We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terry Mudge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terry below.
Terry, 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?
This gap highlighted a big, unmet need for a place that connected curiosity with hands-on scientific exploration, especially outside of traditional classrooms. I saw a chance to create a shop that provided real science, not just novelty items. My decision to start this business was fueled by my own frustrations and the broader needs of the community. It was clear that many products labeled as “science kits” were actually just simple toys. I wanted to change that.
I knew that curiosity about science doesn’t just stop when childhood ends. As an adult who’s still fascinated by science, I figured others must feel the same way. There are people of all ages who want to dig deeper into science than what’s currently offered.
So, I decided to create a shop where people could truly explore science and come away with real tools for discovery. This wasn’t just about filling a niche market—it was about meeting a deep, widespread demand for genuine scientific engagement.
The lack of quality offerings showed there was a demand for a better alternative. My shop would focus on authenticity and educational value, providing real instruments and materials that could inspire people and perhaps even start scientific careers. This project was more than just a business—it was a mission to turn people’s fleeting interest in science into meaningful, hands-on involvement.
A year after developing this idea, I got the chance to bring my vision to life with the opening of a new shopping center focused on specialty stores. I wrote a detailed 19-page business plan, secured a spot in the center, and got a small business loan to buy our initial inventory. Nine months later, Stemcell opened its doors, offering a unique experience vastly different from any typical science center gift shop.
Terry, 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?
This period of my career imbued me with a deep appreciation for the tangible elements of science—the raw materials, machinery, the instruments, the physical components through which theoretical concepts become tangible reality. Amidst the chilling yet exhilarating realm of cryogenics, the seeds for Stemcell were sown.
Stemcell represents the bridge between my past and my vision for a future where science is not merely observed but engaged with, hands-on. We offer more than products; we provide pathways to discovery, from tangible samples of amazing natural phenomena, fossils, materials, and artifacts of engineering marvels humans have created, to professional equipment to enable actual discovery of the unknown. Our clientele spans from budding scientists making their initial explorations to enthusiasts and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the universe.
Our frequent exploration to find new materials and items inspired our monthly box, Matter, which has been our flagship product since its launch. Each month, our subscribers receive a box of tangible pieces of fascination rather than science-themed toys or t-shirts. Literally a science museum in a box.
Ultimately, what sets Stemcell apart is our unwavering commitment to real, impactful science that will have profound impacts on guests minds, which can extrapolate into improving the world. We aren’t merely stamping out the trendiest gizmo cheapened to a disappointing degree in order to maximize profit.
I am most proud of turning a personal revelation into a tangible reality that addresses a significant gap in the market. Stemcell is more than a store; it is a mission to transform public engagement with science, shifting from passive amusement to active, hands-on involvement. To our potential clients, followers, and fans, know that Stemcell is here to rekindle your passion for science, offering the means to explore, discover, and truly understand the universe’s wonders in ways previously unimaginable.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Stemcell’s reputation grew from our start as a small, local shop before we made our move online. This beginning was key. Being local first helped us really get to know our customers and build a community around science. People liked what we did and talked about us to their friends. This word-of-mouth was everything in those early days, especially considering we started in Tulsa, Oklahoma, deep within the Bible belt. As I’ve often said, if this concept can flourish in Oklahoma, imagine what it could do anywhere else.
This thought was validated when we took Stemcell online, and our strong foundation made all the difference. Our move to the web let us reach more people, but it was the support and reputation we built locally that really made us stand out as the word of mouth formed a network of science lovers around the world. Now, we get stories about people connecting in the wild when someone recognizes the Stemcell logo on someone else’s hat or t-shirt. Like-minded people connecting over a shared appreciation of honest science.
This approach, starting with a brick-and-mortar store and then expanding online, worked well for us. The grassroots support wasn’t just nice to have—it was crucial. It gave us a solid base and helped spread the word in a way that felt genuine and personal. This is how we built our reputation, by sticking to our roots and always remembering the community that got us started.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A few years ago, my journey took an unexpected turn when my wife was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. This diagnosis came as a shock and shifted our lives considerably. As her condition progressed, it became clear that she needed more care and support than ever before. Managing a growing business demanded much of my attention and constant engagement—but I soon realized that being a full-time caretaker required just as much. I found myself stretched thinner than ever before.
As my schedule became filled more with medical appointments than work events, I noticed our business growth plateauing. This was an uncomfortable realization, as my shop was not just a business; it was a passion project that had flourished under my hands-on management. However, my wife’s health and well-being were my top priorities.
Over the last few years, we’ve scaled back many of our experimental side projects and other areas outside our core business revenue streams. This shift in focus required me to place a great deal of trust in my team, who were able to take over some of my responsibilities.
This period tested my resilience in ways I had never anticipated. There were days filled with frustration and uncertainty, where the balance between personal commitments and professional responsibilities seemed impossible to maintain. However, through this challenge, I learned valuable lessons about trust, letting go, and the importance of prioritization—not just in business, but in life.
My journey through these trying times has demonstrated the strength of human adaptability and the power of supportive relationships, both personal and professional. It has also underscored the importance of health and well-being above all else. As I’ve adapted to my new role as a caretaker who also runs a business, my employees have continued to excel in their expanded roles. In fact, we just recently opened a new storefront that is expected to increase our annual revenue by 30%. I emerged from this experience more resilient, understanding that while I can steer the ship, it is the crew that keeps it sailing smoothly.
Contact Info:
- Website: stemcell.eco
- Instagram: @stemcell.eco
Image Credits
Stemcell Science Shop