Tree trimmer starts handcrafted furniture shop in Batavia

Enrique Macias knows trees. A certified tree arborist, he can identify the type of tree you have in your yard and give you an estimate on the tree's age and overall health.

Although his business, Henry Tree Company, is all about tree trimming and removal, if he knows a way to save a tree, he'll do it.

The last couple of years, we have been losing a lot of large branches, so I called Henry Tree Company, a tree service that was recommended to us. Macias arrived with his crew, with each person having a specific job to do, whether it was trimming, cleanup, removal or grinding out a stump.

When Macias and his crew left, not only did we have trees that were beautifully trimmed, but we also had a yard that was much cleaner than they found it.

Recently, Macias started a new business. He opened DownHome Customs Inc. at 239 W. Wilson St. in Batavia, where Six+Cypress was previously located.

The shop features custom handcrafted furniture.

"Before I started my own company I worked for another tree service," Macias said. "I remember cutting down big trees and seeing the limbs ground up, and it seemed that there had to be a way to save that wood."

Not only does Enrique Macias save the wood, he mills and planes it, refinishing it into beautiful pieces. Sometimes he works with friend Adam Kitchoff, who also mills the wood.

When I stopped at Down Home Customs, I was able to see Macias's work.

With a backdrop of Batavia's natural quarry stone, the beautiful wood bar made from a black walnut tree seems to be in the perfect location. The live edge bar top looks like a piece of art with the natural grain of the wood shining through. Macias also makes countertops and tables.

The space is home to many other artisans and craftsmen. There are charcuterie boards and cutting boards made by John Boos. Some of the local artists are: Twisted tree design, Go Poppy Designs, ChickaDeeClays, and Love's A Stitch. Other artists include Art by Caryn Diaz, Art by Abbey Estes, and Wish Candles.

Macias has also opened the shop to other wood artists and wood turners.

Need a new, one-of-a-kind skateboard or corn hole set? You'll find it here.

The shop works on consignment so the artisans don't have to make a big cash investment to sell their work in the shop. Many of the items for sale are pictured on the store's website, www.downhomecustoms.com.

Macias didn't stop with a small shop; he also started Henry's Closet, an online store where you can view and purchase many of his art pieces, as well as get started on having your very own custom made wood piece created.

So what's next for this budding entrepreneur?

"I really love food," he said. "I'd love to open a restaurant some day, maybe tacos or barbecue."

Maybe that's why he includes "Heat in Your Heart" Smoked Hot Sauce in his shop.

Like many businesses, Down Home Customs, Inc. has been impacted by the pandemic and has limited hours. You can visit the shop by appointment only. Call (630) 386-3368 or email info@downhomecustoms.com.