By Edwina Hardieway
Mustard Seed Wood, Incorporated, a small business founded by Edwina Hardieway, has its roots in education and a passion for woodworking. The inspiration for the corporation stemmed from Hardieway’s teaching experience in the San Diego Unified School District and her training in Nuremberg, Germany.
Hardieway observed that her students often struggled to connect mathematical computations with real-world applications relevant to their future workplaces. To bridge this gap, she integrated her interest in basic woodworking into her curriculum, creating a rigorous program that not only taught mathematical principles but also introduced students to financial literacy.
At the conclusion of the Basic Woodworking Course, students are encouraged to open savings accounts to help them achieve their future goals. Utilizing Direct Instruction Techniques, students learn to assemble pre-cut furniture pieces, sand, finish, and ultimately sell their handcrafted items. Mustard Seed Wood, Inc. produces a variety of functional products, including bookracks, step stools, toy boxes, wall racks, shoe racks, and end tables.
Through their participation in these courses, students gain valuable experiences in cooperation, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in their newly acquired skills. The program has expanded its reach, allowing instructors to teach students at several institutions, including O’Farrell Charter High School, Samuel F.B. Morse High, San Diego Continuing Education, and various elementary schools.
While the initial goal was to instruct students aged 9 to 17, the organization has also had the pleasure of working with mature adults who appreciate the social and creative interactions provided through classes at the Joan Kroc Community Center in City Heights.
With a dedicated team that includes CEO Edwina Hardieway; and board members Marjorie Golden, Fon Sparks, and Marc Walker, Mustard Seed Wood, Incorporated aims to bring beauty to the art of woodworking, instilling skills that last a lifetime.
In a notable partnership, Habitat for Humanity has embraced Mustard Seed Wood, Incorporated’s wall racks and shoe racks, which Mustard Seed donated to San Diego families moving into their new homes. Karen Begin, Habitat for Humanity’s Chief Project Officer, was pleased with the fine woodworking and the skillfully drawn logo.
Mustard Seed’s mission is to teach our youth, ages 9 to 18, to produce well-made beautiful furniture and to know how to save their earnings and see how money works as a legacy. For further information, interested parties can contact Edwina Hardieway at [email protected] or (619) 808-6301.
For full stories and photos only published in print, pick up a paper at a newsstand near you, or check out the latest edition of our newspaper on Thursday each week.
