“I just wanted to show people that you can start something from nothing,” Weaver said. “You don’t have to come from money or ask for handouts or a loan. ... My dream was not to make candles, but to be my own boss and be in control of my own destiny.”
Today, Manready is located in a two-story brick building in the Heights, and the general goods store has a lot more to offer than candles.
Beside taxidermied animals and antique, rustic decorations, the walls and racks are lined with apparel, accessories, bags, home goods and a variety of other items that Weaver said are all chosen for their high quality.
“People don’t come here because it’s convenient; they come here because they know they’re putting their hard-earned money into something that has a backbone to it and a story behind it,” Weaver said. “That’s what gives us our edge. Everything here is next level and is thoughtful and curated and unlike anything people will find anywhere else.”
As Manready has continued to grow with plans to open another brick-and-mortar location in Austin next year, Weaver said the most popular item has always been the handmade candles from which it got its start.
“For the candles, we use reusable whiskey glasses, and we have unique, proprietary scents that are custom formulated,” Weaver said. “They’re poured here in the U.S., and people can actually see us pouring the wax, which is clean burning. ... People just like the store, and they want to support it.”
From the high-quality goods to the atmosphere and customer service that Manready provides, Weaver said that his store sets itself apart from the large retail chains across the country.
“This is a special kind of business that people see themselves as a part of. When you walk in here, you feel like family,” Weaver said.
Manready Mercantile
321 W. 19th St., Houston
713-861-6618
www.manready.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mon.
