Meet James Manley | Maker and metal worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Manley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always loved building things, taking things apart, and on occasion putting those things back together; sometimes in new ways or with different parts. Even in my professional career I’m designing and helping build, repair, or replace critical infrastructure that is rarely seen or noticed until there is a problem. Growing up, my family has been involved in design and construction as well, so I guess I’ve always been around building and the concept of creating something new even before I realized it.

With Manley Made, I really enjoy taking unusual and often broken, unused or discarded items and turn them into something new and beautiful but ultimately useful. Maybe its my way of recycling or up-cycling, but I enjoy the challenge of making something new and also useful again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While some of my products are re-imagined uses for new everyday materials, my favorite things are made from items that have outlived their usefulness, are no longer functioning, or have been discarded. I especially love the challenge of taking something old, making it into something new, and giving it a completely new use.

Just about everything I’ve done is self taught, which usually comes with a lot of trial and error. Honestly though, that can be part of the fun of making something completely new and unique. I wouldn’t say much of what I do is difficult, it just takes time, attention and imagination. I’ve got piles of prototypes and failed creations, but they just fuel me to make the next version perfect.

One of the most difficult aspects of starting Manley Made, aside from finding an audience, has been carving out time from my already busy schedule. Finding time to develop new products, market them on social media, and create demand for my handmade goods, all while maintaining my other jobs and family has been incredibly difficult. While I feel like it will always be a struggle, the best way I’ve found to manage it is to cut out time wasters, like endless Facebook scrolling, and stick to a schedule. Even if its only 30 minutes to clean after I put the kids to bed, I do my best to carve out time to spend in the shop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, a whole week? I don’t know if I can fill out that kind of time. I’m a major homebody. Let’s see, assuming its someone who hasn’t been here before or in a long time here’s what I’m thinking:

If you’ve never been, we’ve got to visit the Waterwall. Its a little touristy, but its really cool to see and if we can go during a weekday it shouldn’t be too crowded. After that lunch at Burger Palace and then maybe a stroll through Hermann Park and the Japanese garden would be a nice chill day.

If the family is in tow, we can easily burn off a day or three at Moody gardens and/or Kemah Boardwalk. I love visiting the Rain Forest and Aquarium Pyramids at Moody and there’s lots of kid friendly touch exhibits they’ll love. Kemah is great for a little more low key evening of dinner and strolling the boardwalk and visiting shops. I’m not a huge fan of the rides and roller coasters, but the more adventurous ones will have a blast. And any time I’m in Kemah we’ve got to go feed and pet the stingrays.

A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is always good for a nice chill day and its free on Thursdays! The sculpture garden is a nice place have a sit and the Contemporary Arts Museum is just down the street and always free as well.

There’s almost always a good band to see at Scout Bar. Its a bit of a drive from Katy but its worth it for the great bands, cheap tickets, and you can get right up to the stage. Its a huge bonus that you don’t have to pay for parking or walk forever to get to the doors.

And of course we’re training some BJJ and we’ve got to cap off at least one night with some adult beverages around the fire pit in the back yard.

Some seasonal events if the timing is right
Mixers and Elixirs at Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Art Car Parade
Astros game at Minute Maid Park or Space Cowboys game at Constellation Field

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to my brother Tim jr. for teaching me the basics of welding and helping me get started.

Thanks to my mother for giving me a space to start fabricating and work on my projects, and for encouraging my creativity from a young age.

Thanks to my dad for showing what hard work looks like and instilling an entrepreneurial attitude, and helping me in my professional career.

Thanks to my wife for putting up with the late nights in the shop, the loud tools, the dust and debris, the countless unfinished projects and ideas in the works, and still supporting me regardless.

Thanks to my children for giving me a reason to continue to strive to progress and make something of myself.

Website: http://itsmanleymade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmanleymade/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsmanleymade

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmanleymade

Image Credits
James Manley