Dough & Arrows is an independent, family business owned by Crystal and Brandon Blevins in downtown Carlisle. Known for their edible cookie dough, ice cream and other baked goods, Dough & Arrows has another location in Gettysburg. Serving the community of Carlisle, this family business stands out among its neighbors. Its business philosophy is, “An Arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life’s dragging you down with difficulties; it means it’s going to Launch you into something great! Focus and keep Aiming.”
In the spring of 2018, Crystal and Brandon Blevins originally hoped to be stay-at-home parents with their son, they heard of an offer from the original founders to buy the shop. Formerly under a different name, they were excited at the prospect of owning a business. Beginning as a start-up in a small brick building, they spent many days training and learning about the business before deciding to purchase the shop.
Unfortunately that vision for a family business changed when their son Coltin died at 13 months, days before their first shop was set to open.
As a result of the tragedy, their son became center of their branding including the branding at their corporation location. Coltin has also added meaning behind the name of the company. In an interview with Crystal Blevins, she explains the origin of the name of their family business. She said, “It’s a family owned business to memorialize our son Coltin who passed away in 2019.”
Hardship struck when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing a lot of uncertainty and tension in their business at the possibility of having to close like many other businesses during the pandemic. This uncertainty also extended to their employees, who worried about what could happen if they lost their job. However, because of an unwillingness to cave to the pressure every small business faced in the midst of a crisis, they decided to deliver a different treats to customers’ doors
The company used social media to spread the news about their new deliveries. It also helped to grow their staff, which helped the company stay afloat during the worst of the pandemic. The trick to their success was continuing to hire while other companies were forced to lay off staff. Once the company began to do well, they were able to expand their businesses further and reach more customers.
As for the best parts of serving the community, Blevins said, “Anytime we have an ice cream social birthday party for children. I love hearing them laugh.” Despite the joys of customers and events being held in their shop, the company still navigates the common challenges of a small business. Blevins said, “we depend on word of mouth and customers.”
Dough & Arrows continues to operate successfully during their evening hours in Carlisle, emphasizing the importance of directing the arrows forward. Regardless of any difficulties, their mission statement is showing what to aim for in life, which Blevins said, “hopefully launches into something successful.”
