Setting up shop

Written By Matt Bryant

My new small business Heather & Wren has been a long time in the making. I’ve been selling on eBay for 25 years, and have bought and sold items in venues like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for what seems like forever. But in the past, the buying and selling was usually connected to a particular hobby, DIY or creative project, or large-ticket items like vehicles and furniture. And I truly love the hunt for unique and fascinating gems, and welcome any chance to dip into a yard sale, thrift store, estate sale, or pouring over online venues for treasures.

I’m also a passionate nature enthusiast, often engaged in activities like birding, gardening, hiking, kayaking, or conservation projects. I’m a weather and map nerd, and I geek out over technology old and new that helps us see, document, understand and celebrate the natural world. I love how everything in nature is connected, and there is always so much more to learn.

And, I have a background as an artist, with a love for photography, videography, podcasting, drawing, and DIY projects. The creative spark is in my bones as much as my love of the natural world.

Some time ago, I started to contemplate how to bring all of those passions together. Well, Heather & Wren is the first step in doing just that! So I’ve been working behind the scenes pre-launch to get my small business ready to launch, and I plan to start listing items for sale in July 2026.

I am starting with eBay and Etsy storefronts, and eventually—when I am established enough—I will sell items directly on my website. I also plan to attend vintage and craft fairs so that I can sell things and interact with customers in person.

Stay tuned as I’ll post in this blog about my experiences starting and running a small business, interesting tidbits on the things I sell, and my experiences searching for gems to feature in my stores. I’ll also post to my Instagram, Facebook andYouTube channels, so be sure to subscribe to those and give me a like when you can! Thanks again for supporting my small business.

Matt Bryant