
As Walt Whitman once wisely put it, “These are the days that must happen to you.” Immortalized as universal truth, his declaration reminds us that in every way, where we stand tomorrow is determined by where we stand today. It’s a breathtaking revelation, one that should shake us by the shoulders, forcing us to acknowledge these rare, inescapable moments where we realize we are alive, letting that thought go deep and wash over our petty complaints. The gravity of it both terrifies and sends a rush of energy through our veins. We can feel the limit of our time here, on this swirling ball of gas, water, and dirt. We get to determine so much about our lives, what we promote, and what paths we choose within the context of our generation throughout history. The question then is, “What do I do?” If you’re answer is big enough to matter, the next that springs to mind is, “And how in God’s name will I?” While the first question is infinitely subjective and unique to an individual, the second must be replied: with boldness.
Work hard, live well. This is the mantra of Manready Mercantile, a curated collection of menswear and goods in Houston, Texas. More than just a storefront, Manready is a movement, the embodiment of a lifestyle of authenticity, bravery, and community. The team of men who began and continue to champion its cause pursue each day like it’s their last, tracking down the richness of life like a bee tracks honey. Out of this zeal has emerged a unique perspective on the customer experience. Not one determined by Excel sheets and market analytics, but rather driven by conversations, community engagement, and more than just occasional glasses of whiskey. While they certainly understand that people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it, these gents are no amateurs at the art of product curation. They carry the finest apothecary, leather, and handmade American goods, the ultimate one-stop for the adventurer and the gentleman. But Manready’s larger-than-life persona is the product of hard-won stories and humble beginnings. So let’s go back to the start, or in this case, to Budweiser crates and a door-to-door salesman.