Creativity as something that flows through us48:12 – Outro