Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Carpenter
Hi brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Desert Roots started in 2020 as a hobby during the covid shut downs. I started experimenting with polymer clay jewelry and posting photos of my art to instagram and quickly received a ton of interest in what I was creating. It kind of just took off from there, my husband built me a website and I decided to just see how far this could go. When businesses started opening back up, I decided to not go back to my previous job and put my sole focus into Desert Roots.
Since then, my business has grown tremendously. Five years later, i am now offering hand poured wooden wick candles, women’s boutique clothing, and of course still making jewelry! I take part in some of the largest markets in the dayton and surrounding areas and have met so many amazing people through my business. it’s really been a dream.
Everything this far has been self taught. I kind of just have that mind set of, why not.. what is there to lose? Not everything works out, but most things do if you put your mind to it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s most definitely not been an easy road. I’ve encountered many struggles along the way. You know, it’s all just really a gamble when you start something like this. Running a business is incredibly expensive, and in times like these where prices are rising every where you look you really start to question how much longer you’ll be able to manage.
People don’t have the extra money to spend right now on things that are non essential, sales are low. So you really have to get creative and figure out how to stand out in order to keep afloat.
Desert Roots is a one woman show, so even when you have personal hardships you still somehow have to find a way to carry on, because business doesn’t stop at the end of the day. The bills are still due, the inventory still needs processed, the candles still need poured.. and if I don’t, no one will. And this is my bread and butter. That, I think, is the hardest part.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Desert Roots?
We’re known for a little bit of everything, which is where the slogan “we’ve got the goods” came from..
What sets us apart from others, is that every single item we offer is made or brought to my shop with intention. I personally believe in buying items that are made to last, and I implement that same mentality in the products that im offering.
I believe in offering a quality product, at a fair cost in hopes that we can offer something for everyone.
Our candles are made with clean ingredients, which is extremely important to me. I’ve done extensive research on the ingredients I have chosen to use in my products to make them safe to burn around you and your families.
Our jewelry is made from high quality materials, that will last you for years to come.
Our boutique clothing items are high quality, and fairy priced.
I’ve created an aesthetic for my brand, that I hope others find as beautiful and whimsical as I do. A big focus on neutrals, with a light and airy feel.
I have just recently launched a candle making workshop in the Dayton area that I am so excited to share!
This workshop takes place in my studio, where all of the magic happens! its a great opportunity to let your creativity shine and spend some time with like minded folks! It’s so fun to be able to have the community in my studio and share a bit of my process with them, while also creating a fun day out for them! In the workshop you get to create your own 12oz wooden wick candle! you can book private parties for birthdays, date nights, team bonding, etc!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Stay true to your vision and brand. It’s easy to feel like you need to form to all of the “trends” but what I’ve learned is that those are only temporary and quickly become oversaturated. I can still offer trendy items, but in my own light.
Even when things get difficult, or sales are low, people are still rooting for you! Community is so important.
I have met so many amazing women through this business who have taught me so much, and given me that extra push to keep going. Women who have never even met me, but believe in my brand enough to carry my products in their shops. I’ve made best friends with women I’ve met at local vendor markets. It’s just really amazing the type of support and relationships you can build when you’re doing something empowering!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopdesertroots.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopdesertroots/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdesertroots/
