Breaking Down Barriers
Empowering Through Craft
At the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, we believe that the art and craft of woodworking should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or identity. Woodworking is where art and skilled trades meet. By offering woodworking courses that are open and welcoming to women and non-binary individuals, we aim to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and build a more diverse community within the industry.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Confidence
Historically, woodworking has been dominated by traditional gender roles, and it can be hard to push past those stereotypes. At the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, we challenge these norms by providing a supportive environment where everyone can explore their craft. All of our courses are designed to nurture confidence and skill, helping participants to develop their unique woodworking talents. Most of our classes are open to complete beginners!
Creating Opportunities and Fostering Innovation
Woodworking is a field ripe with opportunities for innovation and creativity. By encouraging underrepresented groups to engage with this craft, we open doors to new perspectives and ideas. Women and non-binary individuals bring diverse experiences and approaches to woodworking, enriching the field and driving forward new techniques and designs. Our programs are dedicated to providing these groups with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to make a lasting impact in the woodworking community.
Building a Supportive Community
Our commitment goes beyond teaching woodworking skills; it's about creating a welcoming and supportive community. We love woodworking and look forward to sharing our passion with every student who comes through our doors.
Meet Your Instructors
CAROLYN RACINE
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
SPECIALIZATIONS
Women’s Woodworking Classes
Fine Furniture
Upholstery
Carolyn grew up 20 minutes from SBWI and studied Creative Writing at The University of Michigan. After college, she moved to California and spent the next 11 years doing stand up and sketch comedy, writing for shows at UCB and The Pack Theater, and managing a very busy restaurant in Los Angeles. Sometime after the pandemic she found herself pretty burnt out and took a few woodworking classes for fun at Allied Woodshop. She immediately fell in love with being in a wood shop and making things. Carolyn's mom told her about SBWI's diploma program and, after touring the school, she was eager to pack up her Honda Fit, drive back home and be a student of the trade while living close to family. Carolyn also operates a small upholstery business and teaches continuing education courses at the SBWI.
JAIME MARVIN
BUILDER / FURNITURE MAKER
Jaime Marvin grew up in a historic home in Metamora, Michigan, where a love for craftsmanship took root early. Always by her father’s side, she learned woodworking, metalworking, and how to fix or build just about anything. Music became another lifelong passion—Jaime played multiple instruments, earned a Master of Luthiery Certificate in 2003, and eventually purchased the local music store where she once worked. She transformed it into a thriving community space offering lessons, repairs, and live performances.
In 2020, Jaime developed a neurological disorder that affected her right hand and ended her ability to perform music. That loss marked the beginning of a new chapter. She became a Master Gardener, earned her Michigan Builder’s License, and in 2025, graduated from the Wood Design program at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, earning the Red Seal Award for most outstanding student. Jaime has since built her own workshop and is excited to see where her journey of craftsmanship and creativity will lead next.