Turning misfortune into opportunity

4th August 2021

Oldbury business entrepreneurs Samuel Moseley and Rhys Shackell-York used their creativity, and sense of humour, to transform a customer complaint into a charitable campaign.

Sam and Rhys, co-founders of furniture buisness Grain and Frame, weren’t sure whether to laugh or cry when one of their bespoke, handcrafted dining tables was rejected by a customer on the basis of a very unfortunate, but natural knot – that looked just like a penis.

The knot was so intricately detailed, that the customer genuinely thought it must have been etched there on purpose. After reassuring the customer that this was not the case, the lads decided to make the most of the situation and auction the unwanted table for a good cause.

Rhys said: “One of my friends was diagnosed with testicular cancer not too long ago, so I know first hand how important charities are in fighting the disease. It seemed like a very fitting way to turn our misfortune into a real positive.”

The response to the innovative campaign has been overwhelming, with over 3000 tickets sold in the first 48 hours. Clearly there are many people out there happy to get their hands on a bit of hardwood.

Raffle tickets are being sold at just £2 on the Grain and Frame website. The table is worth over £600, so the lucky winner will be getting themselves a bargain, as well as an amusing talking point. All proceeds will go to Orchid Cancer, a charity which aims to save men’s lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through pioneering research and promoting awareness.

Well done Sam and Rhys for finding an innovative solution to a uniquely knotty problem. We salute you.