How Two Gamers Built a $140K Tabletop Accessories Brand

Trying to make the most of two gamers built 140k? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• How Two Gamers Built a $140K Tabletop Accessories Brand Discover how Ryan and Kesslan built Hexwood Forge into a six-figure brand, creating...
• Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Home Side Hustles Side Hustle News When quarantine hit in 2020, Ryan Hervey and Kesslan fou...
• What began as a way to pass the days soon turned into Hexwood Forge , a boutique brand crafting tabletop gaming accessories loved by Dungeon...

How Two Gamers Built a $140K Tabletop Accessories Brand

Discover how Ryan and Kesslan built Hexwood Forge into a six-figure brand, creating unique gaming accessories loved by fans worldwide.

Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: April 1, 2025

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When quarantine hit in 2020, Ryan Hervey and Kesslan found themselves locked indoors with a laser engraver and a lot of free time. What began as a way to pass the days soon turned into Hexwood Forge , a boutique brand crafting tabletop gaming accessories loved by Dungeons & Dragons players and beyond.

Fast forward to 2024, and Hexwood Forge is a six-figure business, earning nearly $100,000 last year and projected to reach $140,000 in 2025. From custom spell templates to leather dice trays, Ryan and Kesslan have turned their shared love for geek culture into a thriving operation that now spans Etsy, pop-up events, and retail partnerships.

Their journey shows how a little creativity and strategy can turn a hobby into a thriving business.

The Story Behind Hexwood Forge’s Growth

In 2021, Ryan Hervey and Kesslan were navigating the aftermath of quarantine, juggling part-time jobs and searching for stability. Ryan, a creative writer and freelance web copywriter, knew the challenges of turning creativity into consistent income. “I hit some big writing milestones,” Ryan shared, “but they weren’t enough to pay the bills.”

Before Hexwood Forge, Ryan was an independent creative writer, shown here at a book signing for one of his novels.

Kesslan, meanwhile, had run a small cosplay clothing shop that folded due to the overwhelming demands of made-to-order products. “Custom orders weren’t sustainable , they burned me out completely,” she explained.

These hard-learned lessons shaped the foundation of Hexwood Forge. Instead of chasing unsustainable models, they focused on scalable, handmade products like Dungeons & Dragons spell templates, leatherette dice trays, and fantasy maps , items they wanted for their own games. Ryan’s experience in writing gave their brand professional polish, while Kesslan’s background in crafting taught them to prioritize efficiency and sustainability.

“Success is a skill, and the fastest way to learn it is through failure,” Ryan said. “We started Hexwood Forge to pay off our laser engraver, but what we’ve built since has far exceeded our expectations.”

Related: How One Woman Makes $2,500/Month Selling Pet ID Tags on Etsy

From Hobby to Tabletop Gaming Business

When Ryan and Kesslan first launched Hexwood Forge, their goal was simple: sell enough to pay off their laser engraver. Their early offerings , floral-engraved trivets, coasters, and wall art , saw modest sales. “We didn’t mind,” Ryan said. “Hexwood Forge was a side project to fund our gaming hobbies, but it quickly became more.”

Ryan and Kesslan unbox their first laser engraver, marking the start of Hexwood Forge’s crafting journey.

Behind the scenes, however, they were designing tools for their own Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. These included custom spell templates, combat risers, and dice trays , items they created to enhance their own gaming sessions. Initially listed on Etsy as an afterthought, these gaming products quickly gained traction. “Those products blew up on Etsy,” Ryan said. “We sold more in a few weeks than we had in months with our original home goods.”

This success marked a turning point. Ryan and Kesslan decided to shift their focus entirely to gaming accessories to cater to tabletop gamers. Their Universal Spell Template, designed to simplify in-game spellcasting, became a breakout hit.

Their first in-person event at Lilac City Comicon further cemented Hexwood Forge’s place in the gaming community. “It was our first time connecting directly with gamers,” Ryan shared. “We learned so much about what players wanted and how they interacted with our products.” These face-to-face interactions inspired new designs and helped the couple refine their offerings.

By focusing on products they loved and staying connected with their audience, Hexwood Forge grew from a casual hobby into a profitable online business. “Passion is more memorable than branding and more effective than advertising,” Ryan explained. “It builds the kind of community every business needs to succeed.”

Revenue Milestones: Scaling Hexwood Forge

Hexwood Forge has come a long way since its early days of selling coasters and wall art. In 2024, the business earned nearly $100,000 in revenue , a remarkable achievement for one of several side hustle ideas that started with no grand ambitions. Now, with projections of $140,000 for 2025, Ryan and Kesslan credit their growth to strategic decisions and adaptability.

A stack of orders ready for the post office, showing how Hexwood Forge scaled to meet growing demand.

While their Etsy shop was instrumental in their early growth, they knew they couldn’t rely on it alone. The couple expanded their reach by attending Comic Cons, craft fairs, and forming wholesale partnerships with local retailers. Each new channel allowed them to connect with more shoppers and diversify their income streams.

Scaling also meant stepping outside their comfort zone. “We scaled faster than we were comfortable with,” Ryan said. “But those moments where we pushed ourselves , like committing to our first big pop-up event , always paid off. It was scary, but it forced us to grow.”

Their advice to others looking to scale? Embrace growth strategically. “Reinvest in your business, focus on what’s working, and don’t hesitate to pivot when needed.” 

Related: 21 Low-Cost or Free Small Business Marketing Ideas

Mastering Pop-Ups and Fairs

In-person events like Comic Cons and craft fairs have become a cornerstone of Hexwood Forge’s success. While their products speak for themselves, Ryan and Kesslan quickly realized that the way they presented those products was just as key. “Our booth isn’t just a setup , it’s a reflection of our brand,” Ryan explained.

Their first in-person event, Lilac City Comicon, was both a challenge and a turning point. “We didn’t feel ready, but we dove in anyway,” Ryan recalled. The experience helped them refine everything from their product displays to their sales pitches. Now, their booth is a carefully curated mix of atmosphere and functionality, designed to draw in curious passersby and keep them engaged.

Hexwood Forge’s booth setup at PAX West, featuring their handcrafted tabletop gaming accessories.

For those new to pop-ups and fairs, their advice is clear:

• Don’t aim for perfection. “Every show is a learning experience,” Ryan said. “Approach it with an open mind, and you’ll get better each time.”
• Create an experience. Whether it’s eye-catching displays or interactive elements, find ways to make your booth memorable.
• Engage directly. Talk to shoppers, ask questions, and listen to their feedback. These interactions frequently spark ideas for new products.

In-person events have not only boosted sales but also allowed Hexwood Forge to build deeper connections with the tabletop gaming community. “These events aren’t just about selling , they’re about being part of the culture,” Ryan said.

Marketing Strategies That Work

When it comes to marketing, Ryan has one guiding principle: let your products and customer experience speak for themselves. “Nothing drives sales more effectively than word of mouth,” he explained. “If your products are memorable and your customer service is exceptional, people will spread the word for you.”

To amplify their organic reach, Hexwood Forge has tapped into the power of community. They’ve teamed up with gaming influencers, sending free products in exchange for shout-outs on livestreams. They’ve also created lending programs for game shops, providing popular items like dice trays and spell templates to be used during in-store RPG sessions.

Ryan has also leaned into storytelling as a marketing tool. From crafting engaging product descriptions to sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work, he has built a brand that feels personal and approachable. “Tabletop gamers are passionate about their hobby,” he said. “When we share our own enthusiasm and process, it creates a connection that goes beyond just selling a product.”

For aspiring side hustlers, Ryan offered these actionable marketing tips:

• “Leverage Communities.” “Find influencers or content creators who align with your niche,” Ryan advised. “Offer free or discounted products, and let their enthusiasm introduce you to their audience.”
• “Optimize for Search.” “Whether it’s S

  Final Thoughts

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  Originally published at dollarsprout.com.