Sara Morris of Mello Velo Bike Shop

Crafted in Carhartt is a blog that whole-heartedly supports women in the jobs that bring them joy fulfillment. It’s such a thrill to see ladies killing it in a male-dominated field. Unfortunately, gender bias in the workplace is still very real today. As Sara Morris, co-owner of Mello Velo Bike Shop and Cafe, says,



“People pretty much always assume I know nothing about bikes. Now with the cafe, people always assume that I run the cafe, and Steve runs the bike shop since we’re husband and wife, and because that’s what gender roles would dictate. In reality, we both do everything.

I never really experienced sexism until I opened up my own shop (which I guess is pretty good that it took that long, but sad also)! People don’t expect me to be able to carry a bike up the stairs, or lift it up into a rack or stand, or be able to do anything mechanical let alone ride a bike while wearing a skirt or heels (on the rare occasions I do). It used to really bother me, but now I’m just more comfortable being myself, and being confident in my knowledge, skills, and competency — I chalk it up to maturity and growing up. It’s nice that the guys I work with notice the sexist remarks I can get and always have my back.”

I like the idea that your own competency and confidence can triumph over others who, whether knowingly or not, try to make you feel small or less qualified. Five years into owning her own business, Sara has learned a great deal about herself and the trade. She gets to be creative in every aspect of her job and she wears many hats. From selling and fixing bikes, to baking and serving the locals delicious treats, to helping spread bike culture in the city of Syracuse as a healthy way of life and a booster to the environment— Sara gets to feel good and proud at the end of a long work day.

Sara’s advice for folks hoping to follow a similar path and open a bike shop:



“A lot of bike shops open with at least $200k start-up capital, and dig themselves into a hole right out of the gate. Also, they’re paying people because they don’t know how to fix bikes themselves. If you want to start small, make sure to do your research, and stay true to your instincts. Be prepared to do it all and work a lot when you’re getting started. You don’t have to be ‘old’ or independently wealthy to start a business, just be smart.”

Sara is wearing: 
Carhartt Women’s Force Performance T-Shirt, Clarksburg Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt, & Series 1889 Slim Double-Front Dungaree.

Master Frame Buildin’ Momma

Natalie worked as a bike messenger for 6 years as she went to grad school for architectural design.  She wanted to combine her love of design, the world of cycling, and respect for the environment into a business and way of life. With its bike-friendly nature, Portland seemed like a great place to start Sweetpea Bicycles, owned and operated by Natalie and her husband, Austin. Out of a desire to help women experience the joy of cycling, she strives to make bikes that perfectly fit a woman’s body. As a mother of two, there’s no doubt her enthusiasm will be passed down to her children.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to take a step back and appreciate the ambitions and passions your own mom instilled in you. Don’t forget to tell Mom that you love and appreciate her.

Take a look at Natalie’s work wear here: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, 1889 Slim Double-Front Denim Dungaree, & Short Sleeve Signature T-Shirt.

 

How to Protect Your Bike During Rough Weather

It’s springtime, although it might not quite look like it yet. This strange mixture of rain, snow, and salt can take a toll on your bike. Here are a few tips for care and maintenance.

Keep it clean! After riding through the elements, clear all debris off your cycle– the sooner, the better. It will help prevent rust and ware. A bucket of soapy water and a sponge will do just fine.
Keep all moving elements lubed. This is important. Don’t be cheap with this step. In the long run, lube will cost less than having to replace expensive bike parts. Be mindful not to over-lube. Keep track of the areas you’ve already tended to so you don’t do it twice.
When roads are wet, let a bit of air out of your tires. Lower tire pressure increases contact area between the street and your bike. This will give you a bit more grip on slick roads.
Mudguards are a great purchase this time of year. Not only does it keep the rider clean, it prevents too much gunk from getting on other parts of your bike. It will also mean less clean up time for you after a muddy ride.
Regularly maintain your cycle. Harsh weather conditions lead to expedited disrepair of your bike. Keep an eye on brake pads, gear and brake cables, and bolt tightness.
Store your bicycle inside as often as you can. If you know it will be outside for an extended period. Be even more careful with the upkeep.

Carhartt Women’s Chore Coat is perfect for bike maintenance. The durable fabric, endless pockets, and adjustable cuffs are one your side when you have a dirty job in front of you. If you want to learn more about bike care check out what Tori Bortman, owner of Gracie’s Wrench in Portland, has to say.

Karen Gage and Kelli Kavanaugh of Wheelhouse in Detroit

Karen Gage and Kelli Kavanaugh started Wheelhouse on Detroit’s historic river walk in 2008. Their goal was to reintroduce the charm and expediency of bike rentals in the area. With different tours around the city and neighborhoods, you get the chance to see some great parts of Detroit and exercise a bit. The women really care about their customers. They’ll even custom create a bike tour to fit your tastes. If you want to get in a good work out or just a leisurely ride that’s more about sight-seeing, Karen and Kelli have you covered. The next time you’re in Motor City, you have to check this place out. Karen and Kelli are lively, competent, and want to help you experience the beautiful side of Detroit.

check out what the women are wearing: Women’s Norfolk Henley, Women’s Stockbridge Sweatshirt, & Women’s Rockford Insulated Windbreaker / Longsleeve Signature T-Shirt, Women’s Annapolis Long-Sleeve Shirt, & Women’s Southold Jacket

Tori Bortman of Gracie’s Wrench

You gotta love the go-get-em mentality of Tori Bortman, owner of Gracie’s Wrench in Portland. For those of you who don’t know, Portland is the city of bicycles. From bike paths to bike racks, that city is good to go for enthusiastic cyclists. As a messenger, Tori discovered how important it is to know the ins and outs of your bike. So she taught herself. Now, out of a love for bicycles and sharing knowledge with others, she teaches classes on bike mechanics mechanics. That’s the ultimate DIY right there, if you ask me.

shop Tori’s look here: Dover hooded track jacket, Clarkson cami, straight fit jean, Carhartt hat, tool belt, and Rockford windbreaker

Learning Bike Mechanics

Meet Keri, teacher by day and bike enthusiast by night. Keri has always loved biking and the idea of commuting. She bikes everywhere she goes. The idea hit her that she could really live off of her bike and tour. Keri has plans this summer for a trip around Lake Michigan and Colorado. Eventually she wants to tour around Europe. First, Keri wants to get some solid bike mechanic knowledge under her belt before she sets off on these adventures, so she’s been taking a bike class at Heritage General Store in Chicago with Arlan Derussy. Heritage is a beautiful customized bike shop and cafe, all-in-one. Hand-crafted bicycles and a warm cup of coffee in your belly. Who could ask for more?

Maria Boustead of Po Campo

This is Maria. She started up a functional bike bag business called Po Campo a few years back. Biking is a big part of Maria’s life, but she had a hard time finding bags that fit on her bike and that were still easy to tote around the city after reaching her destination. With a background in industrial design and branding, Maria was able to see a need in her life and found a way to solve it. There are a ton of different styles, fabrics, and patterns to choose from.

I got to hang out with the talented designer today to look at bags and check out how they all work. It was great to hear her story and how her past jobs brought her to the career she’s now pursuing. Maria said the day she left the corporate world, she got rid of all of her stiff, so-called professional clothes, and started wearing what made her feel happy and comfortable. The Carhartt women’s line is a great fit for her. Maria loves bright colors and clothes that are stylish and functional, much like her own line of bags.

Check out the rest of Maria’s Po Campo bike bags here.