Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Haimowitz-Clouse.
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Brave Wimp launched in 2017 with an Indiegogo campaign; successfully raising $1500 to get us off the ground. The goal was to sell handmade and painted wood lapel pins that raised money for local and national non-profits. After spending most of the money on a membership to a maker-space with laser access, that space suddenly went bankrupt and we scrambled to create that first holiday season in business. The following year we purchased our first laser engraver and there was no looking back.
Laid off in March of 2018 Brave Wimp was no longer a side hustle but became a full time job. In the early years Brave Wimp participated in 20 plus art fairs and events every year, but in October of 2018 we landed on the greatest opportunity that would change the business and our lives forever; a pop up turned permanent space inside the Rust Belt Market. The market allowed me to meet customers 3 days a week, see what they liked, learn the ways they interacted with our displays and products, and create a loyal following. After only 6 months with a permanent store we renovated for the first time; after 7 years in the market we have renovated, rearranged, and expanded no less than 6 times.
From 2017 to 2024 Brave Wimp introduced jewelry lines, stickers, wall art, apparel (vintage and new), coloring books, face masks in 2020, candles, and more. In 2024 we saw the biggest change yet: expanding and becoming Brave Wimp Society.
Brave Wimp Society is all inclusive. We sell the full Brave Wimp catalogue as well as local and national artists, publishers, and small businesses’ works. Brave Wimp Society has not forgotten our roots however. Each year we support a local non-profit and this year alone we have ran drives for I Support the Girls – Detroit and Gleaners Community Food Bank.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is easy as a small business owner. As a maker there was no way to know all the hats and responsibilities that have come to be. The biggest struggle will always feel like 2020. We renovated our store in February and were open for 3 days before the Covid-19 lockdown began. I was 2 months pregnant and no one knew. The despair mixed with morning sickness was gut-wrenching. After a month of lockdown I started volunteering; sewing face masks for a non-profit that gave them away. After that a Covid-19 unit nurse reached out to me asking if I could turn a sticker design into fabric and sew her a scrub cap: I couldn’t say no. With the left over fabric I thought maybe someone would like a face mask with this and thats when the ability to pivot really changed things. Sticker designs became fabric and we sewed an average of 5 masks a day. I had already completed two coloring books of “Sheroes” (historical glass ceiling shattering women) and sales took off as everyone was stuck at home. 2020 was the hardest year of isolation to keep safe during pregnancy and face masks and coloring books literally saved our business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brave Wimp Society is the home of the brave. We are more than a store or brand but an inclusive space and shop for all who have ever felt othered to feel supported and celebrated. The products we carry are eco-conscious and made to be used. The shop is split in two: candles and self care to one side and jewelry, apparel, stationary, and more to the other.
This year we expanded and quadrupled our candle selection. When it comes to our candles you come for the name but stay for the scent. “The Horrors Persist Yet So Do I” is a fan favorite and blend of champagne, citrus, and berries. Our jewelry line has expanded from handmade wood pins and earrings to include stainless steel and gold plated earrings and charm necklaces.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Listen to your customers. As a rule I never sell anything I wouldn’t want to buy and keep products within the Brave Wimp Society identity, but if enough people request something I figure out how to make it happen. No matter what my vision is for Brave Wimp Society, the members (our customers) will tell me what they are looking for and as a business owner I choose to figure out how to make it happen and keep our little gift shop growing.
Pricing:
- Candles $13-42
- Earrings starting at $12
- Necklaces starting at $32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebravewimp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravewimpsociety
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebravewimp
