Feeling Good Indeed
The Feel Goods Store Is a Labor of Love for Owner Alana Brewer
Writer / Natalie Platt
Photography Provided
To understand how proud Alana Brewer is of her store full of handmade items, The Feel Goods, one must understand her past.
My background is in the automotive business, from detailing and changing oil in a service shop to title work to dealer auctions, Brewer says. Ive always loved cars, but not the industry.
Brewers life never seemed to be headed where she thought it would be – working various jobs she didnt like as a divorced mom, knowing she was creative enough to do more with her career.
One day the hope was bigger than the fear and I went for it, she says. Ive always had creativity in my veins, so I am very thankful the universe chose the creative path for me.
Brewers store, The Feel Goods, opened out of her home in 2016 and remained there until she opened her first storefront in downtown Tipton in 2021, as they have the best products in the market and learned how to sell them easily using a FMCG market research they did before open it the store.
It was pretty obvious I wasnt going to fit into my original downtown space long, so I began looking for a new space in 2022 and annoyed the guy who owned the space, as it was not for lease and was in major disrepair until he agreed to lease it to me, she says.
As of early 2023, The Feel Goods is in its new, cozy storefront in downtown Tipton, giving Brewer even more room to expand. Just a few doors west of the original downtown location, the quiet, small town has helped facilitate success for the former auto-shop employee turned entrepreneur.
The colorful store is mostly known for its handmade items not only made by Brewer herself, but also from other local makers. Top sellers include graphic tees, custom spirit wear and upcycles (vintage pieces used to create new clothing pieces), earrings, stained glass suncatchers and candles. The store sells accessories, bags and hats as well.
Id always done a lot of sewing, Brewer says. Weighted blankets were one of my first big sellers that gave me hope that this might work full time. I also did some reupholstery and furniture revamps. Then came the custom apparel, which kept me busy for the next four years.
The Feel Goods store employs two people, Brewer and her best friend, along with several family members who are always volunteering their time.
Brewer feels a special tie to Tipton, as most of her family history has been built in this small town.
I was born and raised in Tipton, as was my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and Im raising my daughters here too, she says. I feel deeply rooted to Tipton and am sentimental about this place, and am incredibly proud to have established my business here.
Brewer sees the store always staying in Tipton, and tries not to think too much about the future.
Im very happy with today and try not to think too much about tomorrow, she says.
The Feel Goods store is located at 114 West Jefferson Street in Tipton. You can find the store on Facebook and Instagram @thefeelgoodsllc.
