As promised, I told you I’d bring you along for the ride of SRM Smithy and here we are. We officially entered Phase One: CLEAN OUT. Let me tell ya… it’s been a journey.
We’re talking tossing, cleaning, moving things from one side of the building to the other… and then back again. Lots of dusting things off just to figure out what they even are. And boy oh boy, I’ve found some real treasures in the process. Just ask Sara, but don't ask for any footage. HA!
We are a LONG way from opening day, but I dove in headfirst. Every day I put in over there is one day closer, and that alone keeps me going. Huge thank-you to the honeys holding down shop while I’m knee-deep in STUFF! I see you and I appreciate you more than you know. And to everyone helping over at the “new” store... thank you, truly.
Here’s the coolest part: this building was a Blacksmith Shop a loooonnnng time ago! What has me completely fired up, though, is the bones of this building. The history. The soul. You can feel it in the walls. This place has stories, and I already know it’s going to be a massive source of inspiration for future SRM designs.
Here’s the plan as it stands right now:
- The old wood shop will become my studio, where we’ll be making apparel and merch.
- The current office will be removed to expand the store space.
- The original Blacksmith Shop will be updated into the boutique and office.
- We'll be adding a septic and bathroom.
And don’t worry, the original blacksmith equipment isn’t going anywhere. The tools will stay and be displayed to honor the roots and story of the building. History matters here. I’ve even reached out to the state library to dig up historical information on the space. We’re trying our hardest to save the original wood plank floors, filling the gaps with rope to keep that old-world character intact (fingers crossed). We’ll toss the junk, but we’re planning a big yard sale in March!
If I had to sum it up, the vibe is going to be general store meets early 1900s old-money energy. It’s SRM... but with a different twist.
I cannot wait to be slinging contemporary, western apparel out of this cool old building, surrounded by history, grit, and stories that deserve to be carried forward. There is so much work to do, but I’m loving every dusty, chaotic, inspiring second of it.
Thanks for being here.
Thanks for cheering me on.
And thank you for coming along for the ride because this is just the beginning.