Located in Southern California, we develop and produce useful products that are from here. We welcome natural materials, hand-work, modern technologies and inclusivity in support of our community and local self reliance. More on this here.
Find/contact Us
On-line: TheCaliforniaWorkshop.com
E-mail: Sales and Customer Support: Michael@TheCaliforniaWorkshop.com
Phone: (Please see our FAQ page and note that we generally respond to email more quickly): 323-642-7205
Room & Board: Select products at stores nationwide in the U.S. or online
Our Team
Michael Towey: The resident toolmaker, manufacturing planner and product/process designer loves to make things and promote self-reliance. He is a big fan of consuming locally and started The California Workshop in 2013.
Molly Croteau Loves gardening and is passionate about conservation and sustainability, she has been refining her woodworking and origami skills at The California Workshop since 2014.
Colleen Kolling: An important part of getting our orders out on schedule...When she isn't making and packing lampshades you can find her with her rowing club team training for the next race. She is also Michael’s sister making us a family business. :)
Nancy Hamm Is a great baker and constantly cooking to feed her growing family. We don't know where she finds the time but when she does, she's building wire harnesses and folding lamp shades with us at The California Workshop.
Jenny Kraten Has quickly learned most of the skills required to make our furniture and lighting products and has even taken over some of our production planning. Jenn loves nature and van conversions, knows some of the best camping spots in California, and can put together one of the best charcuterie boards in the county!
Ryan Nichols Is an experienced woodworker, builder and guitar player. We’re delighted to have his get-it-done attitude in the shop whenever we can get it.
Libby Kraten Has quickly learned the many complex folding patterns of our popular lampshades and has been invaluable in our efforts to reduce our large backlog. And yes, Libby and Jenny are related so I guess we are a multi-family business.