Made True: Knock On Wood
- MT Trim Co
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Meet Yesenia “Yesi” Gomez, a fierce business owner and maker based in Central Florida who can build just about anything – Knock On Wood (pun fully intended!).
With a name like Yesi, it’s no surprise her motto is #YesICanBuildThat. But there’s more to her story than clever hashtags and custom cuts.
From the Courtroom to the Workshop
If you had told Yesi 10 years ago that her future would smell like cedar and she’d run on Dr. Pepper (Strawberries & Cream, to be exact), she probably would’ve laughed, then objected. Because that’s what you do after 20 years in law. But in 2022, after two decades of legal briefs, she traded in her blazer for a tool belt and hasn’t looked back since.
How it Started vs. How it’s Going
It all started back in 2016, when the itch to transform her home sparked something more than just weekend projects. From basic shelves to a full-blown custom fireplace, she renovated her home piece by piece, gaining confidence—and an ever-growing tool collection—with each project. From experimenting with building outdoor patio furniture to creating a reading loft for her little girl at the time, it was clear that this was her calling.
Fast forward to now, Yesi spends her days building custom furniture, desks, built-ins – basically anything and everything that involves wood. She’s running a full-fledged woodworking business out of her shop, solo. Yes, solo. As in, she is a designer, builder, estimator, accountant, marketer, and content creator – all rolled into one.
Her favorite part of the process? Building and finishing. While design has its place, it’s the hands-on transformation that really lights her up.
One Step at a Time
Her secret to managing it all without burning out? Pacing. “I’ve learned not to take on more than what I can handle. I space out my builds – so I can fully dedicate time to each one and deliver quality builds and meet my clients’ expectations.”
That, and she understands when you run a business on your own, you can embrace the tools at your fingertips – even technology. “It’s a plus for us,” noting it can help with everything from administrative duties to creating sketches and generating any report needed.
Pro Tip: Adaptability is just as important as precision, as it allows you to focus on what matters.
A Build to Remember
Among her many projects, one favorite stands out: a custom sink counter for a vintage shop. Designed to fit a tricky space, it featured scalloped wood details and a built-in sink. We must say, it turned out beautiful!
A Dream Build
A full-blown camper or RV renovation. And if anyone can pull that off, it’s her. She’s got the skill, the vision, and the drive.
Building Smart
Yesi recently introduced a collapsible, mobile bar and cart design to her catalogue of Knock On Wood builds. It’s perfect for…
✅ Garage hangout hosts
✅ Artists needing mobile table displays
✅ Crafters needing smart storage
Each cart is custom-made, with choices in size, wood, color, and finish.
Tool-Time
As for tools, she’s all-in on Makita – especially her track saw, trim router, and planer. If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to catch her in this official partnership video, showing some serious love for the MakTrack modular storage system!
Quick Cuts
Favorite Wood: Lately, cedar – inspired by a recent deck/fence build. The scent and the lightness of the wood inspired this answer, but we know she truly enjoys all wood species.
Favorite Finish: “It depends on the build. My go-to for hardwood furniture builds or tables is Rubio Monocoat.” A solid choice!
Advice to Younger Self: “Don’t wait to pursue the things that bring you true happiness.”
Advice for the Aspiring Maker
When asked what advice she’d give to those looking to get into the trade, Yesi kept it real.
“Don’t let anything hold you back. There are so many resources out there to learn from – there are no excuses, just a lack of self-motivation.”
In other words: if you want to build, start building. And when you do, celebrate the wins, no matter how small – they’re what keep the momentum going.
So what keeps Yesi going? “Seeing the satisfaction on my clients’ faces when I finish a build. And on a personal level, I’d say my accomplishments. It brings me satisfaction and motivation to continue growing my business.”
Dreaming Bigger
Her advice and motivation seem to be a philosophy that applies to her own growth, too. Whether she’s refining her technique or tackling bigger goals—like growing her shop space or eventually hiring help—she’s always pushing forward.
Why She Loves the Trade?
That’s simple. “Being able to build something out of nothing—well, other than wood—and the fact that you can bring most visions to reality.”
Mentor to Master
If you’re wondering where her passion all comes from, look no further than her dad. “I was about seven,” she says. “He was slowly renovating the basement of my childhood home, and I was his assistant.” She recalls handing him the hammer, tools, screws. Endless trips to lumber stores and going tool shopping almost every weekend. Although she was very young at the time, she was awestruck by what he could do on his own. “Those memories are what fuel my love and passion for building and carpentry.”
Yesi, whether she realizes it yet or not, is also a mentor herself. She’s also incredibly collaborative—actively engaging with others in the woodworking community. And, all good mentors have the desire to become better, learn more, and master the craft – three things she tells us she wants to do. Let’s be honest, she’s on the path to do just that!
When the Sawdust Settles
After the sawdust settles, it’s all about a hot shower, cozy clothes, and couch time with her dog and family. That’s when the satisfaction sets in, and the motivation for whatever comes next. And at the end of the day, what keeps her going isn’t just the work – it’s the joy. Yesi embodies what it means when passion finds purpose.
And that is what makes her Made True.
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