The Anchored Owl Story

The Anchored Owl officially took flight in February 2025—but its roots were planted long before then. Founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and April Johnson, The Anchored Owl is a reflection of their shared dreams, individual journeys, and the love that brought them together.

Bill and April first crossed paths over 25 years ago while working at a small Irish pub. Back then, April hardly gave Bill the time of day. Life carried them down different roads, but fate had its plans. They reconnected years later through community service—both with stories marked by perseverance, resilience, and growth. In 2024, they married and began building a life (and business) together, grounded in creativity, purpose, and a bit of serendipity.

Bill brings over 40 years of woodworking experience, a craft he learned side-by-side with his grandfather, Robert “Samps” Wise. Their bond was built in sawdust and sunlight—moments of laughter, learning, and love in the workshop. When Samps passed in 2019, and as the world paused during the pandemic, Bill stepped away from his previous venture, Johnson Woodworks. But his passion never faded—it simply waited for the right time to be reborn.

April, ever the beach lover and creative spirit, found herself drawn to resin art, capturing serene beachscapes and coastal scenes. As they shared vendor booths, they discovered how naturally their talents complemented one another. During this time, they were also building their home—and they made a promise to furnish it only with meaningful pieces found through travel, antique shops, and thrifting adventures. Each piece told a story. And through those stories, their love of antiques—and eventually, furniture restoration—blossomed.

Thus, The Anchored Owl was born: a fusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and heritage.

The name and logo are deeply personal. The Owl pays tribute to Bill’s family name, “Wise,” and honors his grandfather Samps, whose woodworking dream lives on through Bill. The Anchor represents April’s family crest and salutes the many who served in the Navy and Army. Their story is one of legacy, rooted in gratitude.

We proudly honor our military family members:

  • Cedric John Andrews

  • Richard Holmes, Sr.

  • Alvin Howard

  • Roy Johnson

And a heartfelt thank you to April’s parents, Gerald & Bonnie Dalton—our biggest cheerleaders, volunteers, and unwavering support system. We couldn’t do this without you.

And of course, no story would be complete without mentioning our beloved dachshund and dachshund-wannabes, who take the role of full-time shop supervisors and morale boosters very seriously. Whether it’s snoozing in a sunbeam or inspecting furniture legs with expert sniffing skills, our four-legged team members reminds us to keep things joyful (and occasionally to take a break for belly rubs).

At The Anchored Owl, every piece we create or restore carries a story—a blend of past and present, craftsmanship and character. We invite you to be part of the next chapter.