Ashley Witzeling and Lisa Kumfer – Wausau DIY
What do you do?
Ashley: I am a Mechanical Engineer, turned Mom, turned Part Time DIY’er. I worked as an engineer until my oldest was a toddler and wanted to do something different for a few years while she was little. My husband and I subcontracted the construction of our home in the Wausau area and I was doing a lot of little projects for that. After the house was built I never stopped building things! I started on Pinterest, and never stopped!
Lisa: First and foremost, I am a mom and wife. I used to call myself a stay at home mom but now that my daughters are in elementary school, I call myself a work at home mom.
I co-own a small business with my very good friend, Ashley Witzeling. Ashley and I started Wausau DIY in September 2015. Wausau DIY is a sign making business. We offer 12-15 workshops a month where people can create their own personalized/unique wall decor. We also make signs as custom orders for people who cannot attend a workshop.
I also work part time for the D.C. Everest school district as an education assistant and substitute teacher.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
Ashley: I have been building little things my entire life: tree forts, night stands, etc. I’ve always loved small DIY projects! Everybody tells you to go to college, so I did. I really enjoyed my field, but sometimes life has a different plan, and here I am! I am a huge advocate of shop and home ec classes in school, you learn so much!
Lisa: I have a college degree in agri-business and animal science. My business degree was helpful as Ashley and I started our business planning. I also took the Entrepreneurial Training Program offered by UW Stevens Point.
What do you like best about your job?
Ashley: I love the ability to be creative, work with people, and have flexible hours. We work almost every weekend, which isn’t ideal, but it does give me some flexibility during these years with young children!
Lisa: I love the flexibility of owning my own business and having a great business partner. While having young children it is very important to be able to adapt my schedule to their needs. It is so much fun to see people create something they are proud to hang on their walls at the workshop. There is a lot of work prior to the workshop but the finished product is well worth it!
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Ashley: I would say if you have a dream (whatever it is), follow it! When I was in high school I wanted to be a firefighter. Everybody talked me out of it. “Women shouldn’t be firefighters, what if you have kids!”. I probably shouldn’t have listened to them. I got my four-year degree which I will never regret, but sometimes doing something that you are passionate about is important also!
Lisa: When starting a business, it is very necessary to have a strong support system and the ability to have open communication. If you have a passion, pursue it! Wausau DIY started on a whim and continues to surprise me month after month. Ashley and I are both doers and willing to take on projects that others would not…don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it!
Anything else we should know?
It is important to be ever evolving and adapting. Be willing to accept change in your business or your life; change may be scary and unknown but great things can come from it!
Thank you Ashley Witzeling and Lisa Kumfer!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.