Meet
Character Country Leather Goods
If you love the look, feel, durability and character of fine leather, then you owe it to yourself to check out Character Country Leather Goods.
Owner Noah Irish started Character Country with the goal of becoming a craftsman, and looked to his entrepreneurial family members as inspiration. “My father, cousins, and uncle are/were business owners. So I saw a good pattern, but I did not start leather working with a business in mind. It was a desire to master a material that lead me here,” Noah says.
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His family continues to play an integral role in his business. Noah’s wife co-owns Character Country and the birth of his daughter brought a sense of urgency to his new venture. “I wanted to start leather working but it was aways a ‘someday idea’. Once I became a parent, I realized my mortality. This pushed me to just jump in and get started.”
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As with many small businesses, Character Country began at a familiar place. “I started at the kitchen table and went through several spaces until I moved into a shed in our backyard. I love that I have the room to be creative and messy. But like any other maker, I just need a little more space,” Noah says with a smile.
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In business for six years now, Character Country offers a wide selection of handcrafted, time-tested leather goods, including wallets, journals, dog collars, coaster sets, cast iron handles, key fobs, knife sheaths, lighter cases and more.
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To those who’ve long dreamed about following their passion, Noah says, “Many people have expressed a desire to be creative, but are waiting for the perfect time to start. I encourage them to just start. Learn as you go.” And keep at it. “Consistency may be the largest factor to success, whatever that may look like to you.”
The connection to Kitsap’s artistic community has also been gratifying. “I was surprised by how much joy I found in connecting with other makers and creatives.” Noah adds, “I did not expect leather work to connect me to such a cool community.”
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Character Country Leather Goods may be found at Life in Mauve, The Grove, and Little Bee Home, and online at www.charactercountry.com, on Instagram, and on Facebook.
Meet Davis Farm Flowers
If there ever was a business that embodies the phrase “family farm,” Davis Farm Flowers is it. In business for four decades now, the farm is just down the road in Belfair, which means their fruit, vegetables and flowers are always locally grown, fresh and seasonal.
When asked about the longevity and family ties at the farm, Palmer Neil says, “The farm is a very special place to us because it has been home to our family since 1953. Tom and Irene Davis raised 10 kids on the farm and much of what was grown was to feed the family, but any extra was sold to customers. They put the farm into a conservation easement so it can never be developed.”
Along with his cousins Samantha Neil and Siddallee VanBuskirk, Palmer operates the farm with help from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. “Our favorite place to pick flowers is in Irene's flower beds because it feels like she is there with us. We operate as a family farm and there are lots of relatives young and old that pitch in to grow, harvest, and bring our produce and flowers to market each week. The kids all learn how to work, provide customer service and are able to put some money away for college.”
As often happens with small businesses, what started as a necessity has evolved into a longstanding labor of love. “Our parents started the business 40 years ago to save money for college and then passed it down to us so we could do the same thing. We all grew up on the farm and have always worked. We didn't have a choice when we were younger but it's been a great way to earn money and we enjoy doing it.”
When asked about what he’s learned from operating Davis Farm Flowers, Palmer has wise words for us all. “It's OK to try something different and see how it goes. There are always ups downs and you can't get too discouraged.”
If you believe in the importance of supporting local family farms, come to the Bremerton Community Farmers Market and pick up a beautiful bouquet or fresh produce at the Davis Farm Flowers booth. Palmer and his family look forward to meeting you there. “We love our customers! Farmers markets are a great way to meet awesome people, and we have some customers that feel like family. One of our favorite things is getting referrals from happy customers!”
For more information about Davis Farm Flowers, visit their Facebook page.
Meet Seabeck Cellars
Seabeck Cellars is a family-run boutique winery producing the highest-quality, flavor-forward Washington State wines. The winery’s grapes are sourced from Red Mountain, Washington’s best wine region. Seabeck Cellars offers varieties from rich reds to sparkling whites, including:
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Gewurztraminer
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Blush Rose
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Viognier
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Oaked and Unoaked Chardonnay
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Cabernet Sauvignon
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Merlot
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Malbec
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Sangiovese
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Dessert Wines
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​​In business for eight years now, Seabeck Cellars is a family affair, owned and operated by members of the Rants family. Steve Rants, though retired, is back at work helping his son, the winery’s chief winemaker. While clearly a labor of love, Steve says one lesson he’s learned is, “You can never work too hard.” When asked what’s one of the most gratifying aspects of working at Seabeck Cellars, Steve says simply, “Meeting with our regular customers.”
While the winery is currently a production-only facility without a storefront or tasting room, you can find Seabeck Cellars wines at the Bremerton Community Farmers Market, Poulsbo and Port Orchard farmers markets (attendance may vary). Their wines are also available at Seabeck Landing General Store, Bremerton’s Red Apple Market, and the Kitsap Community Food Co-op.
For more information or to order, please visit SeabeckCellars.com. Kitsap County residents receive free delivery right to your doorstep and nationwide shipping is also available.