Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Fiene.
Hi Deborah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The story of Tilley & Co. begins in the hills of Arkansas, where I grew up with my Grandma Tilley. We didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, but we were surrounded by nature, creativity, and resourcefulness. Those early years taught me the value of making things by hand and finding beauty in simplicity—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life and career.
What started as a small idea eventually grew into something much larger than I ever imagined. Tilley & Co. expanded to three stores in Eureka Springs, two in Branson, and a collective of 38 makers in Odessa, Missouri. Along the way, our mission has always been clear: to provide artists and makers with the space, platform, and support they need to be successful. Every product we share tells a story of artistry and authenticity.
Recently, we made the intentional decision to scale back in order to focus on launching our sister company, Tilley Naturals. Our debut product, the Wagyu Tallow Balm, is crafted with just a handful of pure, organic ingredients. It embodies the heart of what we believe in—pure, simple, and effective skincare that truly nourishes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth — but that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. When I opened Tilley & Co. in 2015, the response from our community was overwhelming. Within just six months, we had outgrown our space and moved into a larger location. At the time, there was nothing quite like Tilley’s in our area, and the enthusiasm from both customers and local makers showed how much people valued handmade, heart-made goods.
From the very beginning, my philosophy has been simple: if my makers succeed, I succeed. I’ve had the joy of helping many artisans take their first steps in business — guiding them through registration, sharing marketing advice, and offering fair terms that allowed them to thrive. Watching their creativity blossom into full-fledged businesses has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Of course, every chapter brings new lessons. The pandemic tested all of us, but it also reminded me of the power of adaptability. Because we carried Dixie Belle Paint, I was able to pivot quickly — selling paint, hand-sewn masks, and hand sanitizer right from our front porch. What could have been a setback became an opportunity to serve our community in a new way.
In recent years, changing habits and travel costs have shifted how people shop. Many of our longtime customers once traveled from Kansas City, St. Louis, and even Arkansas. As more turned to online shopping, we saw the need to evolve again.
Each challenge has been a blessing in disguise — a push to innovate and meet people where they are. That’s what inspired the creation of Tilley Naturals, a new branch of our business that brings handcrafted, natural products directly to customers both online and in-store.
The path hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every turn. Each obstacle has shaped us into something stronger, more thoughtful, and more connected to the people we serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional life has always been about helping people grow—whether in business, creativity, or personal success. I have a background in business but I spent 15 years in social services guiding people out of poverty. That work taught me something invaluable: if you can help someone tap into their creativity and passions, you can help them build a plan for a better future.
At the same time, I’ve been a maker my entire life—even before I realized it. About 20 years ago, I began designing jewelry, which sparked a wave of creativity I’ve never stopped riding. From silversmithing and glass fusing to woodworking, furniture painting, repurposing, candle making, pressed flower art, and resin flower art—I’ve explored nearly every craft form. Each new skill has added another layer to who I am as both an artist and a business owner.
Most recently, my passion for crafting evolved into developing a skincare line, leading to the launch of Tilley Naturals and our first product, the Wagyu Tallow Balm. It’s the culmination of years of curiosity, craftsmanship, and a belief that simple, well-made things can have a big impact.
For me, this career hasn’t just been about business—it’s been about creating, adapting, and building spaces where both people and products can shine.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The industry is definitely shifting, and that’s one of the reasons we launched our sister company, Tilley Naturals. Customers are becoming more intentional with what they purchase—whether it’s skincare or artisan goods. They want products that are high-quality, clean, and authentic, and they want to know the story behind what they’re buying.
For skincare, there’s a growing awareness of what goes on the skin and into the body. That’s why we started with our Wagyu Tallow Balm—a product that is pure, simple, and effective, made with high-quality organic ingredients. We believe the future of skincare will lean more and more toward products that combine effectiveness with transparency and sustainability.
On the artisan side, which is the heart of Tilley & Co., we’re seeing a real desire for meaningful, handcrafted goods. Customers are looking for items that can’t be found in big-box stores—pieces that tell a story, support artists, and add something unique to their homes and lives. I believe that in the next decade, people will continue to crave authenticity and connection in what they buy, and that’s exactly what we offer at Tilley & Co.
No matter how the market changes, our mission remains the same: to create and curate products that are thoughtfully made, accessible, and built on integrity.
Pricing:
- $32 – Available on Amazon
- $28 – Available online at www.tilleyandcompany.com
- $28- Available in store
- $14 – Wholesale
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tilleyandcompany.com
- Instagram: @tilleyandcompany and @tilleynaturals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tilleyandcompany
- Linkedin: deb@tilleyandcompany.com
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/tilleynaturals
