Today we’d like to introduce you to Brady McElroy.
Hi Brady, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I knew early on that a cubicle job working under/for someone else wasn’t the path for my life. I wanted to do more, challenge myself, design, create, and grow. However, after graduating from The University of Texas in 2010, I tried the 40-Hour Work Week. My first job lived up to every nightmare I could imagine. My stint in HR didn’t last long at all. My next career in the insurance industry [I know what you’re thinking] was surprisingly better. I was focused on marketing aspects and events for the agency but knew it was only for the short term. In the process of landing this marketing role, I was also launching an event planning and design company which would eventually be known as Copper & Birch.
As the event company began to flourish, I knew that I would be able to set out on my own and pursue growth in this new industry. Fast forward to 2015 – I felt ready to jump in and go a full-force entrepreneur. I plan to open a retail shop and office for the event company. I found a little Farmhouse on the west outskirts of Dripping Springs and opened Revel Wilde in April 2015. After that, it all begins to blur. A whirlwind of mostly highs – but there were some questionable lows. As with any new business, constant adjustments are necessary to keep you on track and ensure that the outcome aligns with your goals.
In 2017 Revel Wilde moved from the little Farmhouse to Mercer Street – right in the heart of Dripping Springs. Over the years we would see many changes to the once quiet street and our store would experience tremendous growth and expansion. 2019 brought yet another shift in the business model. My sister, Shelby (a UT graduate and not made for a cubicle), became my business partner. Shelby brings another creative eye to all projects, offers additional perspective, and, most importantly, we complement and balance each others’ styles. With the two of us working side by side, we expanded the brand and planned for future growth.
Jumping to 2020, a questionable year, to say the least, but also the year we launched our furniture and design location in the same complex as our Gift and Clothing Store. It has been a crazy ride so far, but we wouldn’t change a moment of it. The experience, knowledge, growth, and satisfaction from owning your own business cannot be compared to anything you have done or accomplished. Let Revel Wilde be your specialty gift boutique and interior design destination. We focus on the comforts of home and the joy of friends & family. Shop our fine southern goods, gifts, apparel, lighting & furniture right in the heart of Dripping Springs.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
We could lie and say it’s been a cakewalk, not like the stretch of I-35 between Austin and Dallas. There are struggles, highs & lows, and everything in between – it’s just part of it. In retail, so many things must be considered, and you must constantly adapt and adjust to make it. Not only are you continually planning, forecasting, and anticipating trends, but you also have to have backups if you must scrap it all due to unforeseen obstacles. In the past few years alone, we have had issues with supply change, pricing structures, and delays in receiving shipments, to name a few. Just as one solution is found or a problem solved, another one develops. It’s always interesting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
First, we are a Brother-Sister Duo, which most people don’t believe. We work exceptionally well together and balance each other, sounding boards if you will. A great style can be curated to reflect exactly who you are. We both have dedicated roles in the business but work together in many aspects to bring together what you see in our stores. We offer fresh design perspectives and have a design eye and style that will complement your current surroundings.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I remember being 10 years old and going to the Dallas Market with my mom and aunt on my first buying trip. I was amazed at everything I saw; displays, products, bright lights, and crowds of people. I looked forward to those trips every year, and now Shelby and I are going to Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, & High Point. We’ve come full circle.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @revelwilde & @r.w.home
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/revelwilde
Image Credits
Photos by: Brady McElroy & Shelby McElroy Hammond
