Small Business Saturday
Here at Katy Moms Network, we’re passionate about supporting local. Small Business Saturday is all about highlighting local businesses in the Katy area and keeping all of you in the know!
This week we’re so excited to feature the talented duo behind RedMerle Designs! Ciara and Bryce both grew up in Katy and are high school sweethearts!
RedMerle Designs was started in 2017 out of the love in building custom and unique furniture and decor. Today, they’re your one stop shop for Wedding, Home, Farm, and Ranch Decor in Richmond, Texas. We chatted with the owners about their inspiration to start this unique business and their passion for continuing to serve the Katy community!
When did you start your business?
We started RedMerle Designs in 2017.
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Before we moved into our new home, we did what everyone does – furniture shopping! We knew exactly what we wanted but had a difficult time finding it in stores. So we started building furniture ourselves! We started off building a kitchen table, which led to a coffee table, entry table, buffet table, and finally a king size bed. While building all of this furniture we were also planning for our wedding! We found the same issue, we knew exactly what we wanted for the our wedding decor but couldn’t find it in the stores. So we designed and printed the decor ourselves! From the invitation to centerpieces, to the wedding sign decor. Shortly after we realized how much we enjoyed making furniture as well as designing signs and decided to live out our dreams of owning our own business, RedMerle Designs! The name came from our Australian Shepherd, Kimber, whose color pattern is called Red Merle. Our products are just like her completely unique and beautiful.
Tell us a little bit about what you do, the goods you sell, the services you provided?
We design and print custom made signs which are available for purchase on our website. All of our are signs are printed directly on aluminium or wood and can be used indoors or outdoors. We also have designed custom signs for various occasions like other small businesses, weddings, and family events. If you do not see exactly what you are looking for feel free to reach out and we can create the perfect design for you! We also sell cutting boards that we design and create ourselves. Our cutting boards are made maple, oak, walnut, and cherry. Each board design is completely unique and makes a perfect housewarming gift or wedding gift. We also make our own cutting board oil, that is all natural and can be used on any cutting board. In addition, we still do custom pieces of Furniture that are made to order! We love to take your idea and bring it to life! Whether it’s a kitchen table, bed frame, sliding barn door console, coffee table, office desk, or dog kennel we can make your dreams come true!
Name one thing that makes you unique in your space or industry?
We might be young, but we have both been building and designing projects for a long time. We were both very active in FFA growing up. Bryce built many welding projects in High School which eventually led into a degree from Texas A&M in Construction Science. Meanwhile, I built wooden projects and designed quilts and other home economics projects for county fairs and competitions. We are unique because of ability to take an idea and execute it! We have built some special projects already, in our short time in business. We love the challenge of a custom project that someone can’t go to the store to buy. We pride ourselves in delivering handmade, quality products with old fashion southern hospitality.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner in Katy?
The Katy history, lifestyle, and spirit! We both grew up in Katy and met while in High School at James E. Taylor. We could not picture ourselves starting a business anywhere else. Katy provides the small town feel with all the accommodations of the big city!
How has the Katy area community had an impact on your business?
The Katy area has had a huge impact on our business. Our business has grown mostly on word of mouth. Our growth is a direct impact of the tight knit community that the Katy area has provided.
What’s one thing you’d like to go back and tell the you before you were a business owner?
Stay calm, things always happen for a reason. Not going to lie, it was nerve wracking to say the least to start a business when you are 22 and 23, but you must believe things will happen for a reason and to have faith. I thought Bryce was crazy at first when he mentioned it, then one day I saw the big picture.
Advice for anyone wanting to start their own business?
Ask for help! Look for a network of others who are doing the same thing as you! They will help you out. We are so thankful to be part a huge group of Woodwork Entrepreneurs. A quick direct message on social media to ask for advice is the best decision we have made. If we have a question about the next tool we need, we go to this network. We will be the first to admit that we don’t know everything, but there is always someone who does. Podcast – the best thing ever. We love listening to podcast about woodworking, creative design, personal growth, business advice, the list goes on forever. We each have our personal favorites! Books – There are many business books we both love to read and learn from to continue to grow our small business.
When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running a business?
“Today is a brand new day and it’s yours” – Zig Ziglar
Future plans for your business?
We would love to expand our business into other entities such as a Country Bakery and Construction company in the future.
Any special, sales, or deals our Katy Moms can look out for?
Back to School Teacher Gift – Our signature Texas Cutout signature board customized to include your teacher’s name, grade, and year! The students can sign the board throughout the year as a special keepsake for the teacher to have! Use the code “katymomsnetwork2018” for 15% off! This is the perfect group gift! Find it here: http://bit.ly/RMD-TeacherGift
We will be having a black Friday deal, so follow us on social media for details!
