A young carpenter—aged just 9—has set up a woodworking business after being taught by his grandma.
Ollie Ridley’s passion for working with wood started after his mom, Millie Ridley, 44, purchased a toolkit for his 8th birthday.
With no workspace available at their home, he asked his grandma, Sandra Ridley, 70, if he could use her garage as his very own workshop.
After reading multiple books and watching YouTube videos about carpentry, they built a coffee table for his mom and fell in love with the craft together.
The little artisan even became one of 25 finalists in the GoHenry competition, which seeks to teach children how to be entrepreneurs, after entering his business plan.
Now the pair spend their evenings working on bird boxes, key holders, and plant pots to donate to their local church.
“I never thought a simple toolkit would lead to him learning his passion,” Ms. Millie Ridley, an attendance manager from Ellesmere Port, said.
“My mum has built such a bond with him through carpentry.
“I can’t wait to see what else he makes.
“He’s going to be the youngest carpenter in the world!”
Ollie fell in love with carpentry after discovering his great grandad William Baker, who died 30 years ago, was a carpenter for 35 years.
Ms. Millie Ridley asked friends and family for their recycled wood, which they gladly handed over to help Ollie get started.
Despite his youth, the enterprising young man has been incredibly careful with his tools and there haven’t been any mishaps to date.
In May 2022, his mom decided to purchase a fully operational tool kit that included a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, and pliers.
He immediately set to work on a coffee table—with help from his grandma, a retired childminder—as a gift to his mom.
For seven years, Ms. Millie Ridley struggled with her diagnosis of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Ollie stepped up as a carer for his mom, helping her with daily tasks such as washing and combing her hair.
“He’s always been a kind and considerate soul,” she said. "I’ve never seen him jump to something so quickly.
“I loved the coffee table!”
After completing his first project, he started working on more complex undertakings including a bundle of bird boxes.
He acquired all the wood from friends and family.
Over the years, Ollie has donated items to his local church and has gifted neighbors personalized bird homes.
“At first, he didn’t understand that we needed to buy the wood for him to create the pieces,'' Ms. Millie Ridley said. ”He just wanted to give all of his creations to people for free.
“I explained profit margins and the cost to him, so he could start his business.”
In June 2023, Ollie started Elwood Forest Carpentry, and his mom entered him into the GoHenry Competition, which seeks to find potential young entrepreneurs.
“He loved thinking logically about what his carpentry could bring in financially,” she said. "But he has always preferred to donate his work.
“I try my best to think financially, but he just enjoys spending time with his nan.”
The duo have together created key holders, plant pots, tables, and bird boxes in their garage, and have forged an inseparable bond.
“My mum is always looking for larger projects, and Ollie is always keen to build them with her,” Ms. Millie Ridley said. ‘'We’ve had three carpenters in the family, and I’m proud of Ollie for continuing the tradition.
“My favorite part of this hobby is watching them become close.
“I never thought a tool kit would start all of this.
“I’m so glad that he is passionate, and I’m so proud of him.”
Ollie said, “I love watching the smile on people after I hand them a gift.
“I never get bored.
“I also love maths when working on projects.
“I want to be the best carpenter in the world.”
