The First Layer

Starting Our Family-Run 3D Printing Business

Starting a business from scratch is both exciting and intimidating. Ours is just beginning—no storefront, no customer base, no viral products—just an idea, a few 3D printers, and a family willing to learn as we go.

We’ve always shared a hands-on approach to things. Fixing what’s broken. Making what we can’t find in stores. Creating with intention. That mindset led us to explore 3D printing—not just as a hobby, but as a way to build something real together.

Why 3D Printing?

We chose 3D printing because it sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, and practicality. It gives us the power to prototype ideas in hours, not weeks. To customize. To test. To make useful things with purpose. And the more we learned, the more we realized: this wasn’t just a tool—it was a platform to build a business on.

It’s accessible, flexible, and evolving fast. That made it the perfect place for a small family operation to take root.

Laying the Groundwork

Right now, we're focused on the fundamentals:

• Learning the tools – CAD software, slicers, printer maintenance, material properties… there’s a lot to absorb, and we’re doing it one layer at a time.

• Setting up the space – We’re carving out a dedicated area for the printers and tools, organizing storage, and working to keep things clean and efficient—even in tight quarters.

• Figuring out our niche – We don’t want to print everything. We want to print something well—whether it's functional household items, custom gifts, or parts for other makers.

• Building a workflow – From design to production to packaging, we're developing systems that we can grow into, not out of.

A Family Effort

One of the things that makes this journey special is that it's shared. We all bring different strengths: design sense, problem-solving, logistics, or just relentless curiosity. And even when things go sideways—a misaligned bed, a failed overnight print, a tangled spool—we figure it out together.

This isn’t about overnight success. It’s about building something honest, useful, and sustainable—from the very first print.

What's Next?

We don’t have all the answers yet—and that’s the point. We’re documenting everything as we go: the wins, the mistakes, and the lessons in between. If you're thinking about starting something similar, or just want to follow along, we’re glad you’re here.

This is our first layer. More to come.