Derek and Megan Garrett – Heartland Handcrafted
This month we spoke with husband and wife duo Derek and Megan Garrett of Heartland Handcrafted in Adel.
Derek and Megan Garrett of Heartland Handcrafted – Photos by Cherry Chiles
Their new home-based business features customized decor, furniture, and repair services, serving clients throughout the midwest.
Derek and Megan are college sweethearts that met in Missouri. Three years ago, the couple married and decided to move to Iowa to be closer to family.
Growing up in Stuart, Megan states Adel was known as a nice community to raise a family. She states, “I had my heart set on Adel right away.”
Derek and Megan found their home in Adel and welcomed daughter Emmie soon after. Throughout their marriage, the need for household items had prompted Derek to build furniture, rather than run to the big box stores. “I would see something for $600 and think, I can do that better”, said Derek.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
Derek’s construction background and previous work as a certified home inspector, made the tasks fun and exciting. By day, Derek worked at a sports retail outlet, in his free time, he created wood working solutions for his family, friends, and neighbors. It was a hobby, built out of necessity, that grew into a dream.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
This spring, when the sporting goods company closed their stores nationwide, Derek was left with a decision.
“I had said, ‘If I won the lottery, this is what I’d do.’ When the store closed, Megan said, ‘why do you have to win the lottery? Let’s just do it!'”
Based out of their garage in Adel, Heartland Handcrafted offers custom carpentry services for projects big and small. Derek and Megan enjoy many design styles, especially the mix of traditional, farmhouse chic, and industrial elements.
From stylish decor and keepsakes, tables to cabinets, outdoor furniture and more, the team can build the perfect piece to fit your home and personality.
“Bring us your project or ideas and we’ll work to create the perfect piece. Whether it’s repairing an old family heirloom chair your dog broke, to building a completely custom, reclaimed barn wood kitchen island – no project is too big or too small.
Need a handyman to replace that broken kitchen cupboard or looking to completely transform your kitchen? We can do that too. All done by hand, by Derek and me.”
The family works together to help others realize their vision. Derek works from a technical standpoint, explaining materials, costs, and suggesting possibilities. Megan has an artistic eye that helps the projects reach their final appeal. Even little Emmie can be found giggling as she sweeps up sawdust and plays nearby. It is this team effort and family oriented nature that makes Heartland Handcrafted unique.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
The family works together to help others realize their vision. Derek works from a technical standpoint, explaining materials, costs, and suggesting possibilities. Megan has an artistic eye that helps the projects reach their final appeal. Even little Emmie can be found giggling as she sweeps up sawdust and plays nearby. It is this team effort and family oriented nature that makes Heartland Handcrafted unique.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
One of the best selling items is a convertible table that easily transforms two benches into a sturdy picnic table. Easily customized, this is the perfect addition to backyard entertaining.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
“We’ve been included in some surprise projects. We had a nice lady place an order for one of the conversion tables as a surprise birthday gift for her mom. She said, ‘now if my mom calls or messages you to order one herself, play dumb.’ Of course, not more than a few hours later and we had a call from the mom. It was so fun to be involved but hard to keep the secret. That’s really why we do what we do. We love to see the looks on peoples faces when they see what we’ve created for them. And it’s great knowing something our whole family worked to create is now in someone else’s home.”
Derek, Megan, and Emmie are proud to call Adel home, for their family and their growing business.
Photos Courtesy of Cherry Chiles Photography
“Heartland Handcrafted really sums us up. A combination of a Missouri boy and an Iowa girl growing their family in the heart of Iowa. Two people who put their heart, soul and sweat into handcrafting perfect pieces for the home of others. We put our hearts into each item at Heartland Handcrafted so you can love your items with all your heart.”
Heartland Handcrafted
1418 Rapids St. • Adel, IA 50003
Phone: (816) 262-4404
Email: Derek@heartlandhandcrafted.com
Website: HeartlandHandcrafted.com
Facebook: HeartlandHandcrafted
