Here’s an article about a former goldsmith in Ohio who turned his real passion — woodworking — into a retail opportunity. Eric Hyde was between jobs so he found a big workshop where he could set up all his lathes, saws and power tools and devote more time to his longtime hobby. But he soon realized that others who share his love of making objects out of wood were willing to pay to use those tools. And so A WoodWorker’s Place was born.

It’s grown so big that Hyde now has five employees, each specializing in different types of woodworking. One side of the place is devoted to retailing, including tools and wood for working. There’s also a design library and a computer with CAD software, free for customers to use. Woodworking classes are held there, too.

This is a great example for anyone who wants to earn a living doing what they like best. Unfortunately, some people in retail don’t stop to think what they’d really like to be selling. It’s a good idea to pause and reflect on your life goals occasionally. Now that you’re experienced in retailing clothes, why not take a fling at merchandising what you are passionate about, like diving gear? If diving is what you’d rather be doing, why not make money at it?

Look what Hyde did: He went from goldsmith to making his gold with wood. If he can do it, woodn’t you like to try?