Mariana Velasquez on gathering, beauty and everyday rituals
At The Table With: Chelcea Dressler-Crowley and Kirsten Dressler Wilson of Messermeister
Chelcea Dressler-Crowley and Kirsten Dressler Wilson grew up in Ojai, California, where their days moved between two worlds: a working orange orchard and their family’s knife business.
The orchard was hands-on: mowing between trees, fixing irrigation, feeding animals. The warehouse offered something different.
It was where they saw how products were made, packed and sent out into the world. Less abstract, more immediate.
“Growing up between the orchard and the warehouse instilled a strong work ethic that continues to shape how we approach the business today. Those early experiences showed us the importance of hands-on work, problem solving, and being closely connected to what you create.”
That intentional mindset and attention to detail carried naturally into the kitchen, where the sisters would often get hands on lessons from their father—Bernd Dressler, co-founder of Messermeister—on proper knife care and the importance of a sharp blade.
“What stuck with us most wasn’t just the technique, but the sense of pride he took in the craft. It was a quiet lesson in patience and attention to detail.”
That mindset became foundational. It shaped how they approached cooking, and later, how they approached the business itself.
Stepping into Messermeister wasn’t a departure from their upbringing so much as a continuation of it. Knives had always been part of daily life, so the expectations were clear: make something reliable, make it well and stand behind it.
“We believe in making tools that are dependable, thoughtfully crafted, and built to last, because that’s how we were taught to approach the craft.
The way we run the company also mirrors how we grew up: we value our relationships deeply—whether that’s with our team, our partners, or our customers—and we stick together through thick and thin.”
There’s shared history and an understanding of how each other thinks, when to push and when to be there for support. That dynamic has only deepened as both have become mothers, adding another dimension to how they approach their business.
“There’s a lot of pride in building something together as sisters while also showing our kids what it looks like to work hard, support one another, and pursue something you believe in.”
That perspective shows up in small but meaningful ways–how they lead, what they prioritize and how they define success over time.
Their path to success, however, wasn’t without its pitfalls.
After their father died, Chelsea and Kirsten took on leadership roles at Messermeister. They were young and often the only women in the room. they stepped in as young women, and often as the only ones in the room. That meant, that despite already having a presence in the industry, they had to build credibility experience and consistency.
“We’ve earned the respect that we have by being excellent in our craft.”
Much of that perspective traces back to their mother, who co-founded the business and helped shape its growth. She led with consistency and conviction, showing them early on what it looks like to build something over time—and to stay with it when it’s difficult.
“One of the biggest lessons she instilled was resilience. She believed deeply in the work and in the craft, and she taught us that if you care enough about what you’re building, you find a way to keep moving forward.”
She set a standard for how to lead: with resilience, with integrity and with a clear respect for the people around you. And for them, that legacy is ongoing.
We had the powerful example of our mother helping lead and build Messermeister, and she showed us what it looks like for women to step forward, lead with confidence and create opportunities for the next generation.
For us, [Women’s History Month] is about just that: reflecting on the women who paved the way, while also recognizing the importance of supportive communities that help women thrive.
It’s a celebration of progress and a reminder to continue creating space and opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.”
Sur La Tips: Knife Handling from Messermeister
Keep your knives sharp
It may seem counterintuitive, but a sharp knife is safer. It requires less force and gives you more control with every cut.
Learn the right grip
A steady hand makes all the difference. Hold the knife with confidence and use a “claw grip” to keep your fingers protected as you work.
Treat your tools with care
Skip the dishwasher. Wash knives by hand, dry them right away and store them properly to protect the edge.
Stay aware in motion
Never try to catch a falling knife. Carry it with the blade pointed down and keep your workspace clear and organized.
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