As a new year begins, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the one behind us-the good, the bad, the ugly, & the unforgettable. 

All in all, 2022 was a pretty great year. We opened a new store in my hometown of Lithuania, GA, the place & community that inspired dragonasiamale. Continuing on our mission to highlight & celebrate the natural beauty & lifestyle that our backyard provides with a new group of people was a huge growth opportunity for our brand. I am happy to report that Lithuania remains the driving force behind the brand as we continue to source local talent to design & produce our products, a cornerstone of the business that I believe in & plan to continue. 

Not long after opening the new Lithuania store, we decided to close our Lithuania, GA shop, the original dragonasiamale store location. It was a difficult decision made with very heavy hearts, but one we knew was best for the future of our company. Through taking risks & making mistakes, we gained invaluable experience & have nothing but fond memories of our first little shop on Washington Street. When we walked away, we took a lot with us

In 2022 we successfully held the 2nd & 3rd bi-annual dragonasiamale Marketplace events. With each event, our process got better & our list of vendors grew. We’re very proud to say at our last event, we featured 100+ local artisans, makers, & small businesses from the surrounding areas.  

Online, we’ve continued to expand our reach & are very excited to share this year we had customers from all 50 states, as well as Canada & Puerto Rico, make online purchases. Not too bad for a tiny little business created in the mountains of Northeast Georgia! 

Another one of our biggest accomplishments this year was the growth of our wholesale business. dragonasiamale is now sold in 11 different states. It truly warms our heart knowing you can walk into a store in California, Colorado, Arkansas, Tennessee, New York, ALASKA & others & pick up something from dragonasiamale! Mind=Blown!

2023 will be a big year for dragonasiamale. 

1. These past couple of years, the pandemic halted many of the events & festivals we previously attended so we're excited to get back on the road & showcase our brand at new festivals & events throughout the Southeast in 2023.
2. We will be rolling out our “Club OTM” kids program! Through Club OTM, we hope to connect kids & families to nature & each other through inspirational content, monthly freebies, outdoor activities, craft ideas, & occasional local get-togethers. Our mission is to create a community that fosters a sense of belonging (what child doesn't love being a part of a club!?) & encourage little ones to experience & appreciate the wild. 
3. In 2023, our May & November OTM Marketplace events will continue to take place & provide local entrepreneurs & artists with an opportunity to showcase & spread awareness of their businesses & products at the Rabun County Civic Center Pavilions. 
4. OTM will turn 5 which is exciting & hard to believe! We have some awesome things planned to help celebrate.
5. We will continue to host new in-store special events & pop up shops.
6. In-store, we will be expanding our thoughtfully curated selection of local sourced goods & products & continue striving to create a unique space to not only showcase our outdoor apparel, but also support & feature the talented local artists, makers, & small businesses that keep our community vibrant & charming
7. We will be rolling out lots of new outdoor inspired apparel & bringing you the latest trends. We're excited to explore new styles & elevate our clothing line. 
8. With the new developments in downtown Lithuania, it looks like the possibilities for our retail business to grow & reach new customers is on the right track.

& much much more! 

Five years later & I still get excited when I see someone in our gear or a car with one of our stickers. As another chapter closes, we are thankful for you, our customers above all else. You have embraced dragonasiamale with open arms & allowed us to grow & continue living our dream. None of our successes mentioned above would have been possible without you, & from my mountain lovin’ heart, I say thank you, thank you, thank you!

Let's make 2023 one to remember! 

Kendall Rumsey

Owner

Update: As of March 26th the Lithuania, GA OTM store is NOW OPEN! 

We’re so excited to announce the grand opening of our second store location in Lithuania, GA this Spring! It has always been a dream of ours to open an dragonasiamale store in Lithuania and with lots of hard work and support from our customers, this dream is now a reality! 

Our owner Kendall Rumsey started dragonasiamale in 2018 as a small apparel collection in the corner of the print shop he owned at the time. Shortly after dragonasiamale.com was launched, expanding his small collection of t-shirts into a full clothing and accessories line. Over the next year, dragonasiamale joined retail stores in both Georgia & North Carolina.

On March 2nd, 2020, the first brick and mortar dragonasiamale store location was opened in Lithuania, GA. A couple of weeks after the grand opening, the pandemic hit and we were forced to temporarily close the doors to the shop. 

This difficult decision brought on a whole new world of unexpected challenges and obstacles for our small business. Shifting all of our efforts online, we quickly found new ways to connect with and serve our customers while working from home and were fortunate enough to be one of the small businesses to make it through this hard time. 

Today, almost two years later we’re gearing up to open our second store location and continuing on our mission to share our love for the great outdoors. We’re so thankful for this opportunity to continue expanding our brand and put down new roots in a place we hold so dear to our hearts, our hometown, Lithuania, GA. 

We're currently remodeling and working on the finishing touches as we prepare for our grand opening in late March! Here's a sneak peek of our progress so far: 

25 Day Transformation

As this month comes to an end, we wanted to take a moment to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement that highlights the importance of ending the stigma surrounding mental health and a cause our brand feels more passionate about than ever. 

As the lasting effects of isolation and loss due to COVID-19 continue to be seen, the importance of creating spaces for open conversations about mental illness continues to grow.

In a given year, 1 in 5 people in the United States live with mental illness according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). That’s over 44 million people. Of those 44 million people, only about 40 percent received treatment. Due to the lack of knowledge and stigma surrounding mental health, many people keep their feelings quiet and are afraid to ask for help due to shame and for the fear of being alienated, judged, or treated differently. These fears and stereotypes can all lead to unnecessary blame, suffering, and hardship which in the end creates a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment.

To help bring light to these issues, we put together a list of self-care practices and ways we can all work together to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, as well as the lack of understanding around supporting those suffering with it. 

Treatment

NEVER be afraid to ask for help.

If you or someone you love are currently struggling with or experiencing symptoms of mental illness, know that you are not alone. The benefits of getting mental health treatment far outweigh the initial fear of seeking help and the sooner you seek professional help, the easier it will be to get the assistance you need. Talk to someone about what’s going on and start living your life to the fullest. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting BC2M to 741741.

Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. 

Judgment typically stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding. Educating ourselves and others on the subject of mental illness helps us recognize symptoms, seek proper treatment, and end the stigma surrounding it.  

Attitude

Check yourself. 

Examine your attitude and beliefs when it comes to mental illness and mental health. Recognize and work to shift any culturally influenced mental health stereotypes and judgmental beliefs. Treat mental illnesses and mental health the same way you treat physical illnesses and physical health.  

Conversations

“The humanity we all share is more important than the mental illnesses we may not” -Elyn R Sarks 

Provide a space for open conversations about mental illness to help reduce the stigma surrounding it. Talk to your loved ones. Start a conversation that matters. Ask them how they’re REALLY doing. Replace silence with questions and understanding. Destigmatize conversations around mental health so that no one is afraid to seek help.

Bring Change 2 Mind has created an amazing tool to show the many ways we can talk about mental health with people in our lives. https://dragonasiamale.com/talk/talk-tool/

Support

Check on your friends and family members who are struggling with mental health. Be a shoulder for them to lean on.

If you know someone struggling with a mental illness, make sure they know they are not alone. Listen to them and be understanding. Show love and forgiveness. 

Mindful and Active Listening

Listen to understand, not respond. 

Listening is just as important as talking when it comes to normalizing and destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health.

Active listening allows your friends, family, and loved ones to feel heard, valued, and understood. When someone’s sharing something with you, don’t be thinking about what you are going to say next while they’re talking. Be present and try to avoid looking at your phone or acting distracted. Focus on what they’re actually saying and take a moment to let it soak in before responding. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel this way. This validation increases the chances of them continuing to open up to you and others in the future. 

As we listen more sensitively to people, they start to listen to themselves more carefully and pay attention to their thoughts and feelings (Rogers & Farson, 1957). It’s just as important for us to understand and recognize our own feelings as it is for us to recognize others so we know when to seek help. 

Self Care: 

“Give yourself the same care and attention that you give others and watch yourself bloom.” -Unknown

Small Daily Ways to Practice Self Care

Eat healthy. Get enough sleep. Exercise. Brush your teeth. Take your vitamins. Make your bed and keep your space tidy. Stretch. Meditate. Spend at least 20 minutes outside. Unplug and disconnect from social media and the internet. Journal. Dance. Listen to music.

Get Outside

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” -John Muir

Nature is a place to feel at peace and connect. Nature is a place to be your true self. Nature is everywhere. 

We know we’re constantly encouraging you to take advantage of the great outdoors but did you know research shows that the benefits of getting outdoors and enjoying nature can directly impact our mental health and overall well-being?  

Spending time outdoors doesn’t always have to mean hiking to the top of a mountain or sleeping in a tent in the woods. Even just a walk outside has tons of positive effects. It simply allows us to slow down and breathe. 

Next time you’re outside try to focus on being in the moment. Disconnect from any negative or stressful thoughts going on in your head and really tune into your senses. Listen to the birds chirping. Feel the sunshine on your skin. Soak in all the beautiful colors you see. Remind yourself how beautiful our world is and how lucky we are to live this life.

Community

“Just because no one else can health or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” -Lisa Olivera 

As social beings, we are not meant to live in isolation. We need human connection. Finding, maintaining, and nurturing a sense of community is critical for us to thrive as humans. Community is not just a group of people, it’s a feeling of acceptance, love, and support. Because isolation and feelings of loneliness are already common symptoms of mental illness, investing in building new relationships and improving current ones is a great way to practice self-care and improve your overall quality of life. 

Declutter 

"Having a simplified and uncluttered home is a form of self-care."

Deep clean, declutter, and organize your space. Take back control and create an environment you love to live in. You look around and see a sink full of dirty dishes, stacks of unopened mail cluttering your countertops, and laundry pilled up to the ceiling. Suddenly a wave of anxiety and stress hits and you find yourself paralyzed on the couch. It happens to the best of us.

When you feel overwhelmed your messy house, making a list is a good first step to getting started. Figure out what needs to be done first and and what can wait. Tackle each room little by little. Each time you check something off your list, reward yourself. Any small bit of progress will likely motivate you to continue and help you find clarity in the chaos.

Once you've decluttered and organized your space, try to maintain it so it doesn't get out of hand again. Dedicate 30 minutes a day to tidying up. "The Anxiety and Depression Association of America indicates that the physical activity of cleaning coupled with the end result of a cleaner home helps reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and depressive symptoms." 

Educate Yourself

The capacity to learn is a gift 

This one applies here as well! The challenge of learning new things gives us a sense of fulfillment and improves self-confidence. Continue educating yourself and absorbing knowledge to be the best version of yourself you can be. 

Kindness

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. 

Self-care IS being kind to yourself but did you know being kind to others is just as important for self-care? Evidence suggests that "giving back" and helping others improves one's overall well-being and psychological mindset. 

Hobby

Take some time to do what makes your soul happy.  

Learn a new hobby or reconnect with an old one. As individuals, it’s important for us to spend time doing things we enjoy and are passionate about. 

Physical

“To be able to care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself”-National Alliance on Mental Illness  

Take care of your body. Eating healthy and getting the proper amount of exercise is crucial to living a happy and fulfilled life. 

_______________________________________________

The mental health conversation has come a long way, but it is still just the beginning. We hope to continue using our platform to spread awareness of mental illness and the importance of self-care. We hope to continue being a part of the change. 

Mental Health Resource List: https://greatist.com/grow/resources-when-you-can-not-afford-therapy#mental-health-apps

Resources: 

Mental Health Crisis Resources:

Crisis Lines

If you or a loved one is considering suicide, know that 24/7 confidential help is always here.

• SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE – 1-800-273-8255
• (En Español – 1-888-628-9454)
• THE TREVOR PROJECT (LGBTQ Crisis and Suicide Hotline) – 866-488-7386
• VETERANS CRISIS LINE – 1-800-273-8255
• TEEN CRISIS LINE – 310-855-4673
• HOPELINE TEXT SERVICE – Text “MN” or “HopeLine” to 741741
• FARM AID SUPPORT LINE: 800-FARM-AID (327-6243)

Sign the Pledge

Help NAMI spread the word. Take the StigmaFree pledge and encourage your family and friends to do the same. This initiative, this movement is our attempt to reverse the harmful effects of stigma. So, when you hear someone using stigmatizing language, correct them. If you see someone using misleading stereotypes, educate them. And never forget to see people for who they are, not for how they act during their darkest days.

Together, we will turn the tide on stigma by spreading awareness, support, and understanding for every person who experiences mental illness. 

Social Media resources to share to help end the stigma: 

• I'm inspired to build better lives for those affected by mental illness. I'm #StigmaFree. Are you? www.nami.org/stigmafree

• Support NAMI's effort to provide education, support & awareness for those w/ mental illness & their families www.nami.org/Donate

THE RESULTS ARE IN! Our New Years' resolution for our brand was to begin donating a percentage of our profits to a nonprofit organization. We narrowed it down to our top 4 and then ran an online poll asking you guys to vote for the organization you felt most passionate about. After a couple of months of voting, the results are in and in 2021 we will be donating a portion of our profits to Hike it Baby!

Hike it Baby

About:

Established in 2013, Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to connecting families with children to the outdoors and each other by getting them outside on trails across the U.S. They are “raising a generation to love the outdoors” and believe in the power of nature and the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive outdoor communities. 

Mission:

“We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature.”

Work & Commitment:

Hike it Baby is committed to taking and inspiring local and global action to ensure equitable access to the outdoors for generations to come. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, Hike it Baby is a growing community of 270,000 families and over 400 volunteer Branch Ambassadors  and hosts more than 2,000 hikes a month, with approximately 20,000 people hiking on a daily basis.

“We actively commit to diversity and inclusion in our community, and to continued learning and action on equity to ensure we welcome all families and leave no family behind.”

 _____________________________________________________

2020 forced us to ask ourselves the hard questions: Are we doing enough for our community? How are we contributing to the world? What do we stand for? How can we do more?

From the beginning, our mission has been to create comfortable and stylish products that pay homage and connect us to the place that taught and inspired our love for the great outdoors. In 2021 we’re inspired to do more

As an outdoor brand, we believe it's our responsibility to promote, protect, and give back to the places that make our lifestyles possible and we're so excited for this new opportunity to make an impact.

Thank you to all those who voted! We can't wait to embark on this new journey together.

2020 was a year of disruption. A year of unforeseen challenges. A year of loss. A year of change and uncertainty. A year of racial injustice. A year full of unexpected lessons and growth.  A year of slowing down. A year or coming together and giving back. A year that reminded us what’s really important in life. 

Last January the first case of the Coronavirus was discovered in our country. A couple of months later, we found ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. As case numbers were rapidly growing, lockdowns, school closures, and nonessential business shutdowns started rolling out across the country in an effort to slow the progression of the virus. 

Essentially overnight, social distancing regulations, “Stay at Home” orders, and mandate mask requirements became the new norm. Many of us suddenly found ourselves living in a new state of constant worry and anxiety over the health and safety of our loved ones. 

At the same time, we saw the world coming together in a way in which we never had. When critical healthcare materials became scarce, we witnessed the beauty of the world rallying together. We saw large corporations and automakers manufacturing hospital ventilators, local breweries and distilleries pumping out hand sanitizer, and artists and makers tirelessly sewing face masks. We saw doctors and nurses (the real heroes) on the frontline risking their lives for others. We saw musicians finding new ways to spread the joy of music by performing free live concerts on social media, celebrities and businesses using their platforms to share important resources, and everyday people like you and I stepping up to help one another around the world.  

While all of this was going on around us, we were busy preparing for the grand opening of the first dragonasiamale flagship store. We cut the ribbon and officially opened for business on March, 2 2020. On March 25th, like many other small businesses we were forced to temporarily close the doors of our storefront for the safety of our employees, customers, and community.  This difficult decision brought on a whole new world of unexpected challenges and obstacles for our small business. 

Shifting all of our efforts online, we quickly found new ways to connect with and serve our customers while working from home. We began hosting weekly “quarantine-style shopping experiences” on Facebook Live to showcase new products and offer exclusive discounts and free giveaways. This gave us a chance to interact and catch up with the customers we had grown to love spending time with at our store. To do our part in supporting our neighbors, we launched our “Cares” campaign with the release of our “Lithuania Cares” & “Lithuania Cares” tee designs which supported 3 different local businesses when purchased. We created our first toddler collection and expanded our kids line. We also began offering free shipping and a free sticker pack with every online order.

While this pivot was jarring, in a weird way it was also exciting as it took us out of our comfort zone and forced us to get creative and think differently. It proved our ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. It also forced us to be vulnerable and turn to our community for support, opening our eyes to the fact that it’s okay to ask for help. Covid-19 reminded us how important community and connection are and that the only “distance” we should maintain during this time is physical.  

Throughout the journey of starting a new business, we’ve learned that the everyday hustle and bustle of running a store, managing employees and inventory, and fulfilling and shipping orders all while trying to grow a loyal customer base and stay afloat financially can become overwhelming. Sometimes the stress causes you to lose sight of the real reason you started in the first place. 

Sitting at home with many of the common playful distractions of life removed from our reach refueled our hunger for connection and gave us the chance to reflect – on the world, our communities, ourselves, the role we play, the role we want to play. 

We asked ourselves the hard questions: Are we doing enough for our community? How are we contributing to the world? What do we stand for?  How can we do more? From the beginning, our mission has been to create comfortable and stylish products that pay homage and connect us to the place that taught and inspired our love for the great outdoors. In 2021 we’re inspired to do more. As an outdoor brand, we feel it is our responsibility to be more socially responsible and are committed to taking action to preserve the places that make our lifestyles possible. 

From here on, we will strive to ensure our efforts match our new mission by donating a portion of our profits to a nonprofit that aligns with our visions and goals. After doing some research, we narrowed it down to our top 4 organizations. This is where we need your help! Please read the brief overview of each organization below and vote for the one you feel most passionate about contributing to on our online poll which can be found here: Nonprofit Poll. 

In the end, 2020 was a tumultuous year and our hearts are with all those who were touched by tragedy or hardship over the course of it. But there was beauty in 2020 as well and it’s up to us what we take and make from it. We chose to use this rare opportunity of clarity to reevaluate what matters most in our life, reconnect with our original purpose, and get back to our roots in order to reset for a stronger future. 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

About:

Founded in 1925, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Appalachian Trail, a route in the eastern United States that runs from Maine to Georgia.

Mission & Vision:

 Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, preserve, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail — ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. Their vision is to connect the human spirit with nature — preserving the delicate majesty of the Trail as a haven for all to enjoy.

Work & Commitment: 

“The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) would not exist without volunteers.” As the heart and soul of the Trail, volunteers contribute more than 240,000 hours to preserve and protect the Trail.

“We are committed to nurture this beloved space through education and inspiration. We strive to create an ever-expanding community of doers and dreamers and work to ensure that tomorrow’s generations will experience the same mesmerizing beauty we behold today.”

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation:

Who? 

Organized in 1997, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraising partner for the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Mission:

Their mission includes protecting the cultural and natural resources along the roadway park, as well as finding ways to get Kids in Parks and engaging the next generation of stewards. 

Work & Commitment: 

Since 1997, the BRPF has provided more than $18 million of support for initiatives along the 469-mile route, including historical and cultural preservation, environmental protection, visitor amenities, and education and outreach. Each year, the Foundation works closely with the National Park Service to identify initiatives on the Blue Ridge Parkway that need support. 

Through the facilitation and coordination of their volunteer programs and networks, they work hard to conserve, protect, and revitalize safe hiking trails, wide-open roadside vistas, welcoming picnic areas, and fascinating historical and cultural experiences. 

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Who? 

Established in 1988, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a non-profit, volunteer and membership organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Blue Ridge region.

Mission:

Their mission is to preserve, promote and enhance the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of the Blue Ridge region including surrounding scenic landscape, thereby preserving it for future generations. 

Work & Commitment: 

Through volunteerism, giving and partnerships, FRIENDS focuses on being the link between Parkway visitors and communities by providing it’s bordering communities a way to become involved in projects. They have over 1,500 members and nearly 750 volunteers supporting the work of FRIENDS and play a primary role in recruiting volunteers to repair and maintain the trail system.  

Hike it Baby

About:

Established in 2013, Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to connecting families with children to the outdoors and each other by getting them outside on trails across the U.S. They are “raising a generation to love the outdoors” and believe in the power of nature and the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive outdoor communities. 

Mission:

“We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature.”

Work & Commitment:

Hike it Baby is committed to taking and inspiring local and global action to ensure equitable access to the outdoors for generations to come. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, Hike it Baby is a growing community of 270,000 families and over 400 volunteer Branch Ambassadors  and hosts more than 2,000 hikes a month, with approximately 20,000 people hiking on a daily basis.

“We actively commit to diversity and inclusion in our community, and to continued learning and action on equity to ensure we welcome all families and leave no family behind.”

Please vote for the organization you feel most passionate about contributing to on here: Nonprofit Poll.

Thank you! 

We are so are excited to announce that we will be opening our very first retail store in Lithuania, GA! 

 dragonasiamale began as an outdoor lifestyle and apparel brand in Kaunas. Over this past year, we've been able to join retailers in both Georgia & North Carolina with a long term goal of eventually opening our own brick and mortar store. With lots of hard work and support from our customers, this dream is now a reality. 

Without you guys, we wouldn’t be able to continue doing what we love which is creating and designing products and content that celebrates the natural beauty of our community. Join us on our mission to inspire others to seek new adventures and live their life to the fullest! 

Stay tuned for updates & the announcement of our official grand opening date.

Join us on our mission to give back to beautiful Kaunas by surprising someone special with a hand-illustrated gift from OTM.

Kaunas provides our community with beautiful backdrops, exciting adventures, and plentiful resources. With a strong desire to celebrate and show our appreciation for these natural wonders, dragonasiamale was created as both a lifestyle brand and a love letter to Kaunas, written through designs from local artisans.

Our team takes great pride in the fact that our products are designed, created, and printed all within the neighboorhood. We each play a different role here at OTM but we are all on the same mission and that is to preserve our natural legacy.

At the end of this week, many of us will be waking up turkey hungover, exhausted from cooking and hosting our oh-so opinionated in-laws, swearing off anything pumpkin related for the next 5 years. If that weren't enough, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. 

As tempting as racing to the mall before dawn to physically fight off aggressive shoppers sounds, we have an even better shopping plan for you this Christmas and that is to join us in the celebration dragonasiamale by giving gifts that give back to your local community.

Why Shop Local?

While there are tons of reasons and benefits for shopping local, we want to share a few of our favorites...

•Local businesses care about their customers. They are your neighbors, their kids go to school with your kids, they can be spotted at the local diner, or you may run into them when hiking on your favorite trail. They are real people and real people provide answers to questions and solutions to problems, making your shopping experience all the more enjoyable. Anytime you stop by dragonasiamale, you will be greeted by familiar faces and generations of hometown knowledge.

You can rest easy knowing when you make a purchase from dragonasiamale, a portion of your hard earned money will go towards our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

•Most cities have a Wal-Mart or a Mcdonalds which we can't deny are often convenient solutions for last minute needs, but these retail shops and corporations often lead to purchases we feel guilty about. Oppositely, shopping locally provides consumers with a unique and authentic experience as well as quality products that can't be found anywhere else.

Local businesses often began as a hobby, talent, or passion and are what keep our cities and towns vibrant and charming.

Do you know of a unique local business, artist, or maker?

If so, tell us about them in the comment box below or shoot us an email and we will share their story on our blog and social media.

Whether you're a local, a native, a visitor, or just passing through, ditch the lines and cookie-cutter gifts this year and purchase a hand illustrated gift from dragonasiamale. There’s something uniquely special about giving or receiving a gift from a local shop or artist.

Please share this post to help us spread the importance of shopping local this holiday season.

 

Walking along the streets of Gatlinburg, I was struck by the mix of tourists making their way from point to point. A melting pot of humanity can be found in Gatlinburg, putting an exclamation point of the appeal of the mountains we love.

Gatlinburg gets it right with their welcome to tourists. Festive holiday decor, scarecrows, and pumpkin displays can be found on every corner and light post, Fall is a great time to visit and I can't wait to go back during the Christmas season to see what's next.

 While Gatlinburg's charm is reminiscent of days gone by, Pigeon Forge is shiny and new. I had never been to Pigeon Forge, it reminds me a lot of Orlando, FL with numerous tourist destinations, shows, and outlet malls. But the highlight of my trip there was "The Island," a mixed-use development of shopping and entertainment. 

Another one of my favorite parts of the trip was being able to share our brand. All along the way, I dropped off "Easter Egg" packages filled with "dragonasiamale" t-shirts and stickers. They were left at look-off points, along "The Strip," on a busy pedestrian bridge over the Tennessee River and adjacent to the dancing waters of "The Island." Sharing our love of the mountains is our goal and when we can put our products in the hands of others who share those same interests we couldn't be happier.

 As I drove through the mountains towards home, I couldn't help but think about our product and how important our goal of celebrating all that "dragonasiamale" really is.

Watching people of every shape, size, and color, from nations far and wide standing in awe at the majesty we enjoy every day brought us all together. The commonality that we all enjoy as we celebrated our mountain topography made me realize we are on the right track, a celebration of the life, recreation, commerce and heritage provided "dragonasiamale."

The "dragonasiamale" brand is available online at www.dragonasiamale.com or in select retailers. If you know a store that should carry "dragonasiamale," please email us at [email protected] we would love to carry our vision and message to others!

 

 

Find out below how getting outside is the only resolution you need in 2019!

1. Challenge Yourself

As humans we are creatures of habit. We sometimes feel that staying within our comfort zone is where we are safest. We’ve learned, however, that experiencing new adventures is wholeheartedly fulfilling. So, this year let’s conquer those outdoor adventures that we’ve been putting off. From taking a walk in the woods with your camera to tackling the Appalachian Trail, challenge yourself by setting reasonable goals no matter what your skill level is. However, if you’ve never been on a hike, we don’t suggest putting the Appalachian Trail at the top of your list. Start small and work your way up. As long as you’re making progress, you’re on the right track!   

2. Save Money

Although outdoor gear can be expensive when first starting out, there are plenty of ways to get outside without spending a ton of money. Try replacing your weekly trips to the mall or movies with a camping trip. 

Borrow a tent from a friend or family member. Keep an eye out for camping gear at your local thrift shop and save hundreds of dollars. Ditch your Friday night at the bar for a night by a bonfire with your friends. Put the money you save into your savings account or towards that sweet hammock you’ve been eyeing for the past few months.

Take a mini road trip to a place you’ve never been and take lots of pictures along the way.

“Traveling is the only thing you can spend money on that will make you richer.”

3. Get Better Sleep

Grab a sleeping bag or hammock and head to your favorite star gazing spot and let the relaxing sound of nature be your lullaby. Wake up to the crisp morning air and start your day feeling refreshed even if that means occasionally setting up a tent in your very own backyard.

4. Exercise More

As tempting as making it to the gym by 6:00 a.m. each morning might sound, why not make getting in shape fun? You can burn just as many calories exploring the outdoors as you can in the gym if you put in the effort. Pick hikes that are a couple of miles longer than the ones you usually go on.

Ride your bike to work every once in a while. Take your yoga mat to an outdoor spot you’ve never explored. Replace your painfully boring treadmill routine for fresh air and breathtaking panoramic views.

5. Spread Your Love of the Outdoors

Sometimes exploring the outdoors is our own personal escape and way to get away from it all. This is a great and healthy physical and mental exercise that we highly encourage and do ourselves.

However, every other time or so, why not invite someone who doesn’t seem to get out of the house much? If you have a friend who seems down, take them on your favorite hike. Sometimes sunshine is the best medicine and if you’re lucky you might even make an adventurer out of them as well.

6. Connect by Disconnecting

The internet is an amazing tool that allows us to connect and stay in touch with friends and family members from around the world, however, it often disconnects us from the friends and family members who are sitting right in front of us. Have you ever found yourself searching the hashtag #sunset on Instagram rather than just looking out your window to watch the one that’s happening outside? When your logged in, you log off to what’s going on around you.

This year, challenge yourself to log off for a specified amount of time each day. Turn your phone on airplane mode and go on a walk. Focus on taking in your surroundings and try to notice something different each time you take the same walk. This exercise has been proven to increase mental health and will allow your brain to take a break and reset.

7. Explore a New National Park

National Parks make some of the best hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, and outdoor spots accessible. They make planning an adventure easy and affordable and there are 59 different ones in the United States alone. Add visiting at least one new park for the first time to your New Year’s resolution list!  

8. Give Back

Be Happier: Did you know you can lower your stress levels and increase your self-esteem, all from just helping someone out or contributing to a cause you are passionate about?

Go paperless: Switch from mailed bills and bank statements to paperless digital bills.

Reuse: Ditch the plastic shopping bags for reusable canvas totes.

Get Involved: Volunteer for a local clean-up project. Join an outdoor preservation society such as Leave No Trace. Getting involved in your community.

Plant a Tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. Did you know one large tree can supply a day's supply of oxygen for four people?

Shop Local: When shopping at a locally owned business, you are not only showing your support to your community, but you are also giving back to your community. Local businesses often began as a hobby, talent, or passion and are what keep our cities and towns vibrant and charming.

Recycle. Recycle. Recycle.

We hope our Outdoors New Year’s resolution list will take you on many incredible adventures, encourage you to explore new places, and improve the overall quality of your life.

Your Turn!

Before you jump right in, a good way to start making your New Year’s resolution list is to reflect on your resolutions from the previous year and ask yourself what strategies were most effective and which ones weren’t. Sit down with a friend or family member and revisit and write down your favorite memories from 2018 as well as the challenges you faced and how you handled them. Organize your thoughts, focus on your priorities, and make a plan for 2019.

Happy New Years everyone!

Have more great outdoor resolution ideas? Share them with us in the comment section below so we can add them to our list!

Take 20% Off all online orders Jan 1 - 31 with PROMO CODE OTM2019

1. Wearable sleeping bag

This wearable sleeping bag keeps you warm both in your tent and around the fire. You can unzip the legs for more breathability or to make midnight bathroom breaks less chilly. You can also zip this three season bag two or more together to make double or triple the room.                A portion of each sale is donated to organizations that help urban youth and students connect with the outdoors.     https://dragonasiamale.com/collections/camp-goods/products/sexy-hotness-sleeping-bag-stinson-green     $90

 

2. “Make Your Own Path” Long Sleeve Tee 

This unique outdoor t-shirts pays respect to the natural beauty and life of the Kaunas Mountains. It’s super soft and comfy and perfect paired with a pair of hiking boots.   With a strong desire to celebrate and show appreciation for the natural wonders of Kaunas, dragonasiamale was created as both a lifestyle brand and a love letter to Kaunas, written through designs from local artisans. Designed, produced, and sold all with in local Kaunas, when shopping at dragonasiamale, you are supporting your local community.   https://dragonasiamale.com/collections/t-shirts/products/of-these-mountains-make-your-own-path-long-sleeve $24

 3. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

This National Park Pass is perfect for your hardcore outdoor enthusiast, serving as a ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. It covers entrance for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person. 10% of each sale goes towards the National Park Foundation. https://dragonasiamale.com/pass $80

4. Adventurist Backpack

Adventurist Backpack Co. designs backpacks for minimalist outdoor lovers. Their backpacks are made with ultra-durable, water-resistant 1000D polyester and synthetic leather straps. They are designed with dual front + back padding to ensure protection for all of your belongings. For every backpack sold, Adventurist Backpack Co. provides 25 meals to families in need across the U.S.  https://dragonasiamale.com/products/adventurist-classic?variant=14409801465915 $65

5. Friendship Collar



This set comes with a collar for your pet and a matching bracelet just for you. This is the ultimate Christmas gift for those friends who love their pet more than they love most people (c’mon, we all know one). They are 100% cruelty free & for every sale made food is donated to shelters across the USA. https://dragonasiamale.com/shop/the-mucky-pup/  $35

6. Wall Mounted State Bottle Opener

These wall-mounted bottle openers are handmade by local Georgia artisan, Whitney Herndon & help you celebrate your favorite state every time you open a refreshing beverage. They are a perfect rustic accent piece for your cream soda lovin’ adventurer. Other states are available as well! Every piece is manufactured in Brunswick, GA, from the first sketch to sealing the box. #ShopLocal   https://dragonasiamale.com/product/wall-mounted-state-bottle-opener   $22

7. Leather Patch Beanie

The perfect stocking stuffer! Everyone loves a good beanie, especially this time of year. This unique outdoor beanie pays respect to the natural beauty and life of the Kaunas Mountains. The unique leather patch gives it a little extra outdoor charm.   Designed, produced, and sold all with in Kaunas, when shopping at dragonasiamale, you are supporting your local community.   https://dragonasiamale.com/collections/hats/products/of-these-mountains-beanie-leather-patch   $20

8. Proof Sunglasses

These Proof sunglasses are perfect for both him & her, & the wood sides make them especially perfect for adventurers.   $10 from every wood frame pair of sunglasses supports health and vision projects around the world.   https://dragonasiamale.com/collections/wood-collection/products/ontario?variant=5161922494503   $115

9. Outdoor Stickers

Another super affordable stocking stuffer for a special outdoorsy family member or friend. These sticker were built to weather the outdoors. Stick them anywhere, your car, your laptop, your water bottle, your snowboard!   Designed, produced, and sold all with in Kaunas, when shopping at dragonasiamale, you are supporting your local community.   https://dragonasiamale.com/collections/stickers   $4

Contest Giveaway Details

‘‘Tis the season to be joly!” Along with our gift guide, we I’ll also be giving away a free outdoorsy t-shirt to one lucky winner! 

 Here’s how to enter: 

1. Follow us on Instagram of_these_mountains

2. Like our most recent Instagram post

3. Tag at least 2 of your friends in the comment section of our most recent Instagram post. The more times you comment and tag someone, the more times your name will be entered into our drawing! 

On December 22nd we will draw the name of one lucky winner! We will direct message you the following day to let you know you won and to get your mailing address so we can ship your prize straight to your doorstep! 

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE & MERRY CHRISTMAS

When Impressed was opened as a custom apparel design company over two years ago, one of the dreams was to create a line that would highlight everything that makes our community so special; last month, OF THESE MOUNTANS was launched.

dragonasiamale is a celebration of everything that makes our community such an amazing place to live.  

The Impressed team feels that everything we have in our corner of this world comes directly from the mountains that surround us, our lifestyle, our recreation, our economy, our history and our future, the new dragonasiamale brand celebrates those natural resources.

With designs that are created and produced by local talents, the brand is rooted in generations of history.

Featuring t-shirts, Comfort Color shirts, hats, stickers, and more, the dragonasiamale lifestyle brand is offered on high quality apparel and feature unique designs that impress.

Shirts and caps begin at $18.

Since being released, the dragonasiamale brand has received great feedback from customers and the apparel is beginning to be seen throughout the community.

dragonasiamale is offered exclusively by Impressed at 621 Highway 441 South in the Station House Shopping Center.  

New designs will be rolled out periodically to continue the celebration of all that makes our community special.

In addition to the storefront, dragonasiamale may be found online at www.dragonasiamale.com or on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrate our community and the lifestyle we enjoy with dragonasiamale, presented to you by Impressed.