Ignite My Pyrography Dream: Help a Disabled Artist Launch a Startup 🎨🔥

Hi, I’m Josh Rhoades. Here’s my truth:
I worked a 9-5 job for 5½ years—until a sudden medical condition left me unable to continue. Overnight, my world changed. But instead of giving up, I picked up a pyrography pen and started burning my pain into art.

This isn’t just a business—it’s my lifeline.
Pyrography (wood-burning art) lets me create despite my physical limits. I’ve spent months designing modern, minimalist pieces that celebrate life, memorialize loved ones, and turn homes into galleries. But to launch, I need your help.

Why Givebutter?

    🎯 Transparency: Every dollar’s use is outlined below.

    🌱 Community Power: Sharing this campaign is as impactful as donating.

    🔥 Urgency: My disability claim could take months—this startup can’t wait

The Vision

Business Name: Ember & Essence Studio
Mission: Create pyrography art that tells stories—yours, mine, and ours.

What Makes It Special:

    Modern Aesthetic: Think clean lines, nature motifs, and personalized quotes—not your grandma’s pyrography.

    Social Impact: 10% of profits fund free memorial plaques for grieving families.

    Planet-Friendly: Sustainably sourced wood, zero plastic packaging.

Why $25,000?

Category    Cost    Impact
Professional Tools    $10,000   

High-precision pyrography pens, laser engraver, safety gear.
Inventory & Studio    $7,000   

Bulk wood, stains, eco-packaging, and a ventilated home studio.
Website & Branding    $5,000

E-commerce site (Shopify/Fourthwall), logo, product photos, SEO.
Launch Marketing    $2,000

Instagram/Pinterest ads targeting art lovers and pet owners.
Givebutter Fees    $1,000

Platform fees (4%) + payment processing.

You’re Funding These First Collections:

    “Legacy” Series: Custom memorial plaques for pets and loved ones.

    “Home Soul” Collection: Minimalist wall art (e.g., mountainscapes, florals).

    “Words Matter” Line: Inspirational quotes burned into rustic wood.

Stencils for non-Custom art work

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Why Back Me?

    I’ve Done the Homework: Researched competitors, priced products profitably, and validated designs through free community surveys.

    Grit Over Glory: No team, no prior sales—just relentless practice and a stong business plan backed by my previous business knowledge.

    Your ROI: Emotional ROI! Every piece funded = a story told and a disabled entrepreneur empowered.