In a small garage lit by sparks and ambition, Bear River High School senior Hannah Solomon is welding more than just metal — she’s welding her future.
What started as a general agriculture class back in 10th grade at Forest Lake turned into Solo Steel, a handcrafted welding business that’s making a long-lasting impact across Solomon’s community. The name, which was inspired by a trailer hitch project her dad once imagined but never launched, now lives on through her own vision and grit.
Solo Steel’s logo. Prospective customers can reach out if they’re interested in purchasing.
“I’m just a kid in a garage that’s going to be welding their way through high school and college,” Solomon says.
Her love for welding began with her dad’s tools and some Pinterest inspiration. From there, she started crafting small pieces, experimenting with repurposed horseshoes and steel scraps.
Solomon also took in creative ideas from friends, family and Ms. Shannon, one of four Bear River FFA advisors. It didn’t take long before she was selling her art at local shows, each piece more unique than the last.
Hannah Solomon (left), Ms. Shannon (center) and Wyatt Fowler (right) have fun in the agricultural mechanics shop at Bear River.
When making her holiday-inspired wreaths, she welds the shoes while her mom works with “the swag” — system that works wonders for the dynamic duo. Her mom adds decorative touches and helps market Solomon’s work through Facebook, while she runs the Solo Steel Instagram page and meets customers face-to-face at events.
Follow Solomon’s journey and check out her latest creations on Instagram, where she posts everything from custom hooks to full-sized sculptures. Orders, show announcements and behind-the-scenes looks are all part of the experience.
“I think the coolest thing is knowing my work is being shown in other places,” she says. “It’s in someone’s house, in someone’s business. I get to leave something behind.”
Solomon focuses on affordable, functional metal art that makes great gifts and sparks conversation. She’s building from scratch, but her projects carry meaning, story and heart.
One of Solomon’s most popular designs.
It hasn’t always been easy, though. At first, Solomon undersold her work simply because she loved it. With help from FFA agricultural mechanics teacher Mr. Weddle, however, she learned to price her projects fairly by factoring in materials, time and value.
“FFA opened a new door for me,” she says. “I can take what I’ve learned at school and use it in my business.”
She credits FFA for helping her gain confidence not just in the shop, but in herself.
“When I’m at shows, I have to be a salesperson,” she says. “I had to learn to talk to people and to share my story.” She’s also helped lead her chapter committee by working on sponsorships, event planning and engaging new members.
“FFA taught me how to communicate and be comfortable with people,” she adds.
Solomon (far left) and her agricultural mechanics team members were recognized at the 2024 end-of-the-year banquet for their hard work and dedication. Solomon will also be recognized at the 2025 FFA banquet.
One of her proudest moments? Selling a massive welded cow head for $1,000 at the Nevada County fair.
“The horns didn’t work out the way I planned, but I adjusted based on feedback,” Solomon says. “The owner shared it’s above her bed and said that five of her friends wanted one, too! It was such an amazing opportunity, thanks to the community and FFA.”
Solomon’s latest agricultural mechanics project, which was made for her local fair’s auction.
That project, like many others, came with challenges. When stress builds, Solomon takes a step back.
“All businesses have an overload,” she says. “I’ve learned it’s okay to take a break, then come back with a clear head. I tell myself, ‘I got this. I do this all the time.’”
Her advice to other students? “Don’t compare yourself,” she says. “There’s always going to be someone stacking dimes better than you or talking better than you with more experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Just work toward your goal. Set little goals along the way so you can feel success and keep moving.”
Solomon plans to sell one of her largest projects yet, a 3D Highland cow, at her local fairgrounds. The goal is to have at least 70% of her project done by the end of the school year.
Although her work might be heavy, her heart is light with passion, creativity and community support. This young welder sparks with big dreams.
Welding can be done anywhere. Check out Solomon in action in her garage!
