About Me

Adventures of a Woodhacker

Born and raised in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains in Wales, I grew up surrounded by a landscape that inspired both my imagination and my sense of adventure. My childhood was spent riding horses, hiking through the wild beauty of the Welsh countryside, building tree houses and swimming in the rivers, lakes, and seas. These experiences forged a deep connection to nature and a yearning for the freedom to roam.

A free and untethered life

In our rural, outdoorsy life, simplicity was key. Without the distractions of modern gadgets, (I grew up mostly without TV) we lived fully in tune with nature, appreciating the beauty of open skies, fresh air, and the peaceful silence of the wilderness. As a child, I often gazed through my bedroom window onto the moors imagining the gypsy caravans and nomadic travelers who once wandered those same hills, their campfires glowing under the night sky, accompanied by music, dance, and laughter. That vision of a free, untethered life stayed with me, fueling my love for travel and exploration. The moment I could, I bought my first van, embracing the freedom to go anywhere, anytime - a passion that would later become the foundation of Woodhacker.

Learning my craft

Woodhacker was born from my passion for campervan life and the adventures that brings, combined with years of hands-on experience working with wood. My dad was a highly skilled electrician and woodworker and growing up, my parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, encouraging confidence and self-reliance.

After leaving art college my first full-time job was at a local ,family run, hand made bed factory in an old mill in Wales. This was a turning point. At just 19, I joined the wood staining and finishing department but soon also gained experience across various machining departments, learning the intricacies of woodworking. Brian, the owner of Alphabeds, was a master of his craft and an inspiration to me over the six years I spent there, fueling my passion for woodworking and teaching me the value of self-employment.

These influences, coupled with my desire for creativity and freedom led 20 years later to the creation of Woodhacker.

I have been operating as Woodhacker since 2019 and currently rent a workshop space in my home town of Cydweli, in South West Wales. My landlord here has also inspired me and passed on many of his woodworking skills while I have developed and grown into the business I am proud to run today.

Spaces that feel like home

The aesthetic and philosophy behind my campervan builds are rooted in the homes I grew up around - remote stone cottages and unique wooden houses lovingly built and restored by hand. These homes, with their cozy fireplaces, exposed beams, wooden floors, and simple, bohemian charm, were filled with warmth and creativity. This same sense of handcrafted beauty, using natural materials and creating spaces that feel like home, is what I breathe into every Woodhacker project.

At Woodhacker, I don’t just build campervans

I craft off-grid spaces that inspire freedom, simplicity and a deeper connection to nature. My vans are designed without the need for excessive gadgets, encouraging an appreciation for the outdoors and the open starry skies, far away from the noise of modern life. Each van is a reflection of the rich traditions and wild landscapes that shaped me, designed to feel like a home wherever the journey takes you on the road ahead.

Jade
AKA Woodhacker