We Fix Old Stuff: Participant Spotlight on Ashley Zaworska & David Nebert
Today, we’re sitting down with Ashley Zaworska and David Hebert, owners of We Fix Old Stuff. Through the Seattle Restored pop-up program, Ashley & David are using this opportunity to better understand the market demand for repair and customization services as they expand their business. (Featured image by Kyle Johnson)
Q: Tell us about your business. What inspired your pop-up concept?
We Fix Old Stuff is, in many ways, an accidental business. We were already producing lighting for our company Moon Moon Lighting Co in Ballard, and friends and family would occasionally bring us items to repair since we had the tools and expertise to do it. Word spread, and we quickly realized there’s a real need for this in Seattle.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
The Moon Moon workshop wasn’t large enough to support both production work and a growing volume of repair work. It’s also located in a secure, shared artist building, so repair visits were all appointment-only. Not ideal.
Seattle Restored came at exactly the right moment: we wanted to continue providing repair services, but we didn’t have the capacity to take on a second lease or procure a larger space. With the We Fix Old Stuff storefront, we’re able to take on significantly more repair projects and also offer a selection of vintage and upcycled goods for sale.
We also appreciate that the time-bound structure of the Seattle Restored program gives us a clear framework to focus our energy and resources within the 6-month pop-up window. Our core business remains Moon Moon Lighting Co, but we’re very invested in using this pop-up opportunity to better understand the market demand for repair and customization services. We’re paying close attention to what people bring in and what they need. If demand continues, we’ll be excited to grow We Fix Old Stuff in a sustainable way.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business? how do you hope to impact the community?
The most rewarding part of the work is seeing how much it matters to people. It is incredibly satisfying to watch someone’s face light up when they see something they care about repaired and working again, especially when they thought it might not be fixable.
On the community side, we have found that repair naturally creates connection. We have been introduced to collectors, engineers, and specialists across Seattle and beyond who are generous with their knowledge and excited to share it. Those interactions have been just as valuable as the work itself.
Looking forward, we would love to continue building that network and becoming a known resource. Whether we restore a piece ourselves, connect someone with the right expert, or offer an alternative to throwing something away, we see our work as part of a broader ecosystem of care, knowledge sharing, and keeping good stuff in use. Many of the pieces that come through our shop were made to a level of quality that is rare to find today, which is why it feels extra worthwhile to keep them in working order.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your business?
We approach repair from both a design and technical perspective. Between the two of us, we have backgrounds in fabrication, engineering, architecture, industrial design, and interior design, and that shows up in the decisions we make re: materials, proportions, finishes, etc.
Our work ranges from simple fixes like rewires and socket replacements to more complex, museum-quality restorations… we cater our approach to each piece and each customer. We also take on repair-adjacent work like light fixture customizations and electrification (turning regular objects into light fixtures).
We specialize in light fixtures, but we can fix almost anything. If you have a project that’s beyond our expertise, we can point you to someone who can tackle it.
Also, check out our shop! We only bring in pieces we wish we could keep for ourselves, ranging from everyday finds to rare designer wares.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
We’re currently focused on keeping up with demand and maintaining a high standard of work, so no formal events are scheduled.
That said, we’re actively taking on new projects. If you have something you’d like repaired, we recommend bringing it in sooner rather than later. Repair takes time, and we’re only here through August 11.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
If something feels worth keeping, it probably is. Most pieces that come through our workshop are quite well-made and just need thoughtful attention to continue functioning for decades.
Similar things could be said about community. We feel like “community” has become a buzzword lately, but it’s worth remembering that it is the natural conclusion of active practice. If you want community, do something. Go somewhere new, talk to people, follow your interests, contribute.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
We love our next door neighbor, Good Olfactory Candles.
We’ve had the chance to watch Flavia shape her space as she’s moved in, and it’s clear how much intention and integrity she brings to her work. Her products are excellent, and her shop really invites you to slow down, ground yourself, and exhale. Highly recommend.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
We tend to gravitate toward quieter, nature-focused experiences. Seward Park is great for birding, Washington Park Arboretum can accommodate almost any vibe, Discovery Park is a classic.
For the folks who already know all that, the UW research greenhouse is a hidden gem and definitely worth a trip.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
For now, we’re focused on doing this well. Whether a repair is simple or extensive, we approach each fix with care and precision.
We’re looking forward to meeting more people, seeing what projects come through the door, and filling what seems to be a clear need in the city. If you have something you’ve been meaning to fix or adapt, we’d love to see it.
Visit We Fix Old Stuff
Address:
12325 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Open hours:
Saturday – Wednesday: 9:30am-4:00pm
Dates: March 17 – August 11, 2026