🪢 A Local Craft Built on Knots

Hello Buncombe County!

This week’s Tuesday Small Business Highlight features a true Asheville original. Meet Brad and Knot and Paw, where handcrafted macramé leashes are made with intention, inspired by rescue dogs, and designed right here in Buncombe County. It’s a story of rediscovering a lifelong craft and sharing it with a community that appreciates both artistry and the bond between people and their pets.

As a neurodivergent individual, I’ve always had an affinity for macramé. I grew up making hemp bracelets and necklaces, and working with rope and knots has always been something that naturally clicked for me.

Over the past few years, I’ve been looking for hobbies that help me stay present and keep me from endlessly scrolling on social media. During that process, I rediscovered my love for macramé. After I got my second rescue, this time through Mountain Pet Rescue, I started making leashes for my two pit mixes, then for friends and family. Eventually I ran out of people to make them for, but by that point the hobby had already taken hold. I was hooked.

I wanted to keep creating, but materials were adding up quickly. After some encouragement from my chosen family, I decided to start selling them and turn something I love into a small business.

I’m a Buncombe County native—born at Mission and raised here my whole life. I spent a few years living in Seattle, where I adopted my first rescue dog, but moved back right before COVID. It was a great experience seeing another part of the country, but I couldn’t be happier to be home.

Western North Carolina is a magical place. The mountains, the creative community, and the people here make it feel special in a way that’s hard to put into words. For me, it’s always been home.

Funny enough, it’s the double-edged sword of social media. I originally got back into macramé to spend less time scrolling, and now I find myself on those platforms more than ever.

The difference is that I use them more intentionally, researching ideas, finding markets and events, connecting with other makers, or occasionally sharing a good dog video. A few months down the road and social media is one of the ways I get to share the craft with people.

That’s a tie—pun intended—between seeing my products out in the wild and having the chance to pass on a craft that’s given me so much.

There’s something special about spotting one of my leashes being used around town. I also love helping others discover macramé for themselves. I offer simple keychain kits that teach the same knotting techniques I use for my leashes, along with either in-person instruction or video guidance so people can learn at their own pace.

Being able to share the craft and make it approachable for others has been incredibly rewarding.

I have a number of markets on the schedule this year, and I’m really looking forward to them. One of my favorite parts of doing markets is meeting other vendors and connecting with the people who come out to support these events.

It’s always a great opportunity to share what I make, talk about the craft, and be part of the local maker community.

Etsy : Knot and Paw
Instagram : @knot_and_paw

If you’re out exploring local markets this season, keep an eye out for Knot and Paw and see the craftsmanship up close. Supporting makers like this helps keep Buncombe County’s creative spirit alive—one leash (and wagging tail) at a time.

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