About Us
About The Gilded Splinter: From Corporate & Cops to Wood & Glass
Do you love rustic woodworking? So do we! That is why we have spent countless hours creating and designing high-quality, low-cost rustic woodworking items and accessories.
Like many of our customers, the founders—Amanda O’Hagan and Keith Marks—are lovers of rustic woodworking who realized they struggled to find other stores that sold quality rustic woodworking products while offering fast, friendly service. That's why they created The Gilded Splinter.
Our Story: A Spark of Reinvention
Our story is one of reinvention, a shared commitment to service, and a passion for creating beautiful things. Before becoming partners in The Gilded Splinter, Amanda and Keith both experienced major life shifts that ultimately brought them together.
- Amanda spent 13 years in the corporate world, rising to Assistant Vice President of the Home Equity Division at Chase Bank. After the market crash in 2008, she was laid off and had to redefine her career path, deciding to become a Firefighter/EMT.
- Keith served as a police officer for 10 years. Even while running his own successful landscape business designing and building custom ponds and waterfalls, he always kept up with his true passion: woodworking, a skill he learned from his father at a young age. When the 2008 market crash forced him to shut down his business, he, too, decided to redefine himself and became a Firefighter/EMT.
They met at the Firefighter Academy. At an age when they were often much older than their fellow recruits, they quickly bonded over a commitment to service. After graduating, Amanda worked as a Firefighter/EMT/Public Safety Officer, and Keith became a reserve Firefighter/EMT, while testing out various careers.
It was during this time that their creative interests began to align. Amanda rediscovered a love for stained glass artwork and her natural creativity. For Amanda, a single mother of two boys navigating the stress of a professional change and new career, stained glass became a mental relief—a place of calm and focus. Her projects, which are described as truly beautiful and well-executed, provided a much-needed creative outlet, a feeling she still seeks and enjoys today. Meanwhile, Keith's lifelong woodworking skill became a central focus once again. They soon realized that their combined skills—Keith’s precision in woodcraft and Amanda’s creative design sense—could create truly amazing artwork. The Gilded Splinter is just one more love they can share.
The Gilded Splinter’s Mission
Their mission is born from their desire to provide fellow enthusiasts with the kind of quality and service they once struggled to find. They have made it their mission to provide all of their customers with the following:
- A range of the highest quality rustic woodworking products.
- A focus on innovative products that are not available in brick-and-mortar stores. Every piece is curated to reflect their combined love for unique design and solid craftsmanship.
- Customer-centric support that is fast, friendly, and efficient.
- And of course… low prices!
Why Choose The Gilded Splinter?
When you shop with them, you’ll see The Gilded Splinter difference. They are focused on finding unique products that you won’t find at your local store. They carry a huge range of products that are ready to ship to you.
Their most popular product, the Rustic Wooden Lantern, is a fantastic example of a piece that embodies their creative approach. From rustic Holiday Lanterns to rustic Home Decor to fun and creative t-shirts, mugs, and more, they have you covered!
But innovative products aren’t all: Amanda and Keith strive to combine low prices with fantastic customer service. They have slashed the prices on products as low as they can, ensuring you get a fantastic deal—while offering fast, efficient, and friendly help!
Buy from them today and experience The Gilded Splinter difference!
Have a question about a custom piece or a specific item? Contact Us Directly.