About Us
Who We Are
Mountain Made Mercantile is run by a husband-and-wife team from the Appalachian mountains—she from North Carolina, he from Pennsylvania. We both grew up in these hills, and those roots shape everything we do.
Our shop wasn't born from a traditional business plan. It was born from real life and the need to build something that fit the life we have now.
In 2004, my wife survived a stroke and a ruptured brain aneurysm. Over the years, cognitive decline crept in slowly. By 2021, she couldn't work a traditional job anymore. Then in 2024, doctors found a second aneurysm. After another brain surgery in March 2025, we learned she has missing brain vessels and will always be able to regrow aneurysms. Today, she lives with deficits in five executive functions.
When things got harder, I changed jobs so I could take care of her. We adjusted everything—our routines, our expectations, our future. And in October 2025, we decided to build something together.
We had already been creating woodworking and folk art pieces for local summer markets. But I wanted us to build something bigger—something that didn't depend on her brain running at full speed, something that let her contribute without overwhelming her, something rooted in our Appalachian heritage.
So we partnered with a collective of U.S. makers and small-batch artisans to build this online mountain mercantile. I handle the day-to-day operations—the structure, the logistics, the things that require fast processing. She helps choose products, shapes collections, and gives ideas for marketing—in ways that fit her abilities without pushing her past her limits.
This isn't a traditional business setup. It's a partnership built around real life, real challenges, and real love.
We curate every item in this shop with intention. We believe in warm spaces, practical goods, and simple comforts that make everyday life feel a little easier. And we want everyone to enjoy their mountain range, wherever they are.
Our Pricing Philosophy
We keep our pricing simple and steady.
Instead of running big, loud sales a few times a year, we offer a small, honest discount every single day. Our margins stay tight, but our standards stay high—and we never inflate prices just to mark them down later.
It's our way of saying thank you for supporting a small shop, and for choosing pieces that are made to last.
No gimmicks. No pressure. Just thoughtful goods at thoughtful prices.
How We Curate
We choose items that feel good in the hand, hold up over time, and bring a sense of calm and comfort to your home. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a cozy throw, a piece of outdoor gear, or a simple gift, we look for:
- Clean, timeless design
- Practical everyday use
- Warm, inviting textures
- Durability and quality
- Items that feel personal, not mass-produced
Our goal is to offer pieces that make your home feel grounded and your daily routines feel smoother.
Contact Us
We're always glad to hear from you.
Email (Fastest): mountainmademerch@gmail.com
Phone: (828) 263-4354
Backup: (828) 434-5512
Email will always get you the quickest response.
