For our next “Local Maker Spotlight” we would like to introduce you to…

Cathey Chet of Muddy Llama Pottery

• How long have you lived in WNC?

My family and I moved here from California nearly 20 years ago. We loved California, but wanted to be closer to our families in the east. We had always heard about Asheville being the “Berkeley in the East” and quickly fell in love with it and the surrounding WNC area, deciding to make this our permanent home.

• What made you start your business?

I’ve been an Elementary School teacher most of my life, but always needed a creative outlet. Over the years I have taken evening classes in pottery and sculpture when time would allow me while raising my kids. As my kids got older and more independent, I began to take it a little more seriously and bought a wheel and kiln of my own. It wasn’t long before my three children approached college age, and I found myself looking for ways to bring in extra income to cover costs. Pottery seemed to be the logical choice, as has proven to be a good decision!

Since then my husband, Randy, has also started to get involved. He tests and mixes the glazes and does more of the creative hand built pieces, including the ” Tree of Life” designs and the Salamander and Frog mugs that we offer.

• What is something about your business that most people don’t know?

The most common questions I get about my business is about the ​name, “Muddy Llama”, and about my llamas themselves. ​

We have two llamas, Eclipse and Moonshadow. As a kid, I always wanted to live on a farm, but as an adult realized how much work a real farm is. I decided to make it simple, get creatures that were somehow different, and very easy to care for. Llamas were my answer. They really don’t serve any purpose other than fertilizing my garden and making me smile when they come running up to me when I go out to see them. Occasional walks off the property are also fun. Yes, they do spit, but only at each other, never at me, thankfully.

• When you are not working, what are your favorite things to do in WNC?

Other than being in my studio, I love to be outdoors. I try to run or hike everyday, usually with my dog, Sonoma. When the kids are home we try to find new trails to explore in WNC.  Spending time with family and friends, music festivals and camping are some of my other favorite ways to relax and take a break. Thankfully WNC has much to offer in these areas!

Come on down to the shop to see all of Cathey’s pieces! We have a variety of her glaze colors and offer some unique bakeware, mugs, and more. All of Cathey’s pottery can go in the dishwasher and microwave, making it easier on you to use and enjoy her work.

Where to stay in Asheville with your dog…

Have no fear if you don’t want to leave your dog at home while you travel to Asheville. The majority of Asheville hotels, inns, and B&Bs have stepped up their game to serve both humans and their furry counterparts. Our recommendations within Biltmore Village are the Cedar Crest Inn and the Double Tree by Hilton. Click here for Trip Advisor’s top rated accommodations for a pet friendly stay. Asheville also offers a dozen or so boarding services and day care facilities for those that need in-town care.

Drinking & Eating…

Asheville has no shortage of breweries, which are some of the most accommodating businesses when it comes to dogs. Inside, outside… they don’t care, as long as you’re enjoying yourself, your beer, and your dog is nice. One exception to this rule is for the few breweries that have restaurants in them, such as Sierra Nevada. However, they do have dog-friendly outdoor area similar to the plethora of Asheville restaurants with patios where you can also enjoy a nice meal with your pooch. So, rule of thumb, if an Asheville business has an outdoor seating area, there’s a 99% chance you can bring your dog. YAY! Our recommended brewery in the Village for you and your dog is High Wire’s Big Top Brewery. For a casual patio setting with excellent baked goods and coffee, we recommend Well-Bred Bakery where they offer homemade dog biscuits. If you are needing something more substantial, take your pup over to one of our favorite casual dining patios at the Village Wayside.

Outdoor Playtime & Sight-Seeing…

The Asheville area boasts seven off-leash dog parks such as French Broad River Dog Park, Azalea Dog Park, and Mills River Dog Park. After all that play time, your dog may need a bath! The River Arts District has a DIY dog wash where you pay based on the size of your dog. Your fee at the Soapy Dog includes all the supplies you need with no appointment necessary. But let’s face it, not everyone is thrilled at having to bathe their dog, there is a plentitude of grooming services in town.

If you and Fido are wanting to see the sights, Gray Line offers a historic trolley tour where you and your dog can hop-on and hop-off at various stops around the city. If sitting on a tour bus isn’t your thing, Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village are great areas to walk with your dog and see the sights on your own. Maybe a hike in the wilderness is more your style. Dogs are always welcome on the trails in our parks, they just ask that you keep your pet on a leash or controlled at your side. Our favorite for the whole family is the DuPont State Forest. Although a bit Southwest of Asheville, this state park is full of trails and waterfalls for any fitness level.

Shopping…

How can we talk about a dog’s life in Asheville if we don’t mention TOYS and TREATS! Our top spots in town to take your pet shopping are the Patton Avenue Pet Company, and Three Dog Bakery where you’ll find baked treats, unique toys, and clothing. But don’t forget, when you visit us a MTN Merch to ask about our handmade leather leashes and collars. We also carry a convenient, foldable water bowl!

Needless to say, dogs have a pretty good life here in Asheville.

 About the Artists Series–Chestnut Forge and Furniture

Locally Designed and Crafted

We are lucky enough at Mountain Merch to not only carry an incredible selection of Asheville themed apparel but we also have an incredible selection of talented artisans and craftsman that round out our shop with their locally made goods and gifts. We are very proud of the talented individuals and companies that have chosen to partner with us locally and we wanted to be sure and share a bit about their stories with you.

We were introduced to Craig of Chestnut Forge and Furniture from our dear friends Joe and Lisa (McDinan) of Sanctuary Brewing Company, he was commissioned by them to create their tables, concrete bar top and other great fixtures that have a blend of hand forged steel and wood. Joe and Lisa have been dear friends of ours and we happened to independently choose to open our businesses at just about the same time, so we have been able to learn and share a good bit with one another. They are committed to craft brews and rescues and have a great space, great beer (coming soon), music and community events that are focused on positivity and giving back in the areas of animal rescue and responsible living. Back to Craig.

Craig is a retired Firefighter from South Florida who moved to Western North Carolina with his wife, Debbi 3 years ago. They built their farm and forge shop on a beautiful piece of property in Rutherfordton. Craig is a mentor, he has shadowed a few young folks who worked hard at crafting their skills, attending classes at Isothermal Technical and are continuing to grow in their skill level. Craig is somewhat of a savant in his own right. When we met him and were asking him to build us a few signs and a table that would hold some of our locally themed tee shirts, and locally made goods and a rack to hang NCline t-shirts, hoodies and apparel on we gave him quite a bit of creative freedom, as we just weren’t sure how to make it look great and be pieces of utility.

For this piece we said, we want sort of a tiered picnic table – check out the detail – and the A for Asheville!

Asheville “A” Frame Shelf

Since the fixtures our discussions with Craig have continued to be as fluid as the steel being melted and formed. We love working with him because he and his team brainstorm with us on what we think locals and visitors to Asheville might like to take home with them. So far, he has made bottle openers in the state of North Carolina, decorative leaves, candle-holders and coasters.

Locally Designed and Crafted

We have also worked together locally on some custom projects including this nifty collaboration between Ashevillain and Wicked Weed! Working with Craig and his team, the possibilities are endless. Whether you are looking for a piece for in your home, a local gift, something unique for your business, or a reminder of how amazing Asheville is please let us know (just visit our Contact Us page or come see us in person at our store in Biltmore Village!) we would be happy to start the conversation with you.