Rex Filion is the owner of Carolina Custom Carvings.
How long have you been in business in Currituck County?
Our parent company, Carolina Custom Cabinets, started in March of 2005, Carolina Custom Carvings launched in Jan 2019.
Can you describe your business?
We specialize in carving large format wall hung artwork, up to 120” x 60”. They are machine carved on our CNC then meticulously hand painted. We focus on OBX and Chesapeake Bay nautical and nature themes. There are many really big rental homes on the Outer Banks and big homes have big walls which need really big artwork!
Why Currituck County?
We moved here from Northern Virginia in the fall of 2004 to purchase Carolina Custom Cabinets, and moved that business from Kitty Hawk to Powells Point. Many suppliers to the construction trade have moved off the beach to Currituck County in the last few years.
Why did you start the business?
Our cabinet business primarily serves the Outer Banks rental home market which is very seasonal. I was looking for another product we could produce on our existing CNC machine that would fill both a market need and keep us busy during our slow summer months. I work with many interior decorators who frequently talked about how difficult it was to find really large artwork for the big rental homes. Our carved artwork fills that need nicely.
Why do you do what you do?
I love the manufacturing business, building products that we are proud of and that our customers love. I get to work with great people and make a lot of new friends along the way.
What are your biggest challenges as a business owner?
Our employees struggle with health insurance and affordable day care. Finding ways to help them with those issues is a constant challenge.
What sets you apart from other similar businesses?
We produce a unique product you won’t find anywhere else, not on Amazon, eBay or any other source. If you need a really large and unique piece of wall art for your home, office, business lobby or restaurant, we can make it.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting a business in Currituck County?
The county has many resources willing to help you — use them! Not only can the county provide help in a variety of ways, but they can put you in contact with other local businesses that can help you succeed.
This Currituck Small Business Spotlight first appeared in COAST OBX.
Carolina Custom Carvings is located at
102 Park Drive in Powells Point, NC.
Call them at (252) 491-5477
Visit them online at
https://carolinacustomcarvings.com/
