With a sharp eye for design and a deep commitment to craftsmanship, Patricia Varela Guevara has played a central role in the success of New England Antique Lumber, where she leads as a partner. She has combined her expertise in administration with a strong creative sensibility, helping to build a business that resonates with homeowners, designers, and architects alike. What began as a modest endeavor has grown into a thriving enterprise, recognized for its quality, character, and dedication to preserving the history and utility of reclaimed wood.
Ms. Guevara’s academic background laid the foundation for her professional achievements. She earned a degree from Universidad Técnica del Norte in Ecuador, an education that provided her with the skills and confidence to pursue new opportunities abroad. After relocating to the United States with her husband, she brought her business acumen and artistic vision to a new setting, navigating the challenges of a different culture while keeping her focus on long-term goals.
After the founding of New England Antique Lumber, Ms. Guevara went on to establish a new venture, Sovereign Wood Gallery in Palm Beach, Florida. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality craftsmanship attracted attention well beyond her immediate network. Her work was featured in “The Martha Blog” by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, a testament to her growing influence in the design and reclaimed wood industries. She was also honored with a regional award for women innovators, underscoring her impact as a business leader and a creative force. In addition, New England Antique Lumber has been recognized with several awards and distinctions throughout the tri-state area.
Ms. Guevara’s entry into the reclaimed lumber industry was inspired by her husband’s background in construction. Together, they saw the potential to blend traditional woodworking with modern design sensibilities. Their shared vision, combined with a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, led them to launch a business despite limited resources. Securing a 5,000-square-foot space was a milestone in their journey, made possible by the support of Steve and Deborah Handelsman, who offered them a rental agreement that allowed them to stabilize and grow. The Guevaras credit much of their early momentum to this generosity and to the community that embraced their work.
Throughout her career, Ms. Guevara has remained grounded in the belief that success is built through dedication and love for one’s craft. She often emphasizes the importance of finding joy in work and surrounding oneself with people motivated not only by results but also by the creative process itself. This philosophy has shaped the culture of her business and continues to influence how she approaches expansion and innovation.
Looking to the future, Ms. Guevara is focused on growing her company while maintaining the integrity and standards that have defined her work. Her passion for innovation provides her with a creative outlet beyond the demands of entrepreneurship and reflects the same care and attention to detail that characterize her business approach. Whether overseeing a design project or developing new initiatives with her family, she brings thoughtfulness, precision, and warmth to everything she does. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of community support and shared purpose.