Discovering a Passion for Woodworking: The Story of BB Craft School
Brandt Bester, the founder of BB Craft School, is a self-taught woodworker with a passion for making. His journey to starting the school has been one of excitement and challenges, but through it all, he has never lost his love for woodworking. In this blog post, we'll take a look at Brandt's story and how he turned his passion into a thriving business that is helping others discover their love for woodworking.
BB Team - 2015
Early Days:
Brandt was born and raised in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Strand, where he finished his last year of primary school. After graduating high school in 2007, Brandt took a year working at the civil construction company "ASLA". In 2009, he enrolled in the University of Stellenbosch to study geology.
While he was in university, Brandt's love for woodworking was beginning to take root. In his final year, he built furniture for his flat and friends and family started placing orders for his creations. It was then that he realized, he could get paid for doing something he loved.
The Birth of BB Designs Woodworks:
So, in 2013, Brandt started his own woodworking business - unregistered at first, later to become "BB Designs Woodworks". He started out in his father's shed with the few tools available, but by the end of the year, he had a part-time employee and had moved into his first workshop, which he shared with a friend.
Working with his late grandfather in his father's shed - 2013
On his first installation project building a kitchen and counter for a local restaurant - December 2013
Brandt's student car, used as his bakkie for the first few years
First workshop - 2014
First Duco Project and Video Made - 2014
Brandt and his team tackled more complex projects as his business grew, such as designing and installing fixtures for retail stores and complete houses. He even made an appearance on the Expresso Show. His work helped a contestant win the competition to renovate a flat at the Val de Vie Polo Village.
Project completed for the Win a Home Show in 7 days - 2016
Win a Home Show post installation feature at a previous installation project in Dorp Street Stellenbosch
Despite having little formal training in woodworking, Brandt relied on his natural talent to learn on the job. Often turning to YouTube for guidance and using his naivety to his advantage. "I said yes to jobs and figured it all out afterwards," Brandt remembers.
Brandt and his eldest brother Brink who worked with him for a few months
The BB team, hard at work in their new workshop
Project completed in Cape Town featured in Visi Magazine - 2017
Shift Coffee Shop, Cape Town - 2017
The business continued to grow, taking on bigger and bigger projects as Brandt and his team gained more experience and expertise. BB Designs Woodworks became a go-to destination for high-quality woodworking services in Cape Town and the surrounding area, from furniture-making to shop-fitting.
By this time they did most of their welding in house
Office installation completed, Somerset West - 2019
The Pandemic and the Birth of BB Craft School:
Then came 2020, and the pandemic hit. Brandt found himself in a situation where he had to close his workshop for more than a year. It was a devastating blow, and Brandt struggled to find a new direction for his business. "I closed up my workshop for an entire year," Brandt says. "I started to focus on other things, but my workshop was always at the back of my mind."
Kitchen installation completed, Stellenbosch - 2020
Brandt was approached in 2020 to build a bespoke kitchen in Stellenbosch for a client, even though his business was closed at the time and had no employees. He took on the project and completed it with the help of a part-time employee and his father, who assisted him periodically.
However, Brandt didn't give up. He spent his time during the closure thinking about his business and how he could make it work in the emerging world. And then, during a trip in June of 2021, to the Kruger National Park with his fiancé (now wife), Brandt had a lightbulb moment. "I'm going to start teaching woodwork classes," he told her.
And so, BB Craft School was born. Brandt decided to focus on teaching others the art of woodworking, offering a range of classes and workshops. There's something for everyone at BB Craft School. Brandt's passion and dedication to teaching have made the school a thriving part of the community. They've also welcomed students from all corners of South Africa.
BB Craft School - Opened January 2021
The Joy of Teaching:
"I love teaching and seeing the lightbulb moment when people understand what I am trying to teach them," Brandt says. "It's so rewarding to see people leave the workshop with a new skill and the confidence to tackle their projects at home."
But for Brandt, the biggest reward is the feeling of hope and resilience that comes from overcoming adversity and finding success. "After everything we've been through, I feel so grateful to be able to do what I love and help others discover their passions," he says.
Some of the first "Cupboard Course" graduates
A Need for Trained Craftspeople:
Brandt also sees a significant need for quality craftsmen and women in South Africa. The country requires trained and skilled individuals who can contribute to local businesses and help them be more efficient. This is part of what motivates him to teach others the art of woodworking.
"There's a huge demand for skilled craftsmen and women in South Africa, and I want to help fill that gap," Brandt says. "I want to teach people the skills they need to succeed in the industry, whether they want to work at an established business or start their own business. For those who just want to learn woodworking as a hobby or for therapeutic reasons, I'm happy to share my knowledge and experience with everyone."
Students learn to design using computer software
BB Craft School is a testament to Brandt's passion and dedication to woodworking. It is a place where people of all skill levels can come to learn and discover their love for woodworking. If you want to learn the art of woodworking or try something new, join the fun at BB Craft School. Grab some wood and tools and let Brandt and his team show you the ropes. Who knows, you might discover a hidden passion for woodworking just like Brandt did.
Learning to work with power tools
Students design and build their cupboard-style side tables
Glueing their cutting boards
Finishing a cutting board in the "Cupboard Course"
Last installation project:
In 2022, Brandt decided to take on one final office project. He worked on this project with a new team and completed it in September of that year. After completing this project, Brandt realized that it would be his last and decided to shift his focus completely to building the school and providing training.
Office project completed in Paarl - September 2022
(Completion photos still to be taken)
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from the experienced and passionate team at BB Craft School. Visit their website to browse their class offerings and sign up today. Who knows, you might discover a new love for woodworking.
General Woodwork Course student with his solid oak side table in the making
General Woodwork Course Graduates
Cupboard Design Build & Install Course Graduate
Our last graduates for 2022 - 16 December 2022
We at BB Craft School are incredibly excited about the possibilities that 2023 holds for us. We have already begun planning for new classes and projects that we can't wait to share with our students. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm our students have shown us over the past year, and we look forward to welcoming even more students into our community in the coming year. Whether you are a seasoned woodworking enthusiast or just starting on your craft journey, we have something for everyone at BB Craft School. We can't wait to see what the future holds, and we hope to see you in our studio soon.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. '" — Jeremiah 29:11
The BB Craft School Team