Birdhouses are not just a way to draw birds to your home or garden. It is also a form of decorative display and creative expression.
Meet Oneika Brooks. She’s smart, kind, and business savvy; however, andshe draws you in with her modest demeanor. Although she’s gentle spirited and soft spoken, her eyes light up when talking about her passion— creating unique birdhouses. Oneika’s love of birds and painting has opened up a business for her— birdhouse creations. Read our full interview below.
Tell me about yourself (hometown, family, education, etc).
My name is Oneika Brooks. My hometown is Amite, Louisiana where some of my family and friends still reside. I had only one child who recently passed this year, in August, due to heart failure from complications of dialysis. In fact, she is the reason for me reigniting my passion of painting birdhouses and wooden decor. When my daughter, O’ Lexus, passed, I had no hope and I felt as though the one real purpose I had to live was no longer there. While going through our things to give to Goodwill, I came across a box with a bag in it. Upon opening the bag, I saw the new paint brushes, gemstones, resin, and paint that my daughter had bought for me months before. O’lexus told me she wanted me to start back painting because I was good at it and she believed in me. She wanted me to turn my painting into a business. But during that time, I couldn’t bring myself to paint while seeing her suffer as she did with those dialysis treatments and the after effects. After her death, I eventually picked up my paint brushes and started to create. I enjoy painting because it allows me to use my imagination and create. It’s also has become meditative to me. I was schooled in the public school system. I graduated from Jewel M Summer High School. I later attended several colleges and eventually obtained a Master’s in Business Administration. I also enjoy the legal field. I obtained a paralegal certificate that helped me to acquire a position at one of the U.S. largest banking institutions. I worked in their legal processing department.
What is the name of your business?
The name of my business is Uniquely Decorative Birdhouses and Decor LLC.
What made you start this business?
I wanted to find hope again after the passing of my daughter, and I believe that painting and creating is the key for me. The urging from my daughter, O’lexus, is what really got me re-started. It’s a way for me to honor one of her wishes.
How long have you been creating birdhouses?
It started about 7 years ago. I started, and I stopped, and now I have started again with the desire to continue on.
You love birds. What is your favorite bird and why?
Yes, I do love the birds. Years ago when we used to live in Baton Rouge , Louisiana, I used to take many pictures of the birds. Oh my, this is an unfair question, as I have more than one favorite bird, but I will list only one per your request *laughs*. My favorite bird is the Egret. In my opinion, they are some of the most elegant species of birds.
Where do you see your business going in the next five years?
I imagine my business flourishing with many styles of birdhouses. I have so many ideas on creating, and I am excited to see and hear public response. I will have regular birdhouses, collector’s item birdhouses, and I am working on ways to enhance the birdhouse for the safety of our feathery friends.
Birdhouses are such a niche market. What is the best part of being in this industry?
The excitement for me is creating. I enjoy watching the birds nesting, therefore I want to create a birdhouse with both the buyers and birds in mind. Safe, non-toxic products used on the birdhouse for the birds and an eye-catching birdhouse that the owner will enjoy looking at for hours. I want all to share in the joy of owing one of my birdhouses. I want the buyer to be excited about receiving their special items as much as I am about creating them. Potential customers can also order with special requests or as gifts. For example, if you know someone that enjoys fishing or hunting, I can create a birdhouse around them. These birdhouses can also be a great gift. I will arrange for shipping to the destinations. I would like to encourage those who may be interested in my birdhouses to check us out on Marketplace Facebook, Etsy, and Pinterest. Search for Birdhouses: Decorative and look for the business name. Another name to look for is Uniquely Decorative Birdhouses 24.
Oneika’s birdhouses live up to its name— they are truly unique creations. Through diligent efforts and turning her pain into a beautiful business, Oneika continues bringing light to the world— one chirping bird and stunning birdhouse at a time.
