Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Collin Rice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Collin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the biggest trends I have experienced is the desire for customers to buy something unique, local, and hand made. With the emergence of many new creators and online shops the opportunity for me to find customers and commissions is growing. We live in a era of mass produced metal work by big companies, producing very affordable items that my shop cannot compete with. However these products lack the fingerprint of the artist, mass production creates the same item for a low cost. I have the opportunity to give my customers something truly unique that no one else has. The benefit is the ability to make things big companies would not bother with helping me stand out. The cost is many things I make take more effort, causing them to cost more and be undervalued by comparison to what say Amazon would have. I am happy for the challenge to create new things, but intimidated by the competition being able to undersell me.
Collin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Who am I? I’m a hobbyist who dabbles in metal, wood, textiles and more. I lit my first forge a little over four years ago initially to open a new avenue for income. After and during Covid it was very difficult to find employment as I worked in food service and doors where closing on me left and right. I wondered if I could take my destiny into my own hands. After a long and bumpy road, fighting the learning curve, I am finally starting to make products people love! My inspiration and passion stems form my fascination with the world of fantasy adventure. Growing up I was enamored with stories of knights and adventurers clashing swords while fighting for what they believed in. I quickly began collecting swords, armor, and the like but my options where always mass produced and lacked something. After bending my first scrap of hot steel with a hammer I realized I could make what I believed was missing. A sword with a story, armor made by and for fans like me, things no one else bothered to make. As soon as I set out to make something new people began to get interested. As I am a real person, I can work with my customers on a more personal level and resolve problems big companies do not have time for. Anyone buying a blade from me knows it was made with passion and love by a real person. I would want any potential clients and customers to know when you support my brand you help a real person achieve their dreams and you receive a product you will not find anywhere else.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I started I felt I was drowning. With social media showing me thousands of makers from all around the world making amazing things I worried I would never be able to compete. However the first step to being good at something is being really bad at it. I was very determined and began making as many things as I could, in hopes to hone my skill. I made one knife, then two, then twenty then one hundred. They where no all perfect but I learned something new each time. After creating a literal pile of swords, axes, knives, and armor I have finally emerged with the skills I need to make something really special. The growth in my brand and shop have been the long awaited affirmation that I am finally creating what I set out to make. Nothing worth doing is easy, don’t ever be afraid to be bad at something.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Starting with no capitol was certainly a challenge. As I began smithing right after loosing my job during Covid I started with very little to work with. But when your a blacksmith you really only need three things. Metal, heat, and gumption. I started diving into any open dumpster I could find collecting metal. I built my first forge out of scrap with my dad Sean, and a few garage sales later I had the tools to be off and running. In the game of small wins I have slowly climbed the ladder, saving a little here and there to reinvest into my business. Slowly I acquired tools, skills, and connections to get my brand out there. It is a constant challenge to fund this dream but I am happy to say my collection of tools and skills is growing every day. I hope to keep growing and maybe even be known for my craft. for now I am very proud of the customers who love my work and the growth I have created in my buisness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Greenwizardapparel?ref=related&from_page=listing&listing_id=1714209779#items
- Instagram: @greenwizardapparel
- Other: Tick tock: @greenwizardarms
Image Credits
N/a