When Matt Beaudoin opened the Mystic Knotwork retail shop in historic Mystic, Connecticut, he was carrying on a family tradition that spans more than 50 years. Matt’s grandfather, Alton, had become an expert in knotwork from his years in the Merchant Marines. Alton turned his skill into a craft and began selling the popular white-rope sailor bracelet, belts and guitar straps.
Today, through home décor products, pet toys and custom-colored bracelets, the Mystic Knotwork team continues to build on the family skillset. Authenticity and artisan craftsmanship are the hallmark of the brand. “Every product we sell is completely handmade and produced in our Mystic shop,” said Beaudoin, “it’s not outsourced to some other place.” Additionally, 95% of raw materials used are manufactured and sourced in the U.S.; all the cotton cord is grown in the South and milled in the Appalachian region.
Looking for the right place to sell his company’s handcrafted products online, Beaudoin found the perfect fit with Amazon Handmade.
Amazon Handmade is dedicated to selling artisan-crafted products. It allows sellers to reach Amazon’s vast customer base while staying true to their passion.
Mystic Knotwork has 17 employees and, according to Beaudoin, no matter what duties someone may be assigned to, tying knots is their “official” job description. “As soon as someone’s done with a particular task, whether it’s shipping orders, stocking inventory or working retail counters,” shared Beaudoin, “they go back to working with small pieces of rope. “
For a company that’s selling crafts from the pre-internet era, in-store retail is still an important part of the equation. Beaudoin believes the secret to his company’s success is the way online sales and in-shop retail work in tandem. He’s observed that people learn about Mystic Knotwork on travel blogs, in the Amazon store or from other New England gift shops that carry his products. Many customers have purchased products from one of these channels. “Then,” shared Beaudoin, “when they’re touring New England, they stop by. The internet actually generates demand that brings people into our brick-and-mortar store.”
Beaudoin is committed to helping drive in-store traffic to all retailers in downtown Mystic. A current board member of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce and member of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition, Beaudoin plays a leadership role in local development initiatives. “I really want to see investment in our area,” said Beaudoin, “when Mystic gets stronger, Mystic Knotwork gets stronger and my team gets stronger.”
Mystic Knotwork’s efforts to give back to the community naturally have a New England quality. They donate money and manpower to the Lobster Trap Tree—a town Christmas tree made of lobster pots and buoys decorated by local artists. The tree has gained national and international attention and brings holiday visitors to the area.
“I want to help the town and businesses grow,” said Beaudoin, “after all, a rising tide raises all ships.”