Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Peterson.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
2020 had me a little stir crazy – like the rest of the country. To keep myself occupied, I came up with the brilliant idea of creating a landscaped tunnel for my father’s G-scale Christmas train display. Included in the design were some portals that I wanted cut and engraved from wood. Those simple tunnel portals snowballed into a job with a wholesale laser company, where I am now their creative manager. With the encouragement from said laser company and my family, I expanded into railroad gifts and ventured into Train shows and Etsy. However, my dad’s excitement about adding more decor and my mother’s stipulations about space management sparked the creativity for the two-dimensional scale models that I offer today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Paved roads have never tempted me like the bumpy dirt road that stretches out into the horizon. Although I never thought that road would turn into tracks. When I first started getting into the train world, it wasn’t easy for me. One, I had high social anxiety, and two, most railroad shows are dominated by men. My husband, approached by customers first, had to redirect questions to me. At the time, I wasn’t too sure if I was grateful or offended. Over time, I learned a routine that helped me overcome my fears and meet many wonderful people who supported and encouraged my growing ideas.
My current challenge is not having enough time. This adventure has provided me with a job and new opportunities that keep me on the go, leaving me at times too tired to work on my own projects and the ongoing growth of ideas. Even with a new partner who is now introducing my product to the East Coast, I feel overwhelmed and excited about the interest. Products that have been slowly developing are now generating significant interest, and there is a push to get them done.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
After sharing my tunnels with other G-scale enthusiasts, interest in other scales was high. Ironwood Rails was introduced in 2022 with ornaments, stickers, and the stone tunnels in four scales: G, O, S, & HO. We started with 17 items and now offer over 60 products, including a domino game I created with trains that get “Derailed” all too easily.
Over the past three years, I’ve been working on ceiling- and wall-mounted track systems, fine-tuning and addressing flaws to make it easier for consumers to use while also maintaining the functionality and safety of their railroad products. We are hoping to have it ready for the public by 2026.
Also in the works are more designs for the Two-Dimensional Buildings, including a whole new western-themed town!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
*What do you do to maintain balance?”
When I’m not working or coming up with new ideas, I spend time at Renaissance Faires playing a pirate as first-mate to Captain “Blood Red” Mary. This opportunity has given me the chance to get over my anxiety and start to come out of my shell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.IronwoodRails.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodrails
- Other: https://ironwoodrails.etsy.com
