When it comes to creativity and craftsmanship, there’s a power couple in Tampa making waves in the world of epoxy art and education: Mike and Sophia Jones. Their story is one of passion, dedication, and a shared love for turning ordinary surfaces into extraordinary masterpieces.

Mike Jones, the heart and soul behind the transformation of simple spaces into art, started his adventure in 2020 with a brand called Wood and Handz. Originally, the company focused on custom woodwork, using exotic woods to create unique pieces. However, Mike's journey took a pivotal turn when he discovered epoxy resin while building a 12-foot-long wooden paddleboard.

“I was looking for ways to waterproof the paddleboard,” Mike recalls, “and I stumbled upon epoxy resin on YouTube. It was like a whole new world opened up for me. I got hooked on the versatility and the sheer beauty of what you can create with epoxy.”

This newfound passion didn’t just stop at waterproofing a paddleboard. Mike began to explore the endless possibilities of epoxy, transitioning his business from Wood and Handz to something even more vibrant and artistic.

"“I was looking for ways to waterproof the paddleboard,” Mike recalls, “and I stumbled upon epoxy resin on YouTube. It was like a whole new world opened up for me. I got hooked on the versatility and the sheer beauty of what you can create with epoxy."

As Mike’s fascination with epoxy grew, so did his desire to share this amazing craft with others. He began resurfacing and building countertops for residential and commercial clients, finding immense joy in bringing his creative visions to life.

“I love how versatile epoxy resin is,” Mike says. “It self-levels, provides a great finish, and the sealing is just perfect. But what really excites me is the freedom to express my creativity. When clients give me the liberty to choose colors and designs, it’s like playing with a blank canvas.”

This passion led to the establishment of the Epoxy School of Tampa, where Mike now teaches others the art of epoxy countertops and floors. The school has become a hub for makers eager to enhance their skills and dive deep into the world of epoxy.

Check out their work on Instagram!

The Epoxy School of Tampa is more than just a place to learn; it's a community of like-minded individuals driven by creativity and the desire to push boundaries. Mike describes the community as a group of “individuals who have dedicated their lives to taking risks and unlocking their full creative potential. Our students are typically skilled makers who join our epoxy classes to further hone their craft and learn this lucrative trade. By advancing their skills, they are enhancing their futures and fully embracing their creative potential,” Mike explains.

And the support doesn’t end when the classes do. Mike and Sophia make it a point to stay connected with their students, inspiring them to persist in the epoxy world and excel in this enriching field.