We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Abrego and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I constantly have a ton of ideas in my head that I can’t let go of until I bring it to life. Whether they work or not. Working a typical 9-5 job doesn’t allow for the opportunity/time to pursue those ideas. There was a point where I had a few large side projects that came up and could possibly lead to me being able to do what I do full time. So I left my day job and pushed my craft full-time. 6 years later and here I am still doing what I love.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think the fact that we are trying to be as sustainable as possible. Saving and repurposing material. Little waste (hopefully zero waste in the future). Giving all our small off-cuts to a hobbyist so they turn it into something beautiful instead of firewood. Using domestic hardwoods and urban salvaged wood. I have been a finish carpenter for about 15 years. Making furniture as a hobby for about 8 years, slowly accumulating tools and honing my skills. It wasn’t easy, I have been working my ass off for a long time. Grinding, late hours, sacrifice, debt. Nothing good comes easy. I have learned to be really good at saying no. It’s important to learn the value of your time, don’t let someone else try to out way their time over yours, especially if you’re an artist or have a niche skill. I will never outsource my pieces to be made overseas or give the rights to a big box company to make them that way. To be made in a factory in a country where a corporation exploits cheap labor, doesn’t take care of their workers, and uses cheap materials. We are about craftsmanship, providing good paying jobs to artisans, and using quality materials.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are pretty close to the ocean so there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. Take a boat ride to Catalina. There are a ton of state and regional parks that are worth checking out. In California the weather is pretty mild so I would tell anyone to camp in a tent at any of the state parks. As far as food here’s a few Vegan places that I would recommend- Seabirds kitchen, Vibe, The wild chive, Gracias Madre,Vegan by El Zamorano, Eden Vegan restaurant , Nice burger,Plant power fast food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big shoutout to my partner Bergen Wood! When I was at the tipping point and unsure, she said go for it! Facing a mortgage, bills, 1 baby deep and another on the way. She saw the opportunity and believed in it, that was the push I needed to go all in. Also any friends or family that had us make pieces for them that helped fill the gaps, especially Rick wood my father in law. He was kind of a guinea pig for a few pieces/methods I hadn’t done before lol Thanks Rick!

Website: AbregoFurniture.com

Instagram: @abregofurniture

Image Credits
All pictures with the camper shell in it-@nickradford

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