How It All Started
(Spoiler: I Had No Bloody Idea What I Was Doing)
You know those stories where someone wakes up one day with a perfectly formed business idea and a full-blown 5-year plan?
Yeah, this isn’t that.
This started with a 3D printer Joel bought in early 2024, shoved into the corner of my tiny office. At first, it was his toy. But when he wasn’t using it, I started messing around with it—and let’s just say, it didn’t take long before I got way too interested.
At first, I just wanted to print a few bits and pieces. But I couldn’t find the exact files I wanted. So naturally (because I’m a bit of a control freak with zero patience), I taught myself CAD.
First thing I ever designed? A remote caddy—with a section for hand cream. Yep, because I like my sh*t where I can find it.
That was quickly followed by bottle holders. Because apparently, organisation is my love language.
From “Hobby” to “Okay Wait, I Might Be Good at This”
Joel’s electrical business (Volt) became my test dummy. I started making packout gear—first using PLA, then PETG… until it all warped in the sun and I rage-Googled my way into learning about ASA and proper filament use. I wasn’t trying to be an expert. I just wanted
it to work properly. So I figured it out.
Around then, we added a laser engraver to the mix, and the tiny office couldn’t keep up. We moved into the spare room and I went full goblin-mode learning how to engrave and cut all sorts of things.
Before long, we added a second printer. At this point, it was still just stuff for Volt, friends, and people who knew I “did that sort of thing.”
And Then… It Got Real
Eventually, we looked at what I was doing and realised—I wasn’t bad at this.
Actually, I was kind of smashing it.
Everyone I made things for told me I should start a business. So we bit the bullet and did it properly.
Deep Cuts and Layers was literally the first name that came to mind, and it stuck. (It’s better than my tragic placeholder—“Mel’s Custom Engraving and Printing.” We don’t talk about her.)
And then… I got my first proper real order. A stubby holder.
From Queensland.
From a stranger.
I nearly fell over. Someone outside of my circle wanted my work enough to pay for it. That’s when things shifted.
Cue Existential Crisis (and a Bigger Laser)
When we bought the big laser, we had to move everything again—this time into what’s now my workshop. That was the “what the f*ck am I doing?” moment.
But there was no time to overthink it, because orders started coming in. And I had to get on with it.
Since then, we’ve added a third printer (with a bigger bed, obviously), and I’ve taught myself coding, built my website, and am now learning marketing. Add that to the fact I’m also doing admin, bookkeeping, payroll for Volt… oh, and I’m a mum of two.
Ella and Reece keep me on my toes (and caffeinated). Ella’s disability means I can’t easily work outside the home—but this business? This lets me show up for her and for myself.
Why I Keep Going
Honestly? It’s not just about making cool stuff.
It’s when someone messages me to say their order made their day...
Or when a stressed-out customer thanks me for replying at 8pm on a Sunday night...
Or someone NEEDS that perfect last minute gift.
That’s what makes it worth it.
So yeah, Deep Cuts & Layers wasn’t born out of some perfect plan. It was born from curiosity, stubbornness, and a deep desire to make useful, beautiful, personalised sh*t that actually means something to people.
And I’m only just getting started.
Thanks for reading the chaos – more behind-the-scenes stories coming soon.
—Mel x