Today we’d like to introduce you to Swetha Sridharan.
Hi Swetha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2020, during the uncertainty of COVID, a handful of makers who were already creating on-site on a ranch property in Nutty Brown road made a pivot. What began as a workshop-focused creative space evolved into something more accessible and community-centered: a gift shop cooperative that invited artisans from the surrounding area. The goal was simple and powerful, support local makers, create a shared space where creativity could thrive, and give the community a place to shop small in a meaningful way.
Since then, Hand Made at Nutty Brown has continued to grow and expand our artisan community, adding new mediums and offerings, and deepening our mission of connection through handmade work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of our biggest challenges has simply been change: over time, some artists rotate out of the co-op, and that kind of transition can be hard on any collaborative business. It means adjusting displays, rebalancing responsibilities, and re-learning the rhythm of working together.
But we’ve come to see that evolution as a blessing too. Each transition has opened the door for new makers, fresh energy, and a wider variety of products; helping the shop stay vibrant and surprising. The comings and goings have also created new relationships and unexpected opportunities, and those connections have strengthened us not only as a co-op, but as individuals and as a creative community.
In a way, sustained change is part of our success – it keeps us growing, learning, and becoming even better together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tucked just outside Austin on a beautiful five-acre property, Hand Made at Nutty Brown is a locally owned artisan cooperative filled with heart, talent, and true Texas creativity. Inside our gift shop you’ll find unique, handcrafted goods made by local makers, each piece thoughtfully created, beautifully designed, and impossible to replicate. From small treasures to meaningful gifts, everything here reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, one-of-a-kind design, and the diverse cultures and stories that shape our beloved Central Texas. Our collection includes wood and glass art, ceramics, jewelry, fabric accessories, illustrated local artwork, leather hats, woodworking, scrap metal art, handwoven products, and skincare.
But shopping here is only part of the experience.
When you spot the hammer mailbox, don’t be shy! Turn in, park, and explore. Our co-op sits at the very front of the property along the road, welcoming visitors into a space that feels both inspiring and down-to-earth. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander a bit, and feel connected, not just to what you’re buying, but to the people who made it.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As creative artists, we honestly feel like we take risks every day, every time we make something new and put it out into the world, we’re asking, “Will someone connect with this the way we do?” That vulnerability is part of the creative process, and it never fully goes away.
From a business perspective, risk shows up in the real-life decisions we’re constantly making: learning our audience, finding (and growing) the right community, and staying connected to what’s happening in local culture without losing our authenticity. There’s also the practical side. Figuring out sustainable pricing that honors the time and craftsmanship behind handmade work can be challenging while still feeling accessible and fair for our customers.
For us, risk isn’t about being reckless – it’s about being willing to try, adjust, and keep showing up.
Pricing:
- We have a variety of price points that offers something for everyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://handmade-at-nutty-brown.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmadeatnuttybrown/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeatNuttyBrown
Image Credits
photography courtesy of Chelsea Purgahn
