Alisyn Palla (@meraki.metal.works)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Alisyn from @meraki.metal.works and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Alisyn Palla
Business Name: Meraki Metal Works
Website: www.
Specialties: Metal art
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? In 2013, my neighbor gave me his old flux core MIG machine. I had no idea how to use it, so I started watching YouTube and tutorials on how to weld. Over the last 10 years, I dabbled here and there, but as a full-time litigation attorney, I did not have a chance to practice and play as much as I would have liked. In 2019, I went to work for a client as their in-house general counsel. The first few years were incredibly busy, but over time, my schedule became more and more flexible. In early 2023, I began spending more and more time in my shop. I have been commissioned to make some pretty neat stuff this year, and my art business is gaining more and more momentum every day. I am so grateful to have the time and resources to follow my heart and create from my soul.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Creating feeds my soul. I try to spend a few hours creating every day. Even on the days when I cannot make it out to my shop, I still try to spend time creating and building my brand. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I LOVE my plasma cutter! It is so gratifying to be able to take a picture or design, and then free-hand cut it from metal. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece is one that I just recently finished, a life-size guitar made completely by hand from steel. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? I would be a full-time artist, building and creating every damn day! |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
BA Flapper wheels are my absolute favorite! The ability to control the finish on the metal using varying grits, pressure, and direction is unmatched.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
I have used other flapper wheels, but the BA flapper wheels seem to have longer life, and are more durable than other brands.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
I have used 40 grit and 60 grit flapper wheels to groove metal to make it look worn and rustic by applying extra pressure and controlling the direction and angle of the wheel. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I would be honored to collaborate with Saul Alcaraz (@sbartglass68). Saul is an amazing glass artist, and undoubtedly we would make something absolutely stunning together!
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Follow your passion as soon as it ignites!
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My art business is gaining momentum every day, and I am inspired to create as much as I possibly can, so be ready for some really cool stuff coming out of my shop in the future! I am so very grateful for each and every follower and supporter of my work.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Alisyn! It's always exciting to see an artist go full throttle in their passion with no signs of slowing down. Keep at it and keep that fire lit!