🎧 Listen to this blog post as a Podcast instead #19 The HBSA "helped us get set up properly right off the bat... it's a really nice community that makes it a little bit easier to not just be stuck in business by yourself" Diversifying Your Handmade Business with Erik

Embracing Change and Adapting to New Challenges

I had the privilege of recording one of my ‘How to be a Handmade Boss’ podcast episodes  with one of my HBSA students, Erik and I loved it so much! Erik has been a student since 2020 and in that time his business has skyrocketed.

In the ever-evolving world of handmade business, the ability to adapt and diversify is key to long-term success. This is a lesson that Erik Paul, the founder of Mountain River Wood Co. and Mountain River Life, has learned firsthand. What started as a passion for woodworking has blossomed into a thriving multi-faceted business, showcasing the power of embracing change and seizing new opportunities.

Erik's entrepreneurial journey began in the summer of 2020, when he decided to dive into the world of handmade wood gifts and personalised engravings. His inspiration came from childhood memories of tinkering in his grandfather's woodshop, Erik launched his Etsy shop and website, quickly gaining traction and experiencing remarkable growth. However, as the e-commerce landscape evolved, Erik recognised the need to adapt and diversify his offerings to stay ahead of the curve.

Diversifying into Apparel: A Natural Progression

With the Etsy platform facing challenges for Erik and his woodworking business reaching a plateau, he knew it was time to explore new avenues. The decision to venture into the world of apparel was a natural progression, driven by his deep-rooted connection to the great outdoors and his desire to create products that seamlessly blended functionality and style.

But, the transition was not without its challenges, it wouldn’t be a handmade business if it was easy. If you know, you know!!

Despite Erik having no prior experience in the clothing industry, his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to learn propelled him forward. He immersed himself in the intricacies of clothing design, production, and marketing. 

Because he was so determined to create a line of adventure-inspired apparel that would resonate with his target audience he…

• Identified a gap in the market for high-quality, versatile mountain-themed clothing

• Leveraged his existing brand identity and customer base to launch the Mountain River Life apparel line

• Navigated the steep learning curve of the clothing industry, from design to manufacturing

   

Balancing Woodworking and Apparel: A Delicate Dance

As Erik's business evolved, he found himself juggling the demands of both the woodworking and apparel sides of the company. This can be tough for any business owner and he was playing a careful balancing act. He wanted to maintain the momentum of his established woodworking business while making sure to invest time, energy and resources into the new clothing line.

One of the key challenges he faced was the shift in his target audience. While the woodworking products target audience was corporate clients and individual gift-givers, the apparel line was aimed at a more consumer focused market. 

Erik needed to make sure he kept a cohesive brand identity across both product lines - all whilst having two different target audience segments.

• Strategically shifted the woodworking business to focus on corporate and home builder partnerships

• Leveraged the existing Mountain River brand to launch the apparel line, targeting a more consumer-oriented audience

• Carefully managed the allocation of resources and time between the two business segments

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Embracing the Power of Community and Collaboration

Throughout his handmade business journey, Erik has found immense value in the power of community and collaboration… We all know this is priceless. Being a handmade business owner can be a lonely place but, his involvement with the Handmade Bosses community has been a game-changer. It’s given him the supportive community network he needed. It’s full of hive minded business owners who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of running a small business.

The Handmade Bosses course and community have been instrumental in helping Erik navigate the complexities of e-commerce, marketing, and business strategy. By tapping into the collective wisdom and experiences of his peers, Erik has been able to make informed decisions, learn from others' mistakes, and celebrate his successes alongside a like-minded group of entrepreneurs.

• Erik joined the Handmade Bosses Success Academy in 2020 to gain a solid foundation for his e-commerce business

• Leveraged the community's expertise and support to overcome challenges and make informed decisions

• Celebrated milestones and shared learnings with fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of camaraderie like no other - it really is such an uplifting place to be

Looking Ahead: Charting a Course for Continued Growth

Erik is really excited about his business's future - for both the woodworking and apparel sides of his business. With a clear vision and a commitment to continuous improvement, he is poised to take Mountain River Wood Co. and Mountain River Life to new heights. I’m as excited as Erik is, it’s going to be even more amazing - if that’s even possible!

In the coming year, Erik's primary focus will be on expanding the wholesale side of the Mountain River Life apparel line. By partnering with carefully selected retail stores throughout the Rocky Mountain region, he aims to build brand awareness and reach a wider customer base. Additionally, he plans to streamline the woodworking operations by transitioning away from the Etsy platform and focusing on larger corporate and home builder partnerships.

• Develop a robust wholesale network for the Mountain River Life apparel line, targeting stores in the Rocky Mountain region

• Transition the woodworking business away from Etsy and towards larger corporate and home builder partnerships

• Continuously refine and expand the product offerings across both the woodworking and apparel segments

Erik's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and a deep connection to embracing his passions. He grabbed change by the horns and ran with it! By diversifying his products, he has not only weathered the challenges of the ever-evolving handmade business landscape but has also positioned his brand for long-term success. As Mountain River Wood Co. and Mountain River Life continue to grow, Erik's story serves as an inspiration to fellow handmade business owners, reminding them that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, the path to success is always within reach.

Love Steph xox

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