Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Eli. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out making farm tables and barn doors out of my garage. My wife and I then decided to sell at outdoor markets and festivals but needed something to compliment the tables. My wife had made candles with her Mom when she was in school as gifts and she wanted to get back into that hobby. This time we decided together to make more woodsy/manly candles and set ourselves apart by also making them as naturally as possible.
Next thing we knew, the candles were selling out but the tables remained, so we found a shift and went with it. I then taught myself to do leatherworking, created a beard oil line, and created a solid cologne line as well. We then opened our store in Canton to cater to men since most of the retail in Canton is focused on women. We continue to use as many natural/organic ingredients as possible. Most of what we have now is handcrafted by us and the rest is as ethically sourced as possible. We carry a wide variety of products such as handcrafted/small batch soy candles, beard oil, hair balm, laundry soap, solid cologne, lip balm, leatherworking (key chains, valets, wallets), restored hatchets and hand tools, woodworking projects, and a few antiques and collectibles.
We believe in conservation and love the outdoors so we donate a part of our profits back to organizations that support national parks and wildlife conservation and we, of course, are involved in community events here in Canton, TX.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, there have been a few bumps in the road. It took us around a year to get a really good consistent candle. I say we but the work was really on my wife (as far as the candle formulas) It was on me to create the labels. We did spend many nights and weekends working on it and we had to give a lot of candles away to get opinions and the data we needed before we actually sold a candle. I had to learn all about carrier and essential oils to create the grooming line. That line of products was also a few months of trial and error.
Not to mention setting up and breaking down many indoor and outdoor markets and sometimes going home with less money than we showed up with. It was a hard experience especially because we were both working full-time corporate jobs. However; we put in the hours and finally made the decision, on a huge leap of faith, for me to quit my full-time job and do Axe + Arrow TC full time. Even now sometimes I wonder what in the world I’m doing but at the same time I am extremely happy, I love this little town of Canton, and every day is an adventure. Everything may not be figured out all the time but it is all going to be ok.
Please tell us about AXE + ARROW TRADING.
Axe + Arrow TC is a small family business committed to bringing the best quality handcrafted products to our customers. Our products are beyond “just handcrafted” they are also one of a kind. When you really handcraft, nothing will ever be exactly the same, and that is the beauty of it really. No one will ever have anything exactly like what you have, its a personal touch, and a positive feeling.
Since we use all-natural products we can feel good about promoting a clean product that compliments your home and health. We do offer clothing, t-shirts and hats, designed by me and specific to our brand. I restore old tools/hatchets, I make small leather projects such as wallets and key chains and I build unique home decor pieces from reclaimed wood. We are known for being a “guys store” here in Canton but I would have to say over 50% of shoppers are women buying for men and themselves. Everyone loves our candles, the first thing most people say when walking into the door is, “It smells so good in here!.” I would shop in a store like mine. I love it here!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I try not to play that game with myself. Every setback or financial whoops was a lesson learned. My best advice, however, is do what you love. Someone else will love it too and they will be your customer. Be positive, no one wants to buy from someone who second guesses themselves all the time. Lastly, research everything, cheap is cheap, buy good quality products to create with and price them accordingly.
Pricing:
- Candles are between $12-$24
- Grooming products are between $10-$15
- Leather working starts at $15 for a keychain, wallets start at $40 and go up. Custom leather work is quoted.
- T-shirts and hats around $22.50
Contact Info:
- Address: Axe + Arrow TC
165 N. Buffalo St Canton, TX 75103 - Website: www.axeandarrowtc.com
- Phone: 214-641-2739
- Email: eli@axeandarrowtc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/axeandarrowtradingco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/axeandarrowtc
Image Credit:
Regina Perry-Family Photo
Eli Brown-Shop/Product Photos
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