Our Story
Raised in his family's local cabinet business while spending summer's with his furniture making, folk artist father, Justin's destiny was always tied to wood. Over the years he honed his skills in every aspect of production from sanding to finishing to building and design. Most of all he developed patience, a woodworkers sensitive touch and attention to detail. A true mastery of the language of wood.
Highly creative and challenging himself to continually grow, Justin has made wood signs, musical instruments, cabinetry, furniture, entry doors, garden art, home decor, jewelry, and much more. As a steward of artisan wood craft he believes it is his duty to also care for and give tribute to the makers before him. Furniture repair and restoring heirloom pieces has always been a part of his woodworking journey.
Growing up just a few houses down from the old Carlsborg Store, Justin never imagined he'd someday own the historic building where is spent his lunch money on penny candies. Later when he moved back to the neighborhood as a young adult he'd spend Sunday mornings drinking coffee with shopkeeper Jeanne and visiting with neighbors as they filtered in and out. Still, it would be over decade later before the idea of someday owning the store would even be considered a possibility. It has been a heartfelt passion for Justin to restore the architecture of his community. Having a hub for story, community and preservation is Justin's greatest reward.
Owners, Makers, Restorers
Justin A. Pollak & Jonel Lyons
Lune N Leo
Justin's childhood memories are playing with blocks of wood on sawdust covered floors, burning symbols into wood with lens and sun, vinyl records, and drive-in theaters. His early influences are the happy round curves and wood butcher art of the‘7os. He is continually inspired by the unique style that is Japanese woodworking, which celebrates precision and simplicity as well as wabi sabi. He honors wood, hand-made craft, music and art in all he creates.
“Through a series of unpredictable twists and turns that could only be destiny. Here we are today caring for this special place. Bringing new life and energy to the historic Carlsborg Store and honoring the skilled traditions of past and present."
In 1920 Jonel's great-great Grandmother, Fanny, and her new husband moved to the budding Finnish community of Agnew. There they would settle into farm life after clearing the 80 acres and building the log cabin. The beautiful property with broad views of the Olympic mountains on one side and the Salish Sea stretching to the North would someday be the home to the fifth generation, Jonel and Justin. Growing up on the farm Jonel developed a deep connection to family and nature. Together the generations put the farm into a trust preserving the land and their legacy for eternity.
On the other side of the family, Jonel's grandma Carmen, spent her teenage years in Carlsborg. The Schmuck's lived at the train depot and Carmen fell in love with the railroad, especially the little red caboose. Later, when the train stopped running Carmen purchased the caboose and brought it home to the farm. She had a furniture refinishing business and in addition to the train car restored two Victorian's in Port Angeles. As an only child Jonel often accompanied her grandma and mom, Suzie on antiquing and buying trips for Carmen's gift store, the Browsery. Jonel would find a small treasure for herself and learned first hand the work that goes into restoring antiques. When she wasn't in school she went to work at the Browsery, checking in inventory, creating displays, greeting customers, wrapping presents and learning the retail business. Her grandmother was always generous with her love, to everyone from delivery drivers to the customers. Her sentiment and kindheartedness had a lasting effect on Jonel and all who knew her well.
After graduating from Evergreen State College with degree in multi-media, Jonel continued to explore new places and career avenues. Finally landing back in the Sequim area she managed several local small businesses over the years. She may have helped you pick out home decor at Pondicherri or find the perfect fit at Paisleys clothing store. Or, you may have met her giving tea tastings at Renaissance, or garden tips while doing landscape work with Suzie. At other times she shared her business knowledge working as an advertising rep for the Sequim Gazette and teaching job skills at First Step Family Support Center. Through all of these experiences she held a flame for someday having a little shop of her own where she could express her creativity and support local makers.
Jonel grew up with one leg rooted to land that was wild and free while the other straddled the unknown in search of new ideas and expression. Her grandmother taught her the value of old buildings, antique furniture, history and how to bring them back to life. While her mother instilled in her independence, a connection with nature and an adventurous spirit. Jonel is inspired by the constantly changing mashup that is fashion and design. Her largest desire is to make and sell products that people connect with and treasure.
Lune N Leo
Artisan Wood Jewelry
Since 2014
Lune N Leo is a creative collaboration told in the stars, a love story told by lovers, a making and a happening…
Jonel and Justin are a symbiotic design team. For over 20 years they have been collaborating on projects, discussing art philosophy, construction and intention in all they create. In 2014 they started a jewelry line, Lune N Leo, merging Jonel’s jewelry making experience and Justin’s woodworking. All made with wood scraps from furniture and cabinetry jobs. The small scale being an excellent way to explore new techniques and textures. Each piece is hand made with sterling silver hardware and rubbed with their signature beeswax finish. They are light weight with soft beveled edges and attention to detail. Lune N Leo is a tribute to the personal growth and spiritual connection that comes from the creative endeavor. Come by the store to see our current selection!