Foundry was opened
in 2010 by Shelly Piper and Natalie Hood, friends who were looking for a career
change, but who also wanted to do some good in the world. “We were talking
about opening a store, but the problem always seems to be that everybody
already has enough stuff,” says Piper. But having grown up in crafty families,
the idea of selling “stuff made out of other stuff” was appealing to the duo.
The cozy shop, which shares a block with other local
businesses on the edge of downtown Asheville, features display fixtures built
by Hood, who modified vintage doors and furniture pieces to create shelves and
racks. She also takes charge of crafting the shop’s stunning
window displays.
Piper says that 75 percent of Foundry’s inventory is made in
western North Carolina, and 95 percent is made in the USA. Customers are delighted by
the buried
treasure candles from Big Dipper
Candles, which are made from the ends of used candles; and Art
from Empties’ pendant necklaces, made from reclaimed glass bottles. Foundry
also sells a selection of inventory via its online store.
“To us, upcycling means improving something rather than just
recycling it,” says Piper. “We feel like it makes people think about what’s
around them and what they could use in a different way.” And while Foundry is
focused on items and products, Piper points out that what upcycling is really
about is creativity. “It’s important to be creative in your life in general,”
she says, “and to exercise that part of your brain.”
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