Robbie Weiland | 2026 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient
Back in August, The Sunset Project was honored to announce Robbie Weiland of Alpena, Michigan, as one of nine Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipients for 2026!
Robbie is a woodworker and owner of Leer Homestead, where he designs and handcrafts cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other custom pieces.
We recently sat down with Robbie to discuss his unique story, why he applied for this year's grant cycle, and what he hopes to use the funding for.
Hey Robbie, can you quickly introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
My name is Robert (Robbie) James Weiland, and I’m from Alpena, Michigan. I’m an upcoming junior at Alpena High School and the owner of Leer Homestead. My creative pursuit is woodworking, where I design and handcraft custom cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other wooden pieces.
How would you describe your creative interest to someone unfamiliar with it?
For me, woodworking is more than just making something out of wood; it’s about taking a simple piece of material and turning it into something useful, personal, and unique. I enjoy designing my own pieces, choosing different types of wood, and putting everything together by hand. My motto is, “Not just wood and tools—every board is time, effort, and heart turned into something lasting.” That motto represents the care and meaning I put into every piece I create through Leer Homestead.
What initially inspired your interest in this space?
My interest in woodworking started in middle school when my shop teacher introduced me to making cutting boards. I immediately enjoyed the process and wanted to learn more, and my dad, Jason Weiland, inspired me by passing down some of his tools that gave me a starting point. My grandparents, Sheree and Bill Hepburn, have also been a huge part of my journey by building me a workshop in their garage so I have a dedicated place to work. Their support, along with my family’s encouragement, has helped me turn something I enjoy into a growing business.
What's one of your most memorable experiences or milestones from your creative journey?
One of my biggest milestones has been watching Leer Homestead grow from an idea into an actual business. I started with only a few tools and slowly built up my equipment and workspace by reinvesting what I earned, while my grandparents, Sheree and Bill Hepburn, helped take it another step by building me a workshop in their garage. Having a dedicated space where I can create, learn, and grow has made a huge difference in my woodworking journey. Seeing people purchase pieces I made with my own hands and request custom orders makes me proud of how far Leer Homestead has come.
How have challenges or setbacks helped shape your creative process?
Starting a business while being a student has taught me the importance of time management, patience, and persistence. I have to balance school, work, family responsibilities, and my business, which can sometimes be challenging. Woodworking has also taught me that mistakes are part of learning and that I shouldn’t give up when something doesn’t work the first time. I try to learn from every setback and use it to make my next project better.
How do you envision your creative interest evolving over the next year?
Over the next year, I want to continue growing Leer Homestead while improving my woodworking skills and learning new techniques. I would like to expand the products I offer, take on more custom projects, and continue improving the quality of my work. I also want to grow my marketing and social media presence so I can reach more customers. My goal is to keep building something that can grow with me.
How do you plan to utilize your grant funding to further your creative interest, journey, and process?
I plan to use the grant funding to invest directly back into Leer Homestead and my woodworking. The funding would help me purchase professional tools and equipment, improve my workspace, and buy quality materials for future projects. Since I already reinvest what I earn back into Leer Homestead, this grant would allow me to make important investments much sooner. It would help me take my workshop and the quality of my products to the next level.
Do you have any advice to share with someone looking to pursue their own creative interests?
My biggest advice would be to start with what you have and not wait until everything is perfect. I started with a few tools and an idea, and I built my business one project at a time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or start small because every experience can teach you something. If you’re passionate about something, take it seriously and give yourself the opportunity to see where it can take you.
Are there any social media profiles, websites, or other resources where our readers can follow your journey and support your work?
Readers can follow Leer Homestead online to see my latest woodworking projects, products, and business updates. My website is leerHomestead.com, where people can learn more about my work and what I offer. I can also be found on TikTok at @leer_homestead, Facebook at @LeerHomestead, and Instagram at @leer.homestead. Following, sharing, and supporting my small local business makes a huge difference and helps me continue growing.
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