The Chasing Victory Story
Chasing Victory began in 2011, after 2 long years of reconstructive surgery on founder and master craftsman Jonathan Stroud's left hand.
For Jonathan, 2009 was going great. He was enjoying his job laying hardwood floors. He loved working with his hands, working with wood, and feeling a sense of professional pride. He had been building a successful career, carefully cultivating his skills and reputation in the construction industry.
But during a routine job, Jonathan's left hand was suddenly pulled into an unforgiving table saw in a split-second moment of distraction. Life quickly went from good to bad. The table saw not only damaged Jonathan's hand, but also his sense of purpose and his ability to continue working in the trade he loved.
"Hopelessness turned to hope, depression turned to joy"
Jonathan looked for any job he could possibly do, but only found hopelessness, depression, and loss of confidence. The table saw accident had stripped away his sense of professional identity, leaving him struggling to find purpose and meaning.
Determined to rebuild his life, Jonathan gave an old idea of his a try…wooden rings. Though not an easy learning process, the idea was a success. He discovered a new passion that allowed him to work with wood in a way that accommodated his injured hand.
Since the incident, he had been chasing his victory, and he finally caught it. Hopelessness turned to hope, depression turned to joy. Through perseverance and creativity, Jonathan transformed a devastating workplace accident into an opportunity for personal reinvention. Life was good again.
Today, Jonathan believes very strongly in perseverance and personal transformation. Chasing Victory rings are a symbol of that belief. To him, they serve as a reminder of what he has overcome, and that the best is yet to come.
"Every ring tells a story, and I pour my heart into crafting each piece with precision and passion. From sunrise to sunset, I'm dedicated to creating unique wooden rings that aren't just accessories, but personal treasures. Each email I answer, each photo I take, and each order I carefully package is a chance to connect with incredible people who appreciate the artistry and meaning behind handcrafted work. What started as a challenge has become my greatest calling – transforming wood into wearable art that celebrates individual journeys and personal resilience."
