Carley Ochs, owner of Bourbon and Boweties told our partners at WFTS, "I mean, it started as a project, gifts for family and friends, and it took a life of its own, and it still is."
Carley Ochs started with $500 worth of beads in her grandmother's garage two years ago and now owns a business called "Bourbon and Boweties," which she runs out of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse.
Ochssellsmore than 30,000 bracelets a month in 3,000 stores nationwide.
And, judging by the 50,000 Instagram followers, the jewelry line is doing well.
Ochs has employed over 300 people who make her bangles. After going through a training class, employees take the supplies they need home, and Ochs pays them for each piece they produce.
Devvyn Fallen, a Bourbon and Boweties employee, told WFTS, "I'm making more now than I was working full time, and I'm doing it at my convenience when my kids are at school."
Southern Living reports Bourbon and Boweties is continuing to grow, now working with brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Nordstrom.
This is reminder to never underestimate a company that starts in a garage.
Don't forget these big names that started there, too.
This video includes images from Getty Images and Tom Simpson / CC BY NC ND 2.0.
