Customer Introduction

Hi, I'm Sallie Shaw. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, driven by a desire to balance family life with a thriving online business. As my passion for woodworking and creating personalized signs grew, I quickly realized the need for a more efficient way to scale my craft. This realization led me to Thunder Laser, a decision that not only streamlined my production but also allowed my husband and me to build a successful full-time business together, focusing on what truly matters: family and creative freedom.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

Since 2015, I have been running an online business. At that time, I was working full-time but wanted to be able to stay at home with my children, like many others. So, I decided to make this dream a reality and was willing to put in all the effort needed. In the beginning, I made vinyl decals and some sewing items, but my main focus was selling vinyl decals and personalized products. This led me to explore the field of making wooden signs. This work was quite time-consuming, requiring me to create stencils with a vinyl machine, then apply them to wood and perform tasks like painting and cutting. My business was successful, which also sparked my passion for woodworking. I intended to expand the business, but the extra labor involved was too overwhelming, so I realized I needed a laser machine to improve efficiency.

Why did you choose Thunder Laser?

I spent a year researching and comparing different laser machines to determine which brand would best meet my needs. I contacted all the major suppliers and ultimately chose Thunder Laser. I was impressed by their friendly service and attention to business details, such as customer support. Before receiving the machine, I did my homework to ensure I had all the necessary knowledge. The one-hour training they provided was very practical. We received the machine around Christmas, and I was very excited about it.

How did Thunder Laser help you overcome those challenges?

I launched a new product in January, and the business took off quickly. Now, my husband and I work together full-time, and our Etsy shop focuses on laser-cut wooden signs. At the same time, my YouTube channel has also become successful, with over 100,000 subscribers, where I share various craft content, with laser machines being a major topic. This journey has changed my life, giving us more time to spend with our children and allowing us to fulfill our desire for homeschooling. The laser machine has significantly increased our income and efficiency, simplifying the production process. We now have two Nova 51 machines and one Bolt. The Nova 51 is perfect for our business because it can handle full plywood sheets, helping us cut more signs and truly changing the game.

How has your business grown or life changed since buying a laser?

Our income has significantly increased by offering products that the market needs, allowing us to work together full-time and reach an important milestone. Most importantly, it has enabled us to spend more time with our family, which I believe is the greatest happiness. This is also the reason many people start their own businesses — for freedom, flexibility, and family time. We feel very fulfilled and happy because we have achieved this goal in both our personal and professional lives.

What do you like most about Thunder Laser?

In the three years we've been using the laser machine, our business has seen significant improvements. The support, customer service, quality, software capabilities, and growth potential have all exceeded our expectations. The one-hour training was very effective, providing one-on-one problem-solving opportunities, and resources such as website troubleshooting, the YouTube channel, and the Facebook group have also offered us timely assistance. Our laser machines run smoothly with only routine maintenance, which is an expected part of operating any machinery.

My support and satisfaction with Thunder Laser are genuine, based on the high-quality support and fast response I’ve personally experienced. The advantage of having a domestic base in the same time zone has made communication much more convenient. I sincerely recommend Thunder Laser because I am confident that our choice was the right one, and we have no regrets. In every form, Thunder has performed excellently, and the reason I support it so strongly is that my experience has truly been very positive.

What advice would you give someone who is wanting to start a laser business?

If you're ready to start a laser business, don’t let fear and worries hold you back. While starting a business can seem daunting, with hard work, dedication, and practice, you can succeed. Don’t be intimidated by the unknown because a laser machine isn’t as difficult to master as it may seem. The Bolt laser machine can even fit into a small craft room, so you can start on a small scale. Chase your dreams—you can have a successful laser business. Plus, a laser machine allows you to create special gifts for family and friends, which is always exciting.

For beginners, my advice is to focus on research and practice. Don’t just casually launch products; take the time to understand market demand, and keep practicing until you master it. Continue learning and improving your products, just like I’ve learned over the years, such as buying wood from local lumberyards instead of big retailers, which is more cost-effective. Don’t give up—research and practice can become your best friends. In short, focus, keep learning, and improve constantly; this is the key to success.