At the heart of SL Woodworks is its owner, Sue Loshkajian. Sue's love for the medium of woodworking is reflected in the story she tells about her first building inspiration.

"I was seven years old and Mom was sick and needed a small table for her soup bowl. Being a kid, I knew no limitations, so I went down to the basement and built her one. After that, I was hooked and haven't stopped building since."

Sue entered the Western Illinois University in the industrial arts program where she learned to work in many different mediums but wood was always muse for Sue. She was accepted at the prestigious Boston University's Program in Artistry, where she immersed herself in fine arts, design, drawing and the study of old styles of furniture making. She graduated four years later with a Bachelor Degree of Applied Arts in Woodworking and Furniture Design.

With money earned along the way, she started to buy equipment and realized her dream by opening her own woodworking shop in Boston. For over ten years, she grew a successful and respected business. SL Custom Woodworks was highly souoght after by Boston area contractors and was hired to do work at many "high-end" jobs.

Over the years, Sue has built and designed custom furnishiings, cabinetry, restaurants, millwork and one of a kind specialty pieces. Lucky for the West Cast, SL Custom Woodworks moved to Oregon and opened shop in Portland in 1993.

Relying on her lifelong love of creating and building beautiful and functional custom furniture and fixtures, Sue has created a long list of very satisfied customers who return again and again for SL Custom Woodwork's very special touch.