06/20/2026
There is woodworking, and then there is furniture with a soul. Today I had the chance to visit the and I am blown away—not just by the impeccable woodworking studio, but by the profound sense of purpose baked into every single piece made here! This isn’t just a design studio; it’s a community business owned by the Canadian charity, .They operate on a truly circular model, meaning every single bit of operating surplus is reinvested directly back into the community to fuel local economic development, culture, and heritage.
The name “Shorefast” itself comes from the traditional line used to secure a cod trap to the Newfoundland coast. For eighth-generation Fogo Islanders, it’s a beautiful metaphor for staying tethered to your roots, land, and culture.
Walking through the space, you can feel that exact connection. Every curve of turned wood and every precise joint is a testament to what happens when design is rooted in place and community.
If you ever get the chance to venture out here, this space is an absolute must-visit. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and check out Shorefast’s page to see how they are rewriting the rules of community economic development. May we all find ways to stay shorefast to the things that matter. 🌊⚓️❤️