DownHomeModern LLC
About the Company
DownHomeModern, founded by Marc Staples, is a small-scale artisan business that specializes in handcrafted windbells, chimes, and other home decor items. Based in Virginia, the company’s signature product line, "Frontier Mission Bells," is inspired by the rustic and homespun style of the American Southwest. Each bell is named after a historical location, reflecting both artistic and cultural influences. Staples operates the business from Lago Luna Lakeside Studio, combining his artistic heritage with a passion for creating meaningful, handcrafted goods.
The business, though modest in size, has grown steadily. Staples markets his work through both his own website and Etsy, where he initially began selling his products. DownHomeModern's designs have become popular for their uniqueness and craftsmanship, attracting customers looking for quality, hand-made decor. Staples' ability to tell the story behind his work has been crucial to his success in connecting with buyers.
Idea Behind Company
Marc Staples’ idea for DownHomeModern came from a blend of his artistic background and his practical skills in metalwork. As a third-generation artist, Staples originally started as a painter and later expanded into printmaking, where he gained recognition in the digital art printing industry. Over time, he developed an interest in welding and began creating larger metal artworks, eventually transitioning to smaller decorative pieces. Staples didn’t initially set out to start a new business but found that his creative interests naturally evolved into one.
The turning point came when he designed a small bell using reclaimed materials. After putting it up for sale and selling it quickly, Staples realized the potential in creating bells and chimes. Inspired by the artistic traditions of the Southwest, he refined his product line and started focusing on small, rustic items that resonated with customers. This organic evolution of his artistic pursuits into a viable business is at the heart of DownHomeModern.
Creating the Company
The creation of DownHomeModern started with a mix of experimentation and passion. Staples initially produced a variety of metal sculptures and decor items, testing them at local markets and on Etsy. His first attempt at creating windbells came when he repurposed parts from a scrapped patio torch, crafting them into a bell reminiscent of traditional clay bells. Although the sound quality wasn’t ideal, the product sold quickly, encouraging him to refine his designs and develop the windbell concept further.
Realizing the demand, Staples shifted his focus to sourcing materials more sustainably and developing a production process that would allow him to meet growing orders. His wife helped by managing marketing and website development, which allowed him to concentrate on designing and making products. As a small operation, DownHomeModern faced challenges in scaling production, but Staples’ creative approach and customer-centric philosophy helped overcome these obstacles.
Launching the Business
Marc Staples launched DownHomeModern by selling his windbells and other decor items on Etsy. Initially, it was just one of many products in his collection, but as demand for the bells grew, he recognized the need to formalize his business. Staples had to move away from using reclaimed materials due to their inconsistency and focused on finding reliable sources for raw materials to meet increasing orders.
Staples’ wife played a crucial role in launching the company by managing online marketing, website updates, and social media. They created a dedicated website, DownHomeModern.com, which expanded their reach beyond Etsy. Staples also worked on refining his production methods to ensure that he could maintain quality while keeping up with demand. The inclusion of personalized thank-you notes with each order helped to enhance customer relationships, contributing to the business's steady growth.
Earnings
DownHomeModern generates approximately $600 in monthly revenue, with potential for future growth as new product lines are introduced. Staples has expanded his offerings beyond windbells to include garden creatures, further solidifying the brand's presence in the home and garden decor market. The business has been able to raise its prices due to increased demand and the credibility it has gained through positive customer experiences.
In addition to selling directly to customers online, Staples is exploring wholesale opportunities with gift shops and garden centers. Although scaling production presents challenges, Staples is excited by the possibilities for expanding the business. His focus remains on creating unique, handcrafted items that resonate with buyers, all while staying true to the artistic roots that initially inspired DownHomeModern.
