We recently had the chance to connect with Damein Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Damein, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I think I’m most proud of building systems; internal ones that hold everything together behind the scenes. From automated workflows that keep our Kickstarter campaigns organized, to the invisible processes for tracking inventory, managing production timelines, and staying on top of customer communications. None of that is visible from the outside. But it’s the backbone of how Curio and Revision run smoothly while still feeling magical to our customers.
What people see is a beautiful puzzle in a well-designed box. What they don’t see is the hundreds of decisions, micro-iterations, and late-night Slack threads that made that moment possible. The elegance of the product only exists because of the invisible structure behind it. The business is a design project in its self and I take a lot of pride in that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Damein Williams. I’m the co-founder of two creative brands, Curio and Revision. At Curio, we design mechanical puzzles that are both beautiful and challenging. Each one is made to feel satisfying in the hand and look good on a shelf. We launch new designs twice a year on Kickstarter and handle every detail ourselves, from prototyping to packaging.
Revision is our other brand. It focuses on home and tabletop objects with a more minimal and calming aesthetic. While Curio leans into mystery and tactility, Revision is about clarity and form. The two brands give us room to explore different approaches to design.
Right now I’m working on our next puzzle launch. It involves a lot of late nights, problem solving, and fine-tuning details that most people will never notice. That’s the kind of work I enjoy; making sure the experience feels smooth and thoughtful from the moment someone picks up the product.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He’s one of those rare people who’s just as comfortable managing large-scale IT systems as he is driving a tractor or running a chainsaw. Growing up, I saw how easily he moved between worlds that most people keep separate. That range left a big impression on me.
He showed me that being well-rounded isn’t just a bonus, it’s a strength. It taught me to stay curious and to approach new things with confidence, even when they’re outside my comfort zone. I’ve carried that with me into my work. Whether I’m diving into complex manufacturing processes, studying mechanical principles, or chasing inspiration in art and music, there’s always this drive to understand how things work and how they fit together.
That mindset is baked into everything we make at Curio and Revision. Each object is a reflection of that same curiosity and respect for both precision and creativity.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to believe that if I just worked hard enough, I could force a good outcome. That sheer effort and persistence would eventually win out. But I’ve had a few hard failures. Projects that didn’t land, timelines that fell apart, partnerships that didn’t work. In each case, effort wasn’t the issue. The failure came from ignoring early signs, pushing through when I should have stepped back, and tying my identity too closely to the outcome.
What I’ve come to understand is that good work needs space. It needs clear eyes, honest reflection, and sometimes a willingness to walk away. That isn’t giving up. That’s protecting your energy and giving your best work a real chance to succeed.
I still work hard, but I no longer equate effort with value. Now I try to listen more, test earlier, and stay a little less attached to being right the first time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is showing up. Not just being present, but being consistent. Following through. Making time when it matters. Whether it’s work, family, or friendships, I take pride in being someone people can count on.
I don’t always have the perfect words or solutions, but I show up. I stay in the hard conversations. I meet deadlines. I answer the call when someone needs help moving or just needs to talk. In my personal life and in my work with Curio and Revision, I try to lead with presence and reliability. That builds trust, and to me, trust is everything.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I showed up, stayed curious, and made things that mattered. That I didn’t chase attention, but instead put care into the details. That I built things with integrity, not because it was easy, but because it felt right. And that I helped other people feel seen and supported in whatever they were trying to build.
If the story is that I created beautiful, thoughtful work and made room for others to do the same, that would be enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://curiopuzzles.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiopuzzles/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damein/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurioPuzzles/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CurioPuzzles
