Nolan JohnsonConsidering Soddy-Daisy’s proximity to untouched wilderness and state parks, resident Nolan Johnson saw the fact that he didn’t know of any outdoor outfitters in town as a problem.
That’s why he, along with the support of his parents, Todd and Phebe, has started up Soddy Creek Outfitters, with the goal of providing homegrown outdoor apparel to a local audience.
“We are trying our best to stay local and keep as much of the process in the Soddy area to promote the city, the community and the outdoors,” Johnson said.
The business is currently online as he looks for a permanent location, but Johnson said his plan is to start small, at first offering custom-made hats and T-shirts. Each hat will have a unique design so that one will never have the same color or texture as another, he said. As the brand grows, added Johnson, he will look in to more rugged gear.
“We want to keep it simple and be customer focused,” he said. “The company will be influenced and shaped by the community’s response.”
Johnson said he’s been an avid fan of the outdoors his entire life, whether it’s any sort of hunting, fishing or outdoor water sports, and the time he’s spent in and around the Soddy area has helped mold him into the person he is today.
As of right now, Soddy Creek Outfitters is planning on sticking with its own branding, which has been created with the help of a local artist, said Johnson. The challenge to build up his brand isn’t lost on Johnson, but he said trying to create something uniquely local is one of the biggest things driving him forward.
“It’s all about the Soddy community and bringing something to the market that Soddy-Daisy can call its own,” said Johnson. “We are hoping the community reacts positively to help build up and support local business.”
For more information, email Soddy Creek Outfitters at customersupport@soddycreekoutfitters.com, or visit soddycreekoutfitters.com.