Life & Work with Chris Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Thompson.

Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I fell in love with the beauty of cowboy boots 15 years ago when I took an awful interim job as a retail manager in a western outfitter store.

When I left, unexpectedly, I had accumulated a pile of cowboy boot donations that I had just thrown in a “someday I might do something with these” pile in the garage. Once I had my wings under me again I started making cute little handbags out of the boot tops. I opened a tiny western boutique where I sold my bags, clothing, and refinished furniture.

A handful of moves and a couple of boutiques later I took my bags “on the road” to the western, horse, and fine art shows all over the mountain states and southwest for years. I decided to come back to AZ after being away for 15 years to be with my elderly mom while I still have her. I moved her to this fabulous little cowboy town and opened my store, Dirt Road Art & Collective. It has become the talk of the town! I am so blessed to not only sell my (now entire line of several styles and sizes of) leather bags made out of cowboy boots but also be able to work with furniture again. I’ve taken a whole new approach to “refinishing” furniture; I now “rescue and cowgirl-it-up!” I find furniture with good bones and give it a fresh look with gorgeous leather and hair-on-hides, western conchos, and even some leather fringe!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took me a hot minute to decide if I wanted to continue the show circuit or open another boutique. Once I decided I would see great little “spots” in town become available and get snatched up! Over and over again! I would see a spot that was the perfect size and would go home to pray on it overnight and Poof, it was occupied the next day. It was crazy. But none of them were what I would consider “perfect” locations. Once the one I thought was a great location opened up I was on top of it!

Even though it was a lot bigger space than I needed or could afford, I took a leap of faith and signed the lease. I now have a wonderful artist friend who helps me manage it and several local artists and collectors who rent spaces from me and help make it the success it is. We have so much to look at and drool over but our prices are fair too so you don’t just have to dream, you can actually leave the store with what you want.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was once called the “Louis Vuitton of cowboy boot purses!” What a hoot! I literally dream of cowboy boots! I wake up in the morning with new styles floating around in my head or solutions to make a design more functional or prettier. Who needs sleep anyway?! I love being “creative”. I tried to be a “bean counter” (accounting) once but that’s not really a profession that creativity thrives in! I finally embraced my role as “an artist” when a “real” artist told me I was “not just a crafter, but a real artist.”

That was 10 years ago. I have since signed and numbered all of my one-of-a-kind handbags, purses, and totes. Lots of people can make a handbag out of boots, and lots of people do. I had to make a living of it, so I tuned into my creator God and try to funnel some of that juice into a couple of old boots.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Eating. Eating is a great motivator. If I want to eat I must sell. If I must sell I must love and believe in what I am selling. I love cowboy boots and I love what I can do with them. I love that people buy them for themselves and others in an act of love. Maybe eating isn’t the motivation after all?

All silliness aside, what makes the store successful is the collection of other artists and curators who bring amazing art and fabulous finds to the table. Our customers love the local photography, old pawn jewelry, handpainted furniture, gently worn boots and western clothing, southwestern pottery, western fine art, and posters we offer. It is ever-changing! The best way to see the store and all it has is to come in and look around and then retrace your steps in the opposite direction to see everything you missed the first time.

Pricing:

• $68 Wine totes… they are a gift-giving favorite and of course, made out of cowboy boots!
• $149+ Hipster Cross-Body Bags… Small bags made to carry your everyday basics made out of a boot and a half, signed and numbered. With or without fringe.
• $229+ Full-Sized Handbags… In “Bucket” or “Heart” shape. Made from two boots and come with or without fringe. Signed and numbered.
• $329+ Large/Laptop Totes… Big enough to be your briefcase, diaper, or travel bag. Three boots and extra leather embellishments on this style! Signed and numbered.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopdirtroad.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_thompson_bags/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtRoadArtCollective/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thompson-701823186/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dirt-road-art-and-collective-wickenburg
• Other: www.christhompsonbags.com