Meet Bee
meet bethany (bee) Parisi, hammerstone’s new marketing and development manager!
Did you grow up using tools? How much did you know going into your first Hammerstone class?
I grew up around tools thanks to both my grandfather and father, who were deeply into DIY home renovations. They regularly defied gender stereotypes—not only laying tile and building decks, but also sewing curtains and doing all the cooking. My dad had two daughters, and while my sister was the fishing buddy, I was the one eager to help with home projects, yearly annual barnacle removal and bottom painting on grandpa’s Catalina 36 sailboat, and even weaving new seats for our canoe.
From a young age, I learned the names of tools and developed a love for working with my hands. When I was in high school, my dad and stepmom built an addition to their house to fit our blended family. My dad did all the finish work himself, and I was by his side learning drywall, tiling, and more. I’m still unsure of the child labor laws around that, but I look at those basement walls with pride.
After my dad passed in 2019, the skills he taught me became even more meaningful. They’ve helped me through three home renovations and countless small projects for friends and family. When I signed up for Hammerstone’s Basic Carpentry Skills 101 class, I expected to learn, what I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about the basics. That class gave me a deeper understanding of the tools I’d been using for years and a newfound appreciation for my sidewinder circular saw. Being handed a worm drive saw only confirmed I had made the right call for me.
Bee removing layers of glue from original hardwood floors with heat gun. Always test glue, tiles, etc. before using this and other removal methods.
Tell us about a project you're excited about.
I am currently working on restoring my 1930’s craftsman bungalow. It has taken three years to get to the stage I am now in but with only two rooms left I am finally seeing the light at the end of the very long, very dusty tunnel.
As the saying goes, “they just don’t make them like they used to.” My home’s rough-cut lumber joists and 12-inch-wide oak trim are treasures I could never afford to replicate today. But what I can do is dedicate my time and effort to stripping away years of paint and restoring them to their original beauty—armed with patience and my trusty Cobra Speedheater.
How did you first find out about Hammerstone?
I first heard about Hammerstone at a craft night where I met Kelly, TA and Board Treasurer, who spoke with such passion about the classes she’d taken and how they empowered her to take on her own home renovation projects. Her enthusiasm stuck with me.
While exploring the Community Arts Partnership Art Trail, I wandered into Maria’s barn to watch a kumiko woodworking demonstration. During the demo, I overheard an older man questioning Maria about why her classes weren’t open to cis men. Calmly and confidently, she explained that Hammerstone was created to foster a safe environment—where women and gender minorities can ask questions freely, explore their capabilities, and learn without the weight of preconceived notions. She even suggested he could organize a custom workshop if he wanted a class experience.
Though he left visibly frustrated, I felt a deep sense of pride in Hammerstone’s mission and in Maria’s unwavering commitment to creating inclusive and intentional learning spaces. That moment stayed with me—and made me want to be part of Hammerstone.
In a full circle moment Maria and I will be showcasing our art together for this year’s Art Trail Open House Weekends in October out of the downtown shop! Life really is a series of natural and spontaneous moments!
What's your dream project? No answer is too big!
I have plans to build out a wood shop and studio for my art practice. Right now my finished pieces are stored in a basement and my studio is part of the guest bedroom. I’m really looking forward to having a space that is designated for my art.
With so many important causes to donate to at this moment, why Hammerstone?
Because when you give a gift to Hammerstone, you're investing in education and empowerment. You’re helping create a world where more people, especially women and gender-expansive folx, can be builders, homeowners, and leaders in their communities. That kind of change has a ripple effect.
What's a Hammerstone class we haven't offered yet that you'd want to teach or take?
I hope to bring some of my skills to the Hammerstone curriculum in the future. I’d love to offer classes in wood carving, paint techniques, as well as, furniture repair and refinishing. If you’re interested let us know!