Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Tamplin and Valeri Anstey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We launched in 2013 with our brick and mortar location on the west side of Fort Worth.
We had tried running e-commerce only in 2012, but it became quickly apparent we were going to need a physical location. Over the years we’ve expanded from a small shop to have five full display cases and a long juice bar. We have 70 FDA registered house juices, a wall of premiums, and CBD. After five years in business, we received the dreaded letter in the mail informing us of a lawsuit.
Apparently, a very large company in California owned the right to the word Mist. Even though our name was MYST, they had the upper hand as trademarks work phonetically as we found out. It was a lesson learned as we really should have trademarked earlier despite the cost. So, in 2018 we rebranded to Steamist with the tagline ‘Vape Supply.’
Now with our new trademarked name, and trademarked house juice line we are ready to continue growing and hopefully see a second shop opening in the near future. I think that part of the reason we have survived in the flooded vape market and continued to grow boils down to two simple reasons. The first is our mission statement which states “Steamist makes vaping accessible for people from all walks of life in a friendly and affordable way.”
Second is our long-standing customer-centric focus. So, we never make a business decision without fleshing out what the impact to our customers will be. If it’s not better for them, it’s not better for us.
Has it been a smooth road?
Other than the lawsuit mentioned earlier, I think the biggest challenge we have faced is the time and expense encumbered by maintaining compliance with the ever-evolving FDA guidelines. Redesigning our labels, the many hours spent registering our flavors and ingredients with FDA, changing policies, and strictly reinforcing utilization of ID machines is par for the course in a newly regulated industry.
However, coupling all of this with what basically equates to a gag order on what we can tell prospective customers looking to switch from traditional cigarettes, and the inability to use many of the marketing and advertising outlets available to most other retail outlets makes things a bit tougher.
In addition to this, we have to deal with all the negative press caused by the bad players in our space. Convenience stores selling to underage patrons, and Big Tobacco running adds for their ‘cig-a-likes’ that remind people of the days when they lied to everyone about the harm their products were causing.
That press happens all around us, but we are restricted from making any claims ourselves or even running marketing campaigns that simply differentiate us ‘Mom & Pops’ from C-Stores and Big Tobacco. Due to this culmination of these limits and restrictions we have had to learn how to grow with the best avenue we have.
Word of mouth and online reviews are the best ways to distinguish yourself as a trusted retailer, and an entity that customers can have faith in doing business with.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Steamist – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Steamist Vape Supply specializes in quality electronic vaping devices and top of the line e-liquid. We carry devices from a number of well-known manufacturers and e-liquid from the best selling lines in the country.
We specialize in having the best customer service in the industry, which has earned up the Fort Worthy “Best E-Cig/Vape Shop in Fort Worth” award for the last two years from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. We pride ourselves in having the best products at the best price while creating an environment where everyone can be comfortable.
I believe that our focus on customer service and affordability sets us apart from other vape shops in the area.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The vaping community in Fort Worth is what I like most about the city. The diversity of the community in Fort Worth leads us to have a diverse selection of products.
This allows us to learn more about the industry and stay on the top of trends. The over-saturation of vape shops in the city is what I like least.
Pricing:
- Coil and Batteries 20% Off on Wednesday
Contact Info:
- Address: 1600 Mall Circle
Fort Worth, TX 76116 - Website: vapesteamist.com
- Phone: 8179168855
- Email: info@vapesteamist.com
- Instagram: @vapesteamist
- Facebook: @vapesteamist
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
