April Bolet founded Run2Run, a company that makes performance running accessories, because she was frustrated by the options for running visors, many of which came from China. Rather than settle for an inferior product, Bolet began building one herself. The result was a lightweight visor constructed from moisture-wicking poly/spandex fabric with a washable plastic brim.

Her development process quickly connected her to Western North Carolina’s textile and outdoor business networks. After taking classes through Mountain BizWorks and the Small Business and Technology Development Center, she began working with SewCo in Asheville’s River Arts District to develop patterns and prototypes.

“They contacted me to say that they could make my pattern—I was ecstatic,” Bolet said.  

That process also introduced her to the Carolina Textile District network, through which she took a two-day workshop and discovered the original nylon/spandex fabric she selected would not properly wick sweat.

“This was my best investment to date,” Bolet said. “I learned on day one that I was using the wrong fabric.”

Eventually, connections through the Outdoor Business Alliance led Bolet to Fletcher-based Excelsior Sewing, which still manufactures Run2Run products today. The product line has expanded to include gaiters and running sleeves. 

“It was important to me to have my products made and manufactured in the US,” Bolet said. “In addition, this helps me keep my finger on the pulse and work closely with those producing my accessory line.”

Bolet’s business has continued expanding through partnerships with races, retailers, and outdoor events across the Southeast, with the hopes of eventually being purchased by a large outdoor or athletic company like Nike. 

Shelby Treichler, founder of Marshall-based Cactus to Pine, began experimenting with retired climbing rope almost accidentally.

“Initially I didn't have a goal of starting a business,” Treichler said. “I just liked to create, to make things with my hands.”

At first, Treichler made rope cozies for mason jars, using climbing rope handles to clip jars onto bags while commuting. The products quickly became conversation starters.

“It was the most fun when people noticed the piece and asked me about them and I got to tell the story,” Treichler said. “In the beginning and for quite a few years, I knew where every rope came from or who had sent it to me and it helped build the lore of my products.”

In 2019, Treichler could see there was money to be made with her products, but she was working full time in the film industry and didn’t have the time to scale. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Treichler used the unexpected pause to devote more time to the business.

“I had the privilege of the one thing that we so rarely get as adults,” Treichler said. “Time.”

Eventually, Treichler moved Cactus to Pine into a 24-foot travel trailer and spent years traveling to climbing festivals around the country while growing the brand.

Today, Cactus to Pine sources rope from climbers, guide companies, climbing gyms, and Sterling Rope Company’s recycling program. Each rope is washed, dried, and transformed by hand into products ranging from can cozies to bowls, trays, rugs, and vases.

The company’s approach reflects both environmental stewardship and Appalachian craft traditions.

“In Appalachia there's always been a real craft culture, a DIY ethic, a belief in working with what you've got, a relationship with the land that isn't performative,” Treichler said. “I like to think my work is a combo of those.”

Treichler said Western North Carolina’s outdoor economy naturally creates opportunities for material reuse.

“Outdoor recreation is a booming industry and tradition in Western NC and I'm constantly being approached by ziplining companies and rafting companies and things they throw away that they would like to find a way to repurpose,” Treichler said. “It creates this circular economy.”

Though their businesses look very different, both founders describe Western North Carolina as essential to their work — not simply as a backdrop, but as an ecosystem of makers, manufacturers, outdoor enthusiasts, and collaborators.

Learn more at run2rungear.com and cactustopine.com.