Women-Owned Business Profile: Whirl and Whittle

An Interview With Pooja Pawaskar of Whirl and Whittle and a Glimpse at Her New Collection

Meet Pooja Pawaskar of Whirl and Whittle: a woodturner who creates home goods like vases and bowls. She just launched her newest collection: “Your Scars are Beautiful” photographed by Radian Photography with Creative Direction from Janet Lucia St. Clair. Read on for the interview with Pooja to see how she began woodturning and why it is important to support small and female-owned businesses.

About the collection:

Woodturners are often on the lookout for atypical woods to turn. They search for woods that have unique coloration and patterns, woods that have burls, spalting, weird cracks, and crotch pieces. They are willing to pay high prices to acquire these pieces, pieces that would surprise them with their uniqueness. And collectors pay even more to buy objects made from them. When we can love, adore, and appreciate these woods for their scars and their shortcomings, why can't we do that for ourselves?

I consciously chose pieces of wood that were unpredictable—for example, spalted beech. Spalting is a form of wood coloration caused by fungi. It predominantly occurs in dead trees, but can also happen in stressed living trees. Spalting causes weight loss and strength loss in the wood, and yet, is sought by woodworkers.

When did you get your first glimpse of working in wooden home goods? What drew you to this specifically?

I got a glimpse of working with wood early on in my life. I was introduced to woodworking by my grandad, who was an amazingly talented woodworker. He worked with all sorts of woods and turned them into fantastic furniture. Almost all of our early conversations revolved around woodworking. We did talk about other things, but when we spoke about wood, his eyes would light up, and his face would turn luminous. Maybe his love and zeal for wood drew me in. And now, I am on a path of no return.

Is this your full-time job?

I still have a part-time job. I do not want to burden Whirl and Whittle with the responsibility of paying for my life and my family. I know better than to ask this from my business so early on in my career. Asking my work to pay my bills would only result in slaying my creativity.

Tell me about the most interesting person you've met through Whirl and Whittle that you would not have otherwise connected with.

Oh, I have met so many interesting people through this business. I would run out of fingers if I started counting. But one person, in particular that stands out, is Mary James Ketch. She is a narrative painter living in Norman, Oklahoma. I met her through a peer group, and I was instantly intrigued by her. She is a rather remarkable person. She has the ability to observe the world like no one else, and she translates those observations into rather impressive paintings.

What would you tell a person who asked about the importance of supporting small businesses? What about the importance of supporting female-owned?

I believe it is crucial to support small businesses. Small businesses have the potential to generate jobs, opportunities, and create avenues to give back to society.

I think it's essential to support female-owned businesses because historically, women have been underrepresented in business ownership. Our world is still predominantly a man's world. There are still biases that hold us back - like- not being taken seriously because of our gender. Even when it comes to funding, it's a fact that women-owned businesses are funded less than men. That being said, it's essential to support women-owned enterprises because you can provide exposure and reward women who are working hard to bring value to society.

What would a dream day look like for you, and where would it take place?

I believe I live my dream day daily. I spend every morning sketching and designing at my desk and then turning wood till late evening. I create and turn five days a week and work part-time over the weekend (yes, you heard me right, I don't take days off anymore) As they say if you do what you love, you don't work a day in your life. And all this is possible because of an amazingly supportive and understanding husband who shares my passions and dreams. Frankly, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here.

Any big projects on the horizon?

I am in talks with an interior designer regarding a home decor collab. It's still in the early stages, but I am excited about this challenge.

What are a few small businesses you love supporting?

1) A Beautiful Projection by Ritisha Chance.

2) Common Goods Studio by Esme and Fan

3) Rebecca Bowley, are amongst my favorite.