Introducing Imperium Woodcraft

Dan Janssen is the owner of Imperium Woodcraft. This store offers unique hand-made grooming accessories that garners a luxury status without the luxury price tag. He is a connoisseur of woodworking who succeeds in making the smallest, but important, things extravagent. We are very excited he was able to talk about his business with us.

Carla David Design: How did you get inspired to start your own company?

Dan Janssen: I started woodworking many years ago as a hobby. I have always had a love for finely crafted things but often couldn’t afford the price tags that go along with and designer furniture. So I joined a wood guild and started learning how to make small tables, custom lamps, and even chairs. I made a few pens with some wood scrap for friends to give as gifts and fell in love with the lathe. From there I focused down to grooming products like the razors, brushes, groomsman sets, etc and found a tremendous response and excitement from people.  Since then, I have refined the products and continue to grow the business.

CDD: What are some exciting or unique details about your products and services?

DJ: Imperium offers a very specialized line of hand-made, hardwood grooming accessories that I would call luxury products. However, despite the care and detail they simply don’t have the “luxury” price tag.  I think high quality stylish products are something we are missing from our everyday life.  Everything these days is made as cheaply as possible and we tend to be content to be surrounded by things that are frankly quite ugly. Why can’t we have both? Why can’t we have stylish unique things that are still within a reasonable budget? Sure I could buy a razor handle for $10 that works well enough or I could spend a little bit more and have something that adds beauty and refinement to my routine for years to come.

CDD: What makes you happiest about what you do?

DJ: With out a doubt it would be the great response I’ve gotten from customers. Interestingly, most of the emails I receive come from wives and girlfriends who bought a razor set or other item as a gift.  I have a lot of repeat customers as well, and being that I am a very small business the overwhelmingly positive response I’ve gotten has reinforced my drive to no end.

CDD: In your opinion, why are hand-made goods important?

DJ:  People have come to a point where honest hand-made goods mean a lot. Smart consumers are looking for products that show thought, skill, style and a craftsman’s touch. Most of what is sold today is machine made, mass produced, and mediocre. I think we do ourselves a disservice by filling our homes, and lives with these things. Designer goods with quality material, and a makers hand, have always been a passion of mine and have inspired me even when I couldn’t afford to own such things. I think reasonably priced hand-made products are making a come back in recent years party because the internet has taken away the “middle man” and made it easier for artisans to get their work to a wider audience.  Lets hope it continues!

CDD: What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

DJ: Unwind!??? hahahaha

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Visit Imperium Woodcraft‘s website and Etsy to buy your hand made grooming accessories today!