Erin and Shawn Gaudet said personal experiences combined with business acumen—developed while working in the corporate world—proved beneficial when they launched Ranch Junkie Mercantile in Argyle in 2018.

While working as a product manager at Fossil, Erin was involved in the lifecycle of products including design, manufacturing, and sales.

“She always had an eye for fashion,” Shawn said. “She knows what will work or what is needed in the market.”

Shawn worked at a quickly growing company where he gained management and negotiation skills. Prior to that, as a child, he discovered his entrepreneurial spirit and opened a lawn care business, sunglass business and more.

After leaving Fossil, Erin started making and selling wooden signs on Etsy. Eventually, Shawn added to the inventory.


“My grandfather was a carpenter, so he taught me how to build stuff,” Shawn said. “I started making furniture, home décor and floating shelves. It was fun.”

The Argyle couple love to spend time at their ranch in the hill country and dubbed themselves ‘Ranch Junkies’ which inspired their business name. They describe the overall style of their merchandise as a mixture of southwestern, ranch, country and luxury.

In 2020, because they had quadrupled their business, they moved operations from their home to a warehouse in Argyle. The couple also found they could no longer keep up with the demand of making everything themselves, so they started sourcing work to artisans.

“It is a passion of ours to make handcrafted products that ties into our love of the ranch and outdoors,” Shawn said. “There is something inspiring to us about artisans hand sewing and hand crafting the products.”


Last year, the couple added a bag line featuring buffalo leather, hair-on-hide cow leather, 100% hand woven wool and more.

“We’ve found ourselves more passionate about the bags and designing them,” Shawn said. “You can appeal to a bigger range of customers with bags.”

There are multiple ways customers can purchase items from Ranch Junkie Mercantile. They can visit their booth in Painted Tree in Highland Village, order online at ranchjunkie.com or shop on Amazon.

Erin said product development is her favorite aspect of co-owning this business with her husband.


“To see people love your brand...is very rewarding,” Shawn said. “You know the hard work you’re putting in is paying off when you see the growth.”

Top selling products at Ranch Junkie Mercantile:

Bags are hand crafted from 100% genuine leather and/or hand-woven wool.
  • Prices range from $59.99 - $500.
Windows are handcrafted from Mexican Pine and are popular because of their unique style.
  • Prices range from $79.99 - $300.
Home accessories such as bowls, pillow covers and blankets.
  • Prices range from $31 - $92.
Ranch Junkie Mercantile

972-241-3861


ranchjunkie.com

Visit their booth at Painted Tree, 2240 Justin Rd, Highland Village