We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Woods III a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Clubs & Sticks came from real life, not a business plan. Golf had always been a place where I found discipline and perspective, and cigars represented the pause — the moment to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the process. Over time, I realized those two worlds shared the same values: patience, consistency, and respect for the craft.

I didn’t see many brands focusing on what happens between the rounds — the early mornings, the range sessions, the quiet work, the conversations, and the community that forms around the game. Clubs & Sticks started as a way to document those moments authentically.

What began as personal storytelling slowly evolved into a lifestyle brand. I started sharing the behind-the-scenes process — learning product development, building relationships with vendors, and growing an audience organically while working full-time. The response made it clear that people weren’t just connecting with the products, but with the mindset behind them.

Today, Clubs & Sticks represents more than apparel or accessories. It’s about creating experiences and, eventually, physical spaces where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy the game — both on and off the course.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m James Woods III, founder of Clubs & Sticks — a lifestyle brand rooted in golf, cigars, and the moments that happen between the two.

I didn’t come into this from a traditional fashion or retail background. Clubs & Sticks grew out of real life. Golf became a place where I learned discipline, patience, and perspective. Cigars represented the pause — the time to slow down, reflect, and connect with people. Over time, I realized those two worlds shared the same values, and I didn’t see many brands focusing on that intersection in an authentic way.

What sets Clubs & Sticks apart is that it was built through documentation, not hype. I started by sharing early mornings, range sessions, behind-the-scenes product development, and the quiet work most people never see — all while working full-time. The brand grew organically through consistency and storytelling, not paid campaigns or overnight success.

Today, Clubs & Sticks offers apparel, golf accessories, and cigars, but the products are just one part of the vision. At its core, the brand is about experiences and community. I’m most proud of building something that people connect with on a deeper level — not just because of what they buy, but because they see themselves in the mindset behind it.

One of the biggest problems I aim to solve is the lack of space — both physically and mentally — for people to slow down. Golf culture can feel rushed or overly polished, and lifestyle brands often chase trends. Clubs & Sticks focuses on patience, authenticity, and long-term thinking.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision includes a physical brick-and-mortar experience — a space where people can gather, practice, unwind, and connect around the game and the lifestyle. The goal has never been to rush growth, but to build something lasting that evolves naturally alongside the community supporting it.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that consistency matters more than momentum. Showing up every day, even when progress feels quiet, is what builds something real.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the clearest examples of resilience in my journey is building Clubs & Sticks while working full-time and without outside funding.

There were long stretches where progress felt quiet — early mornings, late nights, and weekends spent developing products, creating content, and learning the business side piece by piece. There wasn’t a single moment where everything “clicked.” Instead, it was consistent effort layered over time.

What made it challenging was resisting the pressure to rush. Social media often rewards speed and hype, but I knew I wanted to build something sustainable. There were moments when growth slowed, engagement dipped, or a product idea didn’t land the way I expected — but instead of pivoting away from the vision, I focused on refining it.

Golf taught me patience. Cigars taught me to slow down. Both reinforced the mindset needed to keep going even when results weren’t immediate. That resilience — showing up daily and trusting the process — is what continues to shape the brand today.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Clubs & Sticks was built without outside investors or large upfront capital. I funded the brand gradually, using personal resources and reinvesting revenue back into the business as it grew.

Starting this way forced me to be intentional. Every decision mattered — from product selection to inventory levels to how quickly I expanded offerings. Instead of scaling fast, I focused on learning the business from the ground up and letting demand guide growth.

This approach also gave me full creative control and the freedom to build the brand authentically. Because there wasn’t pressure from investors, I could prioritize long-term vision over short-term wins.

As the brand continues to evolve, this foundation of disciplined growth has positioned Clubs & Sticks for future expansion — including the long-term goal of a physical space that brings the lifestyle and community together in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Clubsandsticks.net
• Instagram: @ClubsAndSticks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubsandSticks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-woods-7aa721237/