"Creatives with Aloha" featuring Jake James of All Fixed Maui
“Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.”
Meet Jake James. Friend. Oregon State Alma Mater. Creative Entrepreneur. Crew Boat Captain. Property Manager. Paintballer. Artist. Master of all trades. Hardest worker in the room. Owner of @allfixedmaui in Hawaii!
Jake is one of those extremely humble artists, not even realizing how creative and gifted he is! Since I met Jake at Crossfit State of Mind, he always has a creative project on the go! From experimenting with fractal wood burning designs, building custom furniture and statement pieces like gorgeous live edge resin coffee tables, customizing his 4-runner truck conversion, welding, carpentry, completing Pinterest worthy home renovations, carving wood figurines, creating unique sailor knot projects, hydro dipping designs, the list is literally endless.
Also impressive are Jake’s elaborate Halloween costume creations, from detailed Ghost Buster originals, to full body robot armor complete with flashing buttons to name a couple.
Jake is a perfect example to all artists to continue to create what truly inspires you in the moment! He also excels as a business owner, of All Fixed Maui, while also spending time in Alaska each summer, as a Crew Boat Captain, transporting crew and cargo to offshore oil drill sites.
Q&A with Jake James…
Self-taught or who mentored you?
“I had a lot of mentoring from my father. He is a master craftsman. His father was a finish carpenter and so was his father’s father. So, wood working, and creative thinking runs in the bloodline for sure. Also, I am constantly seeking out information and new techniques to better my skills.”
What's your favorite part about woodworking/building?
“My favorite part about wood working is the endless potential to create something new and different. Watching something take shape in front of you created by your own two hands is powerful.”
Favorite woodworking project to date?
“Favorite project to date is tough to call. Each project I complete has a bit of me in it. I think, the one I am the most proud of and happy with was the mango, live edge, resin fill coffee table. I overcame a lot of challenges to create the table and it turned out better then I had anticipated.”
What music/place/artist inspires you in your work?
“The music I usually listen to, to get moving in my shop is probably a 90’s alternative mix. Smashing pumpkins and Rage against the Machine is played heavily.”
Favorite place in Hawaii?
“Favorite places in Hawaii is north shore Kauai and upcountry Maui.”
Jake’s meticulous designs, endless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit is very inspiring to me, and definitely makes him a “Creative with Aloha”. I look forward to seeing your next project!