Our Story
Cody and Kamiah met in 2015 and later married in July of 2020.
Cody grew up raising everything from tobacco, beef/dairy cows, hay, sheep, pigs, and everything in-between. Cody will be the 4th generation to continue the family farm. He received his degree in Machining Technologies at Virginia Highlands Community College and currently works in town as a manual lathe machinist.
Kamiah grew up in the equine world competing in the horse show and rodeo arena. Her family background comprised of farmers, entrepreneurs, and teachers. She received her degree in Automotive and Diesel Technologies at Nashville Auto-Diesel College. Kamiah works part time in town and full time behind the scenes of Bear River Brand.
In September 2020, Kamiah lost her paternal grandmother Cordia. That Christmas, she decided to try sewing Memory Bears for two of her younger cousins, who weren't quite old enough to understand the loss. That same year, Cody bought Kamiah a Cricut Maker hoping it would help speed up the time it took to cut fabric. Orders for memory bears came pouring in as Kamiah started "Kamiah's Keepsakes", in February of 2021.
That spring, the couple began looking into small desktop CNC machines that could add to the side hustle. After some time, Kamiah said "It's a shame a person couldn't take the Cricut apart and extend it so you could really do something." One thing lead to another and a few nights later, Cody looked up from his computer and said, "I think I can build us a CNC."
That little Cricut lead the two to look at how CNC machines are made and their programming. With Cody's career background, building such a machine almost came easy to him. After several months, Cody finished his 4'x8' CNC Plasma Table. They later purchased 2 small powder coating ovens and a large format CNC CO2 Laser.
In 2022 the two decided to rebrand their little operation. Kamiah's one stipulation was that the new name, had to have "Bear" in it. Both Cody and Kamiah grew up on the South Fork Holston River about 20 minutes from each other. Thus, Bear River Brand, LLC was born. A lot of hard work has went into the business in the short time since then. The couple has added a small manual lathe, welders, woodworking equipment, and most recently a small fiber laser to their arsenal of tools.
In the summer of 2023 Cody began making plans to build a state of the art, walk in, powder coating oven and blasting room. They hope to complete the build by 2025. The project will bolster enough room for large car parts, motorcycle frames, wheels, large signs, and more.
Cody and Kamiah continue to work jobs in town, farm, and build what is now Bear River Brand, LLC. The couple have future plans to give back to the community and events that support and encourage todays youth in outdoor and agricultural related activities.
"Since the start of this business in 2020, we've learned new skill sets, pushed boundaries, and made new friends along the way. We're still workin' out the kinks, but we think you'll like it around here." - Kamiah
Cody and Kamiah specialize in unique items that bring about a classy and rustic feeling. Ensuring an experience as unique as their southern Appalachian roots. Taking pride in their commitment to the fine details, personalized attention, and quality of each hand crafted piece you receive from Bear River Brand.