Sol’s Inspirational Showroom engraves heartfelt words on cherished gifts to last for a lifetime
By Jennifer Kneuss
“This really is a store like no other in the area.” Those words, spoken by Sol’s Inspirational Showroom manager Daniel Mast, are actually an understatement. There are a vast number of personalized items available at the downtown Berlin location, and it is doubtful that many stores like it exist anywhere. Yet, day-by-day, Mast continues to add to the selection of beautiful works of art.
Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, new babies by birth or adoption, and any other memorable occasion can be commemorated with a beautiful, personalized wood item. There is nothing quite so touching as a personalized family mission statement, carefully laser engraved by Mast into a gleaming cherry wood surface, hanging on the wall of a home.
“If you can think of something, I can engrave it on wood,” stated Mast. “I can usually do it while you wait, in just a few minutes, or at least on the same day.” Customers can browse through the 4,000-square-foot showroom, filled with creative gifts and breathtaking works of art, to choose the perfect item they are searching for. Just about any occupation can be represented with one of Mast’s selection of famous P. Graham Dunn plaques, one of the premier inspirational wood design companies in the nation. Firefighters, physicians, accountants, secretaries, nurses, social workers, artists, musicians, homemakers, fathers,mothers, grandparents – whatever the title, Mast most likely can assist in designing a personalized piece of wall art to honor that person.
At Sol’s Inspirational Showroom, it is about much more than just being another stop for visitors to the area. “The real reason for starting my store was to reach out to people, and to provide encouragement for them,” said Mast, who was part of a home construction crew before his switch to retail sales. “I can come here in the morning, and I can have my focus all day on creating things that glorify God. It’s a very satisfying occupation.”
The walls are covered with artistic pieces of engraved wood, ranging from small, 4-by-4 inch blocks to customized pieces up to 12-by-20 inches, and even larger works of art. Engraving can also be done on the many wooden pens, mirrors, jewelry boxes, key chains, pocket knives, outdoor redwood signs, clocks, and other items carried in the showroom as well. Many customers choose pieces with favorite Scripture verses, while others go home with works displaying historical or patriotic sayings, or the lines from a favorite poem. Drawings are frequently added. Names and dates are often engraved in a piece as a way of marking a significant event.
Sol’s Inspirational Showroom also carries handmade pottery, vinyl wall ‘word’ décor, small furniture, gift books and other items such as checkbook covers, calendars, mugs, and cards, to name a few. Unique offerings include the exquisite miniature paintings done on wild turkey feathers by artist D.L. Miller. There are also large paintings and photography work available. An extensive line of whimsical wooden toys, including wood kitchens and play food items, dollhouse furniture, and train sets are favorites with children of all ages, and are popular with doting grandparents. There are many offerings for puzzle enthusiasts of all ages, as well as classic board games. Quality children’s art supplies and kits make great gifts, as do the embroidered line of baby items.
Visitors can find special items for every room in the house, most of which also bear words of inspiration. Mast believes that the items in his store encourage people to build strong families and inspires them to strive toward the most important things in life, and that personalizing these words with names and dates gives them even greater impact.
“I spent 20 years of my life building houses,” explained Mast. “Now I build homes.”
Sol’s Inspirational Showroom can be found at 4914 West Main Street, Berlin, in the east end of Sol’s in Berlin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The showroom can be reached by calling 330-893-3100 or 888-488-1383.
