Our Story

From a DIY sticker and discarded rope to a life on the road, and now rooted in the Blue Ridge.

Hey y’all! I’m Shelby, the one-woman show behind Cactus to Pine.
This all started back in January 2019 while I was living in Atlanta and working full-time in the film industry. I was feeling a little burned out and started rock climbing as a way to get in some exercise, make some new friends and have an excuse to be out in nature. 

On a whim, I decided to design a few stickers to connect with my community in the way I new best, art.  I ordered a small batch, posted a few on Instagram, and before I knew it, friends were asking for their own and, to my surprise, offering to PAY for them! With new confidence, I decided to lean into whatever this was and see where it could take me. And just like that, Cactus to Pine was born. I began experimenting with new products and one day when I say my climbing gym throwing away retired rope, I asked if I could have some to try and make a few things. Within weeks, I had designed my first cozie.

Fast forward to March 2020. Like so many others, I lost my job and I made the decision to go all in with my business. I sold my house, bought a camper, and hit the road to bring my art directly to the climbing community at festivals, crags, and everywhere in between.
For three years, I lived and worked from my camper, weaving my way between the Mountain West and my roots in the Southeast from cactus to pine tree. But eventually, I felt the pull to slow down and settle in. I returned to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains I grew up in. I spent a year living just outside Asheville, searching for land to call my own, and in 2024, I found it: the perfect little 11-acre patch to start building my home.

Now, I’m rooting down in these beautiful Appalachian Mountains and dreaming big about what’s next for Cactus to Pine. I’m excited to grow this business, deepen my creative practice, and build community here.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Whether you’re a longtime customer or just stumbled across my work, I’m so glad you’re here.
Remember to waste less, wander more
—Shelby