“Metal Monkey Design Co” began in a single car garage four years ago. I had a basic suitcase MIG welder, one angle grinder and a table and vice. Hold that thought- Let me back it up a few more years… 

I grew up in a small- very small- town, Rich Valley, Alberta- population 32. 

We spent most of our time outdoors, doing chores around the acreage, and at my grandparent’s cabin just ten minutes down the road. I was a very hands-on kid and so naturally, I took to the trades very well when I got into high school. I started my welding career at 15 years old. Working as a labourer, then first year apprentice at a local pipe fabrication shop. I decided early on that this was going to be my career. 

Graduating in 2013, I went straight into trade school and earned my journeyman ticket at 21 years old. I worked on the road across Alberta and Saskatchewan, some pipeline, mostly pipeline stations. 

In 2021 my daughter, Ellie, was born. She changed my life in more ways than one and all for the better. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is the reason I found my true passion- creating art. 

I wasn’t able to work on the road and struggled to find a welding job that accommodated new-mom life. Nonetheless, when my daughter was 3 months old, I took a b-pressure course and gained my B-ticket (Certified pressure welding ticket) and Red Seal certification in hopes it would open more doors. 

I had actually planned to get into welding inspection at this point. 

I had the itch to get back welding and so I set up a little corner in our small, one-car garage and Metal Monkey was born. 

I was building table bases, benches- really anything that people were willing to buy. 

That’s when I came across something online… a welded bird, made from utensils. This guy was making an entire living off of selling these. The lightbulb went off and I went straight to the local thrift shop, bought a huge box of used cutlery and started creating my version…

Looking back, I made the goofiest looking “bird” but my grandpa loved it. Even when my skills improved, he wouldn’t let me tamper with it. 

This was the start of my art career. I was constantly looking to try something new, even from the very beginning. I never questioned “if” I could do it, I just jumped right in. The art got bigger, and better and I moved out of the single car garage. 

I have done pieces for Joe Rogan, Disney, and achieved goals of mine that would have been, for me back then, reaching for the moon. Turns out the moon really isn’t that far out of reach at all when you are passionate, work your ass off and believe in your dream.

I am extremely blessed to live a life doing what I love. I hope that my journey inspires not only my children, but everyone else to go find their own passion- whatever that may be. The thing that lights a fire in your soul. If you haven’t found it yet, don’t stop looking until you do. 

-Jen