Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Britt Epley & Thomas Moses of Ravenback Supply Co. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Britt Epley & Thomas Moses, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

During a trip to Salem, Massachusetts in December of 2021, we visited many incredible metaphysical shops. We were based in Nashville then, with only a handful of shops near us but not at the level of Witch City USA! We were in awe and inspired at everything we witnessed. The goal of one day owning a brick-and-mortar metaphysical store and cafe seemed suddenly much more doable. After a long day of exploring the town in the bitter December cold, we awoke the next day to a bright sunny morning. We grabbed coffee and made our way to Winter Island, the site of Fort Pickering. There was a bench atop the small hill, with a small lighthouse. The two of us stared out into Salem Harbor, into the cold icy sea. Its waves crashed among the small rocky shore, with glittering beams of light reflecting off the melting snow.

We took a moment to honor the Norse gods of the sea and its aspects: Njörðr, the Vanir god and father of Freyja and Freyr; then the goddess Rán and her husband Ægir, a jötunn who also personifies the sea. We also honored their nine daughters, who personify the waves. That moment of spiritual connection inspired us to make our dreams of owning a business happen. Together we climbed down the hill, got in the car and headed home.

On the plane home, Britt had already started brainstorming and envisioning our business. She weaved those initial ideas and creativity into Ravenback Supply Co. which was soon after founded in January of 2022. Since then, we’ve created our business online and in-person at spiritual, witchy and occult markets around Nashville and the mid-south area. We are currently based in Nashville Tennessee. We get asked where the name “Ravenback Supply Co.” comes from and you can read more about that on our blog HERE (https://ravenbacksupplyco.com/blogs/news/the-lore-of-huginn-muninn-where-ravenback-supply-co-gets-its-name)

Britt Epley & Thomas Moses, 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?

While we focus on the Norse, Germanic, Celtic and nature-based pagan traditions, we offer products for many different paths. From ritual necessities and rune sets, to beautifully crafted one of a kind leather items, original artwork, self-care goods, jewelry, armor, naturally grown and dried organic herbs, altar and blot tools and much, much more. The apothecary side of the business also provides herbal remedies like salves, tinctures, oils and more.

As a “Supply Co.” we pride ourselves on being as handmade and “slow” as possible. We focus on quality over quantity and many of our products are limited release and seasonal. If we can’t forage or resource something ourselves or re-used, we make sure to source ethically as possible. Our ancestors of the past didn’t have all the flashy pinterest-worthy & capitalized ritual products on the market today. They were in service to the earth, land spirits and fauna around them. They utilized what they had around them, were skilled in different trades, and wove intention and energy into the mundane for magical use. We aim to do the same through our products and art.

More About Thomas:
I’m Thomas, co-owner of Ravenback Supply Co with my life partner Britt. I’m an engineer by trade, but find passion and fulfillment in leathercraft, blacksmithing, and historical revival. When I first began my journey and heathen path, I was called to learn runic wisdom. However, I struggled in the beginning, as many do, due to an array of conflicting resources. That inspired me to continue seeking the truth, history, living tradition and lore as did Odin through my own strife, lived experiences and alchemy. I also learned much of what I know through my mentor Lars Magnar Enoksen, based in Malmö, Sweden. It’s through this that I’m able to use our business to help educate and guide others on a similar path.

I’m an eclectic heathen witch, certified energy healer & Reiki Master, herbalist, and spiritual mentor. I began my craft officially in my late teens after facing one of the most traumatic chapters of my life. I became obsessed with learning as much as possible and have dedicated over a decade to rigorously studying and diligently practicing witchcraft, heathenry, and the art of herbalism.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson we’ve had to learn/unlearn that we want other business owners to know is: Competition happens at the bottom and collaboration happens at the top.

It takes some major unlearning to grasp that concept, but we promise it’s for the better.

During our very first market we ever hosted, we had another leatherwork vendor alongside us. At first, we were worried that we would compete. Were we too similar? Who would do better? Then we realized even if we had the same craft, we didn’t have the same clientele, mission, or art style.

This lesson learned is important because it can be so easy to fall into the comparison trap, not just for businesses who do similar things as you — but for those who do business well. That market went well for the both of us. We also vend at the same events and have built a friendship along the way.

It says more about your confidence, brand, product, and honor to help elevate others than it is to be a gatekeeper. Opportunities don’t come easy for small businesses. They’re built on relationships and hard work. Unlearn the capitalistic mindsets that you have to be “the best” and better than your competition and collaborate and see how much more successful you both can be. In the long run, building bonds among those in your community is more important than individualism.

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

This year has been a lesson and testament to resilience. Our business investments are supported by our day-job salaries. It’s our goal to take our business full-time but we aren’t there yet. This spring, Thomas was unfortunately laid off from his day-job. That was a huge blow to our finances and major shift in our daily lives as we went from two incomes to one.

To be honest, we weren’t sure how we were going to carry on. Material prices have soared, you can’t do events without paying vendor fees, and the overhead costs for our website, domain, and general expenses add up. There was a lot to think about and consider.

We could have folded and quit, but our passion for this work and mission gave us the strength to carry on. The two of us supported one another and stayed hopeful. Our community of fellow business owners, friends, and family helped motivate us to keep on. So we buckled down, got strategic with our products and budget and went all in. Thomas managed to get a part-time job to keep us afloat and we dedicated ourselves to more markets.

Despite the lay-off and strife, we learned so much about ourselves and how we want to take Ravenback Supply Co. to the next level. Sometimes the hardest battles are a blessing in disguise. On your hardest days, don’t give up! Your art and dreams are a gift to those who need them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravenbacksupplyco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenbacksupplyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravenbacksupplyco
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Britt Epley