Alumni Highlights
Those recognized on the Alumni Highlight webpage are chosen at the discretion of the Alumni Affairs office. If you would like to be recognized or recommend some else be recognized click the button below to be redirected to the form.
January 2021
Jake Mellow ’17 & ’19
Jake Mellow ’17 & ’19 is the current owner of Mellow Works—a business dedicated to the craft of woodworking. Mellow Works started in 2015 when Jake was in the B.F.A program at Shepherd University. Woodworking was something Jake had experience with, as he previously had done woodworking with his grandfather. The previous experience inspired him to take a class called Tools, Craft, and Tech which taught the basics of woodcraft. Jake began making some pieces for family and friends, Jake then turned his hobby into a small business.
Mellow Works makes a range of products including cutting boards, pens, tables, frames, and even game calls from local, domestic, and international “exotic” woods. Mellow Works is currently able to be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy under @mellowworkswv. Jake and his wife recently purchased a new home where he will be able to create a workshop as an official headquarters for Mellow Works.
Woodworking is Jake’s creative outlet, where he can create art work that people can use. He has been able to showcase his pieces at craft fairs throughout the region, but his favorite is the annual Art Market hosted by Shepherd University Art Department. He enjoys revisiting the art market each year to come back to where Mellow Works first started and seeing students starting their own art businesses.
Along with owning Mellow Works, Jake currently works at his alma mater as the Coordinator for Student Conduct. He found his second passion, Student Affairs, while earning his M.A. in College Student Development and Administration at Shepherd University—propelling him into a career in student conduct.
Jake attributes his current success to his student and professional experience at Shepherd University. While earning his B.F.A he learned how to talk about and market his work—receiving a deeper education into selling his pieces as a successful artist. Following his graduation from his B.F.A Jake was encouraged to explore his passion in higher education. He felt the support from Shepherd University to pursue both passions which led to him building Mellow Works into a successful business and pursing his passion within higher education. Jake is proud to be a shepherd Ram because of the community that exists on campus, Shepherd helped him find a career, build a small business, and further explore things he is passionate about.