About "Us"

Introduction:

Hello everyone, and thank you for visiting my store and showing interest in learning more about "us". I say us in quotes like that because it's really just me, one guy, doing everything you see here.

I would like to introduce myself and share my passion for learning and creating. My name is Steve, and I have always been fond of working with my hands and transforming ordinary objects into sources of happiness for others. I have a diverse background in retail, photography, pyrography, graphic design, string art, fabrication, and manufacturing and I find immense enjoyment in acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Who is "Dek"?

"Its just a name, dude" ~ Jish (The Blair Thumb)

I must confess, in case you couldn't tell from the rest of the site, I'm a bit of a nerd. I thoroughly enjoy gathering with friends to play tabletop games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, and various others. The nickname "Dek" originated from my expertise in one such game. A friend once called me "Socrates with a deck of cards" which turned into "Dekretese" or just "Dek" and it stuck with me.

My Loss:

 Just weeks after getting laid off from my manufacturing job due to "Cutbacks", I lost my best friend of over 16 years, my perpetual puppy, Jables the puggle, to his battle with cancer. This was in early 2020, and we all know what happened soon after. The pandemic hit and the world shut down, but I wasn't going to let it stop me. I yearned for a change from what I characterized as "Borg Business," where uniqueness and individuality fade in favor of conformity and bottom lines.

My Mission:

My diverse background ultimately led me to CNC lasers. This discovery merged many of my favorite hobbies into a single pursuit. I made it my mission to make my dog a lasting memorial worthy of the impact that he had on my life. One of the first things that I designed was my photo-engraved memorial. Those that saw it, loved it so much that they encouraged me to offer them to other people that may be looking for the same, and with that Design by Dek was born. In doing so, I aim to provide others with keepsakes and mementos that they can cherish for years to come.

My inspiration:

I'm very grateful to have an incredible wife who continually supports me and motivates me to persevere. I find a lot of my inspiration in nature, particularly when it comes to my photography. I find a connection with the landscapes around me, as well as all the little critters in it. Another large part of my inspiration comes from my fascination with sacred geometry and the symbology involved. All of these experiences have given me a profound appreciation for "the little things in life".

Thank you for the support:

 Throughout my journey, I've relied mostly on self-teaching. But, my perfectionism, OCD, and imposter syndrome have often posed significant challenges to my mental state. Then I heard a quote by George Bernard Shaw that really resonated with me...

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." ~George Bernard Shaw

It made me reevaluate my way of thinking, which had always hindered my progress, into seeing mistakes as simply more lessons, and to never stop learning. Even if I face setbacks, others can learn from them. I made it my mission to support others in overcoming similar barriers and to stop allowing my fear to deter me from attempting new endeavors. I hope to inspire people to find joy in "the little things". Because, in time, we'll realize that those events we once considered significant will fade away, And its those "little moments" that'll form the most enduring memories.