From Portugal to West Alabama: How One Woman Built Her Dream
There’s something special about spending a Sunday afternoon with friends who also happen to be your sorority sisters. Recently, we discovered the joy of creating something with a little artistic flair, and what started as a creative couple of hours turned into a time filled with laughter, sisterhood, and the freedom to put down our phones and enjoy being present in the moment.
That Sunday afternoon took me right back to some of my favorite memories of spending time with my mother at our local craft shop. I can still picture all the ladies lined up around the tables, supplies spread out in front of them, each one creating something uniquely their own. I was surrounded by creativity, encouraged to experiment and completely free to let my imagination take the lead.
Maybe that’s why this particular afternoon felt so familiar. There was something about sitting around a table with other women, creating with our hands and enjoying each other’s company that reminded me just how special it is to make something together.
Local business owner Janet Canoa Vieira, the creative force behind Roots in Portugal in Tuscaloosa, led our creative session. Janet had the perfect project planned for us: an adorable mini trinket tray we could paint and personalize with a design of our choice.
And when I say Janet gave us options, I mean options! We had more than a dozen colors to choose from and what felt like a zillion different designs to make our trays uniquely ours. We could mix, match, and create something that reflected our own personalities.
Our group was a beautiful mix of ages, personalities, and artistic skill levels, but Janet helped us along the way. By the end of the afternoon, each of us had created a super cute tray. Everyone had a smile on their face. Some trays were vibrant color combinations, while others had Bible verses, delicate flowers, and other personal picks.
For me, the choice was easy. I picked the hummingbird because it reminded me of my dad. What started as a craft project with the girls became something more meaningful, turning my tray into a keepsake connected to a special memory, thanks to Janet.
Janet owns Roots in Portugal, a wood-crafting, wood-art, and artisan home décor brand that began after the birth of her second child. After years in the corporate world, she wanted to build something that was truly hers. What began as a small hobby eventually grew into a full workshop where she creates heirloom family signs, wall art, and keepsakes.
Her creative vision doesn’t stop at the woodshop. She has also expanded her business with Crafty Maker Studio, offering DIY paint and craft kits for people who want a creative experience without starting completely from scratch.
The kits are designed for all kinds of occasions, a craft project or a girls' afternoon of fun as we had; her goal is simple: take away some of the mess and intimidation of creating while leaving plenty of room for people to express themselves.
I’d say Janet’s goal was a success because we left with some pretty impressive trays. More importantly, we left with a little bit more confidence in our artistry.
In addition to Roots in Portugal and Crafty Maker Studio, she teamed up with the owner of the Druid City Makerspace, where a conversation led to expanding the woodshop area. A few weeks later, they began searching for a new space and found one in West Tuscaloosa, and Sawdust and Splinters Makerspace was born. I’m already scanning the website to see what I can create in that space. I mean, I do need a new wooden serving tray.
Needless to say, Janet and her businesses are very unique. Currently, she is the only woman‑owned and woman‑run woodworking space in West Alabama. Her space is dedicated to teaching hands‑on skills in a space that feels safe, welcoming, and unintimidating. She said, “Woodworking has traditionally been a male‑dominated environment, and that alone keeps a lot of women and beginners from ever trying it. My shop changes that.”
Being locally owned has shaped her mission because she had to work hard to earn her place in the West Alabama community. She is involved with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and networking events. She notes that every step strengthens her connection here and keeps her committed to building a woodworking space that serves this community.
What Makes Janet Proud?
From her creative side, “I am most proud of having created some amazing signs for local families, businesses, and non-profits. On the Makerspace side, my pride and joy is hearing women say that they never knew they could build something, much less use a saw. It's what keeps me going.”
“On my creative business side, I am most proud of having created some amazing signs for local families, businesses, and non-profits. On the Makerspace side, my pride and joy is hearing women say that they never knew they could build something, much less use a saw. It's what keeps me going,” said Janet.
How Can You Support this Amazing Local Business Owner?
“The best way the community can support Roots in Portugal is through referrals and word‑of‑mouth. Every share, tag, and recommendation helps keep the artisan side of my business growing.”
What Does Janet Dream About?
She dreams of an after-school woodworking club. (hint-hint to my educator friends)
Follow Roots in Portugal
Click here to connect on Facebook and click here to follow on Instagram.
Follow Sawdust and Splinters
www.sawdustandsplintersmakerspace.com
Click here to follow on Instagram.
Follow A Crafty Maker Studio
www.acraftymakerstudio.etsy.com
Click here to connect on Facebook and click here to follow on Instagram.
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