The nearly two weeks of steady rain has taken its toll on one of Tampa Bay’s most promising, homegrown, up-and-coming team of creators.
“It’s been an amazing four months with great work leaving the shop every day,” Andrew Watson said in a video as he described the weeks after he moved the shop out of Seminole Heights. Watson’s shop, BUILT, creates some of the most beautiful, hand-made furniture and fixtures in the Southeast.
Everything changed over the last few days as the Tampa area received record-breaking rainfall.
“We lost everything [in the flood] — all our machinery, tools, a few jobs,” he added, “the last few days have caused a whirlwind emotions.” He goes own to express being “overwhelmed” by the support from the community. “There are too many to name,” he said, “and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Still, even more help is pouring in as Watson, 29, is faced with a financial roadblock that could potentially close the business. Despite what ABC reports as over $100,000 in damages, Watson refuses to consider shutting down BUILT, and remains devoted to retaining his employees, two of which are new dads.
Local production company Oxen Made has scrambled to create a video, which BUILT is using in a YouCaring.com campaign that looks to raise $25,000 in 90 days. On August 21, the Bricks in Ybor City is hosting an art show and silent auction with drink specials for donation and bands if they can find some to volunteer time.
Oldsmar online storefront and printing solution Merchline took it a step further, donating shirts that can be purchased, with all proceeds going to the #REBUILT campaign.
“Entrepreneurs like Andrew, and businesses such as Built are essential for Tampa to exist in order to keep talented and unique creative businesses thriving in this area,” Merchline founder Nate Murray told CL. “Times like these can be pretty dark for business owners. We don’t know why scenarios like floods like this happen, and it is pretty brutal when they do come along."
“I’m a firm believer in resurrection and redemption and community, especially in every day life," Murray added. "This is a chance for all of the creatives, entrepreneurs, and really anyone that is a fan of the city of Tampa to help and participate in bringing something back to life by donating and helping BUILT be RE-BUILT.”
Watch the video below, and donate via the widget above. Learn more and donate here. You can check out Merchline’s T-shirts that will benefit BUILT by visiting here, and RSVP for The Bricks’ charity event on Facebook. Images to share via social media can be found here.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2015.