(2014-15)
While out to brunch at Doc Taylor's one Saturday, Aaron grabbed a cup of coffee from a pop-up stand. While waiting for his table, he spent some time chatting with the guy who brewed his cup, Brad Ewing with Three Ships Coffee. The two hit it off, discussing their small-business dreams. Brad suggested meeting up later at a Back Bay Brewing with a friend of his that he wanted Aaron to meet.
(Sarah, with The first 76th St. Tote^)
So, Aaron of North End Bag Co., Brad of Three Ships Coffee, and Patrick Ryan of Benevolent Design Co. shared a few beers and the friendship began. Pat was wood-working in a warehouse located off Birdneck Road at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and offered Aaron space to join him. Handshake and a done deal, Aaron packed up his shop in Portsmouth and set up his space with Pat. Each space in this industrial park had a large warehouse and a front office attached. With Aaron in the front office space, he made it a workshop and a place that customers and friends could come visit, discuss, and place custom orders. Keeping just a few tote bags in stock for customer visits, the farmers market was still our main method of sales and network.
Off Birdneck Rd., Aaron and Pat worked alongside of one another for a year until a bigger dream surfaced, turning reality… to be continued.
36 comments
I began sporting and supporting ‘North End Bag Co.’ many years ago….(Farmer’s Market booth was it!).
I remember calling Aaron to place an order for a Christmas gift (original duffle), and met him in the parking lot (raining of course) of what is now his store to make the transaction. Back in the day, Aaron made a few custom bags for me, (which I don’t think he has time to do now) and I still have and love. (Think I’ve purchased at least 10 bags not to mention additional smalls…I’ve truly lost count)…I think some of them might be considered vintage now 😜
I love ❤️ that a small local business like North End Bag Co. has grown into such a thriving 19k plus insta followers success story. To watch the store front morph from an outdoor booth, to a small production studio, to what it is now is proof of the product and its demand. Not to mention its web presence!!!
I can’t wait to see what Aaron and Co. come up with next….!