Contributed CRAFTING A FUTURE — Trenton Duvall, center, poses with independent provider Jeremy Wright, at left, and father Greg Duvall in the workshop where he has helped create cutting boards, coasters and more for the family business, Bee-lieves in Homesteading LLC.

ADENA — Trenton Duvall’s journey toward self-sufficiency began with woodworking at his family’s home in Adena, and now he is learning that his future is literally in his hands.

Trenton, who was born in Meigs County and later resided in Oklahoma, has suffered from Type I Diabetes since childhood, but parents Greg and Michelle also suspected he could be autistic. His speech was severely delayed and he was found to have sensory issues. Following continuous trips to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus for his medical condition and with the help of a supportive physician, he was formally diagnosed on the autism spectrum and would eventually undergo speech and occupational therapy and find his voice.

In 2017, his family relocated to their current home along U.S. Route 250 and he currently works with independent service provider Jeremy Wright under the auspices of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities. His family has been operating as homesteaders, raising chickens, hogs and goats, harvesting honey from beehives and living off their land while Trenton regularly assists with the tasks.

He learned woodworking from his father and they have spent time crafting furniture for the house, including Trenton’s bed, an ottoman, horizontal beehives and raised garden beds for the lawn. His skills evolved into 4-H projects and Trenton received awards including best of show for his wooden airplanes as well as animal showmanship at county fairs, plus he earned several trips to the Ohio State Fair. However, it wasn’t until COVID struck that he found his true calling.

Michelle noted that a suggestion by Wright led to Trenton’s newfound business, which has been a godsend.

“Jeremy approached us with the idea of selling cutting boards,” she said. “When they decided they were doing it, it was a phenomenon. It just clicked and we wouldn’t be able to do this without him. Jeremy knew we wanted Trenton, as much as his ability would allow, to be a part of the world.”

The Duvalls formed Bee-lieves in Homesteading LLC in 2020 and the business logo incorporates puzzle pieces within bee’s wings to signify Trenton’s autism. The family produces honey from eight hives and his homemade items have sold by word of mouth.

“Trenton is very driven and we had to find a way to make money,” Wright said, adding that they were inspired after seeing cutting board samples online. “We were changing perspective because we want him to feel like he has ownership in something. (His parents) wanted him to have a fulfilling life and wanted him to be as passionate about things as possible.”

The 23-year-old now spends hours gluing, binding and sanding pieces into cutting boards or creating napkin holders, cheese boards and coasters. He is working with a planer, table saw and miter saw with guidance from Wright and his father and works at his own pace to complete projects. Wright said he posted information on Facebook and samples of Trenton’s work were placed outside their home, helping them sell quickly with dozens more being purchased since.

Wright regularly monitors Trenton’s moods and sugar levels, making sure he can manage his tasks and work between one to eight hours per day on projects.

“Trenton’s quite the businessman,” Wright said. “He kept an eye on the Dairy Jean, and when he went to get ice cream, he grabbed his cutting board and took it with him. He got three orders. He’s a very likable guy and he knows how to sell. As a provider, we also focus on community engagement.”

“Whenever he meets people, he says, ‘I’ve got my own business,'” Michelle added. “He makes sales.”

“If I had a building or factory, I’d make more and sell them,” Trenton interjected. “People find out about them, and I can make more, and I could make a good living from this.”

He learned to divide his profits to fund supplies and make an income, with the latter helping him grow his collection of 20 Necca figurines, which are based on movies and music from the classic horror genre and “Back to the Future” to the Beatles. Trenton excitedly explains how he has managed to grow his hobby that includes comic books and vinyl records and now he purchases Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Michelle said plans are to add another building for a workshop and Trenton hoped to one day create business cards and a Facebook page to peddle his wares. When not being crafty, he spends three days a week in day programming at the Tomorrow’s Corner adult day care center in St. Clairsville and has worked at the nearby Packer’s Orchard making boxes for their seasonal sales. Meanwhile, he and friends with the Windy Ridge 4-H Club built flower boxes for the village of Mount Pleasant. Michelle said the goal is to help him live more independently and build a future for himself.

“We live in a world of entitlement, and we want Trenton to know it’s far better to give than to receive,” she concluded. “Now we are working on the concept of finding a community thing he can help with and give something back.”

For information or to make orders, contact Bee-lieves in Homesteading at (740) 416-6782.