When you step into Brass Tacks Provisions, you’re not just shopping for clothing. You’re stepping into a thoughtfully curated space full to the brim of American-made goods and timeless craftsmanship. This Oklahoma City-based boutique is quickly becoming a go-to destination for those who value high-quality, durable clothing that tell a deeper story. Owner Mitchell Palmer-Gage has poured his heart and soul into this venture, forming a business that’s both a personal tribute and a commitment to sustainability.
Mitchell’s path to opening Brass Tacks is anything but conventional. Raised in Northeast Iowa, he was drawn to Oklahoma City in 2019 to pursue a Master’s degree in Opera Performance at Oklahoma City University. Though opera and retail may seem worlds apart, Mitchell’s journey took a transformative turn when he faced a serious health challenge: a hemorrhagic stroke in 2022. After undergoing multiple surgeries and physical therapy, Mitchell found a new perspective on life, and his business idea slowly became a reality.
"Opera helped actually because I had to be independent in that — the same as a small business owner," he reflects. Through the challenges, Mitchell found strength, and in 2024, just two years after overcoming significant health setbacks, Brass Tacks opened its doors on February 23rd.
“There are two times I tried and eventually opened the store: pre-stroke and post. I had inventory already coming in and ordered when I had my health complication. Many took their already-ordered products back. With the second and successful time in 2024, everyone was still willing to work with me. Both instances I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Mitchell’s hard-fought dream became a thriving business that now serves as a go-to for high quality, American-made workwear and modern Western styles.
In today’s world of fast fashion, where items are mass-produced and discarded with little regard for sustainability or the well-being of the humans involved in creating them, Mitchell believes that quality and longevity should be celebrated. “Many attributes [of slow fashion] are easily glossed over. An item’s price in my store tends to be higher because of the sustainability factor, the actual living wage paid for the creation of the item, the higher quality and engineering behind the garment, and the time spent on it. Fast fashion can become soulless. These values put that soul back into the equation.”
At Brass Tacks Provisions, you’ll find only carefully selected products — from denim and work jackets to accessories to home goods — all made in the USA. Each of these brands is known for their attention to detail, the quality of their materials, and their commitment to sustainable practices. These are pieces designed to stand the test of time, not just in terms of wear, but in how they are made, and the stories behind them.
Mitchell is also passionate about offering clothing that fits the modern Oklahoma lifestyle. Brass Tacks is a tribute to both his rural roots and city living, blending the hardworking practicality of rural Americana with urban fashion. The result is a collection of clothing that can transition seamlessly from a workday to a night out in the city.
“Both rural and urban areas are responsible for shaping [the products we carry]. I have been able to experience both and have learned values from each. I stock items that could fit in either. ” he says.
When chatting with Mitchell about the importance of choosing to buy quality clothing over fast fashion, this quote continues to come up: “Vote with your dollar” - inferring our purchasing decisions as consumers, whether we want to think so or not, are inherently political. In a world where buying $4 Temu items that are testing positive for carcinogens and were plausibly made by underpaid workers in unsafe, often life-threatening conditions, it’s a hard sentiment to argue. Slow fashion isn't just about the clothes; it’s about fostering a mindset shift — one that values items that are ethically produced, made to last, that tell a story, and that contribute to a more sustainable future.
“Yes I want to run a highly successful business, but I also want to help start a conversation.” says Palmer-Gage.
Over the next several months, we will be introducing The Homefield Advantage, a campaign designed to help you really get to know the brands carried by Brass Tacks and share insight into the benefit of continuing to shop mindfully. We’re already looking forward to sharing more of Brass Tacks with you.
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