Niagara teen turns hobby into home-based business

By Alison Langley Review Reporter

Madi Burnside was excited for the summer.

The Grade 12 student at Saint Michael High School was ready to dive into her new job as lifeguard.

Then COVID-19 hit.

With the lifeguard position on hold, and lots of time on her hands during quarantine, the 17-year-old focused on the skills she’s learned in her high school woodworking class and launched her own business — Madi’s Woodshop.

From a small shop in the backyard of her family’s home in Chippawa, she creates unique items such as pine plaques, signs and blanket holders.

“I love working with my hands and building things,” she said. “I take shop class and I’ve always dabbled in it on my own as well.”

Mother Melissa said Madi has always been interesting in how things work.

“Somebody would come and fix the dryer and have her plastic tools out and asking if she can help,” she recalled.

“She’s always ready to help, she has always been hand’s on.”

Her entrepreneurial efforts have resulted in a busy holiday season. She plans to use funds raised from sales to support her post-secondary pursuits.

Madi has been taking woodworking classes at the McLeod Road high school since Grade 9. She credited teacher Ron Bobyk with helping her to achieve her goals.

In Grade 10, she represented Saint Michael’s at the Skills Ontario competition in the carpentry category and placed third. She earned second place in Grade 11.

Madi, who is usually one of only a handful of girls in a woodworking class, encourages other young women to follow in her footsteps.

“Just go for it,” she said. “Take a chance and give it a try.”

Examples of her work can be found on Facebook and Instagram at www.facebook.com/madiswoodshop and www.instagram.com/madiswoodshop/.