122: Hammer and Stain – DIY Arts and Crafts

Lisa Christian and Holley Odle took their love for arts and crafts and Pinterest DIY projects to the world of Appalachian business. Hammer and Stain – Princeton is new to the Mercer Street scene, but adds to the artsy, crafty charm of the Grassroots District.

Lisa and Holley actually met while working at DISH Network back in 2000. Their friendship grew from there. “Through the years we’ve talked about opening something or doing something, but it’s harder to do than you think. And the timing was never great.”

Hammer and Stain is a franchise with locations across the country. Lisa and Holley discovered the franchise and immediately felt that it was right for them. They visited a few Hammer and Stain locations closest to Princeton and started picking the brains of the owners. From there, they decided to move forward about opening a location of their own. Even though Hammer and Stain is a franchise, Lisa and Holley said it’s different than most franchises. “All Hammer and Stains are totally different. We bought the name, but each location does its own thing. It’s more of a community of people who just like to craft.” Lisa and Holley create their own workshop ideas and collaborate with other Hammer and Stain owners to share DIY ideas. “We provide a social experience where you leave with something you made.”

From day 1, Lisa and Holley knew they wanted to be on Mercer Street. They never looked anywhere else – Lisa said there was just a draw to start their business there. The biggest frustration when trying to start their business? The business startup process through the state of West Virginia. “If I had to give advice to anyone who wants to start their own business, just be resilient, just push and push and stay on top of it. The squeaky door gets oiled first,” Holley said.

Listening to this episode, it’s easy to hear Lisa and Holley’s passion for what they do. These two women have preserved to create a business they’re extremely proud of. If you’re a DIY-erlooking for a place where you can create something special, check out Hammer and Stain on Mercer Street in Princeton.