Meet Danielle Daniel of Raleigh, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Daniel

Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My wood-burning journey began in the most unexpected way—shortly after having my first son, while navigating the wild adventure of postpartum depression and anxiety. In search of a creative escape (and let’s be honest, a little sanity), my husband introduced me to pyrography. One spark—literally—and I was hooked. Since I already loved woodworking, combining the two felt like discovering a secret superpower. I started by making custom pieces for friends and family, then took a leap into local art markets, where I quickly realized people actually loved what I made (cue happy dance). That momentum led to selling in local storefronts and, before I knew it, hosting wood-burning classes. Funny enough, teaching has become a bigger passion than I ever expected, and I can’t wait to expand into new regions and offer even more creative classes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest struggles I faced was diving headfirst into a completely new art form—one that came with a steep (and occasionally smoky) learning curve. In the beginning, I made plenty of mistakes, like forgetting to sand my wood (hello, rough textures), not properly sealing my pieces, and, perhaps the most painful lesson, seriously underpricing my work. Art is such an important part of my life—it brings me so much joy, and creating something for someone else feels like my own personal love language. If I could, I’d probably just give my work away to everyone. But I’ve had to learn that my time, skill, and creativity have value, and pricing my work fairly doesn’t take away from the love I put into it—it ensures I can keep creating for years to come.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, my work is all about taking an ordinary piece of wood and setting it on fire—but, you know, in a classy, intentional way. I specialize in pyrography, the art of wood burning, creating everything from intricate wall art to custom kitchen pieces, and even functional woodworking projects. What I’m most known for is my ability to blend fine detail with a rustic, handmade charm, crafting pieces that feel both personal and timeless.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work has evolved—not just in skill, but in the way it’s connected me with people. Whether it’s a custom design that holds deep meaning for a client or someone discovering the joy of pyrography in one of my classes, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see my art spark (pun intended) joy in others.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my approach—combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern, sometimes unexpected twist. Plus, I genuinely love sharing my process, whether through storytelling in my work, teaching others, or even just geeking out over different wood grains. At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to create beautiful pieces—it’s to ignite creativity in others and make art that truly resonates

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When I first started, I didn’t have a dedicated mentor—I had YouTube, a wood-burning pen, and a whole lot of trial and error (mostly error). I spent hours watching other artists, studying their techniques, and figuring things out one charred piece of wood at a time. But one thing I’ve learned is that mentors don’t always come in the form of one all-knowing guru; sometimes, they’re the artists you admire from afar, the makers you meet at markets, or even the kind stranger on the internet willing to share their tips.

A lot of my networking came from simply putting myself out there—taking chances on local markets, striking up conversations with people in person, and reaching out to others through social media. And let me tell you, social media was a total game changer! Engaging with other creatives, asking questions, and cheering people on helped me build connections I never expected. The best advice I can give? Show up, take chances, and start talking—whether it’s online or in person. The right people will find you, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole community of creative, supportive humans who truly get it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deesburnttrees.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deesburnttrees/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deesburnttrees
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielledaniel2442