Your story in the form of functional art

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nibin Thomas, owner of Maker Watch Company, located in Ontario, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Maker Watch Company was founded in 2017 with a vision to make high quality custom watches using wood and epoxy that tell a story. We've since expanded our offering to include custom leather straps and wall clocks. Our purpose is to create a remarkable experience, unlike any other in the industry. An experience that doesn't end after you get your custom timepiece. But one that pulls you back every time you glance at it. As simple as it may seem, there's a split second, a moment in time when you look glance to check the time, a moment of ultimate presence. It's that tiny moment we try to make beautiful. Every watch case, leather strap and wall clock is designed and handmade in Oakville, Ontario. The wood used in our watches is stabilized and kiln-dried for our wall clocks to ensure durability against the elements. Our custom straps are made from vegetable tanned leather and built to last.

In the end it's your story we help bring to life in the form of functional art..

Tell us about yourself

I worked in supply chain, procurement and project management in the Canada and USA for large multi-national companies for 7 years before starting Maker Watch Company. My first taste of starting something from the ground up was Football for the World Foundation. It's a non-profit I co-founded in 2011 that is still active today primarily out of Omaha, Nebraska. I also co-founded, Football for the World Development, a private soccer skills training and development program for youth in the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada in 2014. This was my first taste at running a for-profit small business and it's been a wild ride to build something up from the ground up again.

Maker Watch Company came into existence when my childhood friend and now business partner, Justin Alvares, wanted to make a wood watch he could get excited about. I followed along for 6 months as he attempted to build the first watch and loved the process. He was just doing it for fun and after he was done I shared the watch on my Instagram and my high school teacher asked if he could get one and that was our first customer. What motivates me each day is the people and opportunities that present themselves when you deliver good work. I'm in love with building things and teams that can last beyond my existence.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a steady source of income and making the passions of my business partners a reality.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Surviving COVID-19 supply chain issues and keeping the lights on at Maker Watch Company. We had our biggest year of growth during 2021.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1) Figure out what gets you excited.

2) Build a strong team around you.

3) Ensure your product/service can operate without you.

Get out there and start. I'm not a subject matter expert in any of the business I'm involved in but I leverage the expertise around me to figure it out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.makerwatchcompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerwatchcompany/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nibinthomas

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.