We opened Two Ravens in the fall of 2022 after a series of fated events led us here. Before we opened our doors here in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts loop, we lived a typical life in Middle Tennessee. We were both working full-time, high stress jobs when covid hit our home in 2021. Alan was sick with double pneumonia for over a month and was out of work with no sick leave. We ran through our savings and sold some items to make ends meet. We were faced with the reality that even though we were working hard that we ultimately did not have control over our lives. We were at the mercy of jobs that saw us as numbers and that ultimately our souls were yearning for a different life.

Alan is a lifelong craftsman who feels most himself when making something with his hands. As his health began to improve, he found himself using his time at his lathe, creating things with the first free time he had available in a long time. By the time he went back to work, changes and plans were already brewing. We had gone to Gatlinburg on our Honeymoon a few years before and had found the Arts & Crafts Loop. We had contemplated the crazy idea of having a shop there ever since.

An exploratory trip to Gatlinburg in June 2022 brought us to the Mountain Arts Center. We simply showed up to inquire about rental spaces in the loop and left with a plan to move in the fall. Just like that.

We came home and quickly began packing and purging almost everything we owned. While everyone was surprised at how fast things were moving, we were met with enthusiasm and support by friends and family.

We officially opened our doors on October 12th 2022, showcasing our work as well as the creativity of our family and friends. Through the first year of being open, we met a myriad of creatives and artists who were looking for a place to sell their work. As we learned the ins and outs of our new business, we met more and more of these people. The idea to expand and open our shop to those who were looking for the same things we were began to grow.

Two Ravens began as an idea to give us freedom from the mundane and our goal is to extend that opportunity to others as well. We plan to continue to grow, foster community, & bring our fellow creatives along with us. This is just the beginning! Keep in touch with us on our socials and here on the blog to keep up with what we are doing.

When you shop with us, know that your purchase is a blessing & makes a difference to real people.

Thank you!