Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Thomas and Bradley Randle.
Hi Ty and Bradley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
TrapWare, founded in 2020, was originally a candle company that was named “TrapScents”. With TrapScents, we wanted to entrap you by the smell of the product. The idea came about after attending several indoor pop-up shops that had a wide range of home goods, except candles. We created and tested several candles and waxes, but none of them passed our quality tests. After several attempts, and weeks of testing, we finally decided to move into a different direction. We had lots of other products in mind, so this wasn’t a difficult decision to make.
With so many different products in mind, the name “TrapScents” no longer fit. We were looking for something universal that could house several different products, thus “TrapWare” was born. “TrapWare” originated from the word “Tupperware” because there are many different types, styles, and uses for Tupperware, and we kept the “Trap” from “TrapScents”. With TrapWare, we want the art to be so appealing, that you’re entrapped by its beauty.
We called our first product line “TrapCrafts”. This line is personalizable and catered specifically to tobacco users and included resin based products such as ashtrays, jars, large trays, and a variety of boxes. The boxes are wooden, hand-painted and resin based. TrapCrafts, which we later rebranded as “Crafts” started out great, and continues to exceed, but we wanted to reach a different audience with our art.
After almost half a year of business, we released our second product line, apparel. This line featured a number of designs that could be personalized, in regards to colors, and placed on short sleeve t-shirts. Customers could choose from nine t-shirt colors and over fifteen designs. After the success of our apparel launch, we expanded in the fall/winter to include long sleeves and hoodies.
The most recent products that we introduced is our Home Goods line called Feng Shui. These products target people who have a love for art and interior design. This line includes personalized coffee and end tables, canvases, serving trays, and coasters.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not. The biggest struggle we’ve faced, and sometimes still do, is product defects. When dealing with epoxy resin, you have to be very diligent with mixing, stirring, and pouring. Patience is the key when working with resin. For that reason, we don’t let Ty handle any resin duties (laughing).
Other challenges, early on, were having the proper equipment. A lot of times we had to find alternate approaches to what we were trying to accomplish because we didn’t have some of the necessary tools. Space also became an issue. We grew faster than expected and needed a bigger space quickly. Of course the more we grew, the busier we got with creating. This brought the challenge of having time to market our products and attend pop-up shops and events.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Brad – Serial Entrepreneur | I specialize in many different areas with my most known being barbering. I began cutting hair in 2016 and decided to further my skills by attending Fosters Cosmetology & Barber College in 2017. After graduating in 2018, I began exploring other avenues of entrepreneurship including interior painting and event planning.
Ty – Implementation Specialist | I currently work for a company located in Atlanta and specialize in project management. I think what sets me apart is my diverse work background and ability to get any job done. I’m most proud of being able to start a company and have success with doing so.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We’re always making changes and updates! Make sure you guys are following us on all social media platforms to stay in the loop.
You can also check out our social media pages to see how we make a lot of our products!
Never let anyone deter you from your dreams!
Contact Info:
- Website: Trap-ware.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Trap_ware
- Facebook: facebook.com/TrapWareLLC/
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Trap_ware
- Other: TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trap_ware0
