Today’s post is a paid partnership with Amazon, highlighting Tennessee-based small businesses.
Hey guys, Joanna here! It’s the beginning of October, and even though it’s still hot in Nashville, it’s also practically Halloween, right? Right.
So my sweet dog Mabel has a whole setup. I’m not exaggerating, she has a corner of the mudroom that is more organized than my own closet was before I started this job. Everything has a bin. Everything has a place. And lately, everything in that bin is from Huxley & Kent, a small business out of Tennessee.
And thank goodness for Huxley & Kent, as Mabel has made it her personal mission to jump up on the kitchen table and steal whatever candy I’ve left out, and she has succeeded more times than I’m willing to admit in writing. (Please don’t report me to the authorities!)
I found them in Amazon’s store during one of my late-night “I need to order things for Halloween and also rewatch nostalgic movies and also did I text back my friend” spirals, when their candy dog toys stopped me mid-scroll. I actually gasped a little. (See pic above for proof, Mabel posed for this one like she knew exactly what she was doing.) Like mother, like dog daughter! I felt like the universe had finally handed me a loophole. She gets her candy obsession. I get to keep my Reese’s!
Once I clicked into the listing I found out Huxley & Kent is a small business based right here in Tennessee, which, obviously, sent me down a rabbit hole. One small Tennessee brand led me to another, and another, and suddenly I had six tabs open and a cart I needed to explain to my husband.
Y’all know I’m obsessed with entrepreneurs, so we spoke to their founder Robin (A DELIGHT) about starting her company. Enjoy!
CATCHING UP WITH HUXLEY & KENT FOUNDER, ROBIN KERSHNER
Take us back to the beginning — what was the moment you knew Huxley & Kent needed to exist, and what problem were you trying to solve?
Huxley & Kent started pretty simply. When I first started in the pet industry, I saw an opportunity to create pet products for my dogs that were well-designed and different from what was already out there. People love their pets and want products that reflect that. I felt there was room for a brand that could bring some personality and joy to the category, and that is still at the heart of what we do today.
Tennessee is woven into this brand’s identity — what does it mean to you to build and grow a business here, and how has the local community shaped who you are as a company?
I’m very proud that we are a Tennessee company. We have been able to build a national business from Knoxville, which I think says a lot about what is possible here. Tennessee has a strong business community, but it also has a sense of community in general. People help each other. They make introductions. They want to see local businesses succeed. That has meant a lot to us as we have grown.
What’s a distinctly Tennessee value or way of doing business that you’ve carried into how you run Huxley & Kent?
Probably relationships. We try to treat people well, do what we say we are going to do and not take ourselves too seriously. We have customers, sales reps and employees who have been with us for many years. I think there is something very Tennessee about building a business around relationships and trust.
Jack-o-latte toy, Candy corn toy, Sour Scratch dog toy, Rosco’s dog toy, Mutterfinger toy
When did Amazon enter the picture for you, and what shifted in the business once you had that platform behind you?
Amazon came after we had already built a strong wholesale business. What it gave us was access to the consumer on a much bigger scale. Suddenly, someone anywhere in the country could discover Huxley & Kent and have one of our products at their door very quickly. It also gave us something incredibly valuable: information. We could see what consumers were responding to, what products were working and where there was opportunity. That has helped us become better at developing products and understanding our customers.
How have you managed to grow nationally while staying rooted in your local community?
I don’t think the two have to compete with each other. We sell products across the country, but Knoxville is still home. Our team is here, many of our decisions are made here and we try to support our community whenever we can. Giving back has also always been important to us. Through the Huxley & Kent Rescue Fund, we have supported more than 150 animal rescue organizations. As the company grows, we want our ability to give back to grow with it.
MORE TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESSES TO DISCOVER
Talking to Robin sent me right back down that Small Business rabbit hole, so here’s where my Tennessee-themed cart landed:
Daily Crunch
I’ve been friends with Laurel for years and continue to be as inspired by her entrepreneurial journey, as I am about her expansive sprouted nut flavors!
Huxley & Kent Puggin’ Spice Latte Toy
I’m eyeing this one to add to Mabel’s stash next. So cute!
Pastabilities
Their football-shaped pasta is as sporty as I get. Go team!
Goo Goo Clusters
I have a problem with these. A genuine, documented candy problem.
Nemah Firming Lotion
My friend, Mary Lawless Lee’s brand! I didn’t even know she was in Amazon’s store!
Be Amazing Drinks
Peach mango greens, currently my fridge staple.
Until next time, happy shopping, we hope you discover some faves from right here in Tennessee!