Tuesday Truth: From Cancer to Creativity — How Cave Hill Wood Co. Was Born
Tuesday Truth: From Cancer to Creativity — How Cave Hill Wood Co. Was Born
Hey y’all,
I thought for our very first Tuesday Truth on the blog, I’d share the story behind Cave Hill Wood Co.—how it came to be, why it means so much to me, and how something as dark and terrifying as cancer somehow led to something pretty amazing.
It All Started in December 2016
That’s when I first heard the word cancer—specifically, small intestine adenocarcinoma. It’s rare, aggressive, and at the time, not something they treated with the goal of a cure. Most doctors just tried to keep patients comfortable.
But I was only 38, and my team said they’d give it everything they had. And so began what would become an 8-year journey—one full of surgeries, chemo, setbacks, and a whole lot of waiting and wondering.
In 2016, I’d already been off work for most of the year. The doctors told me I’d likely be off through 2017 too—and that I might never go back. That part turned out to be true.
Crafting Through the Chaos
By the end of 2017, I knew I had to find something that gave me a sense of purpose again. I’ve always been creative, so I started dabbling in all sorts of crafts from home. I tried a little of everything, but nothing ever really clicked… until I picked up a woodburning pen.
Something about it just felt right. I could sit comfortably and burn designs into wood. I didn’t have the strength to cut or sand the pieces, but that’s where John came in. He took on the tough jobs—cutting, sanding, prepping the wood—while I brought it to life.
And just like that, we had a rhythm. A little team.
From Survival to Small Business
Over the years, between chemo and healing, I kept practicing. My skills got better, my confidence grew, and eventually, I started adding in hand-dipped incense (although John isn’t a fan of the smell when I’m soaking it—lol).
Little by little, things came together. It was never a straight line. Some months I could barely function. Others, I’d get bursts of creativity and energy and make a dozen pieces in a weekend.
But here’s the thing… I never stopped. And now, for the first time in what feels like forever, I’ve been clear for a year and a half. I’ve got inventory. I’ve got drive. I’ve got ideas pouring out of me faster than I can burn them.
And most importantly? I’ve got John by my side, making this dream a reality—one plank, one burn, one laugh at a time.
What’s Next?
Cave Hill Wood Co. is just getting started, but our story has deep roots. I’ll be sharing more about my cancer journey in future posts—some serious, some funny, and some that might make you snort coffee out your nose.
This little business of ours? It’s more than products. It’s healing. It’s handmade. And it’s ours.
Thanks for being here for the ride.
With love,
Amy & John
The Cave Hill Crew
And Life can be one challenging but rewarding ride, too..😃