CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1141591
48 | July/August 2019 Axes & X's is finding success. In July 2018, the business had fewer than 10 events booked for the month. ey booked nearly 25 events in June of this year. "It's mind-blowing that we've grown so much," Tiffany said. "ese are things you want as a small business and when you see it, you're like 'Oh my gosh.' It's fantastic to see the growth even with other small businesses." Tiffany recalled the best compliment Axes & X's has received. A man said he'd choose to throw axes with their business because it's $10 to throw unlimited number over an evening compared to paying $100 an hour to speak to a therapist. "We're like the Marie Kondo of axe throwing," Jimmy Niles said through a brief chuckle. "We're here to be that stress reliever. We want to get you sticking that wood within a few throws, fall in love with axe throwing and come back." Tiffany added, "With Marie Kondo, she said if it doesn't spark joy, you should throw it out. We want to spark that joy." e pair met Alex Gephart through axe throwing. Alex's way of relaxing included hanging out with friends, walking trails and going to the gym. But her free time began to dwindle during her first year as a nursing student at Fayetteville Technical Community College. en she did a pub run that ended at Bright Light Brewing Co. Axes & X's happened to be set up there at the time. Initially, Alex threw only aer a friend paid for her, noting her "broke college student" status. "I'll do anything for free," she said jokingly. "e first time I stuck the axe, it was such a euphoric feeling. Axe throwing is such a good emotional and mental release for me, throwing a sharp object at a wooden board." at was a year ago. Now she throws weekly. Her mother and fellow nursing student, Carmen Gonzalez, throws too. Alex described herself as a "big safety person and cautious kid" growing up. She now calls herself the Nileses' "adopted adult child." In July 2018, Axes & X's had fewer than 10 events booked for the month. The mobile business booked nearly 25 events in June of this year.