Meet Matthew Hartzell | Taxidermist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Hartzell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, my journey into starting my own taxidermy business really began as a personal passion. I’ve always been an avid hunter, and my love for the outdoors and wildlife runs deep. Taxidermy was something I initially pursued as a hobby, a way to preserve the memories of the animals I harvested and create lasting art pieces that celebrated their beauty.

As an artist at heart, I found a deep connection with taxidermy. The process of bringing an animal back to life, so to speak, was fascinating to me. I would spend countless hours honing my skills, perfecting my techniques, and immersing myself in the art of taxidermy.

As time went on, teachers, friends and family began to notice my talent and encouraged me to take my taxidermy work to the next level. Their confidence in my abilities planted the seed of entrepreneurship in my mind. I started to envision the possibility of sharing my passion with a broader audience and providing a service to fellow hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who wanted their trophies preserved in a unique and artistic way.

The more I thought about it, the more excited I became about the prospect of turning my passion into a business. I realized that I could not only create beautiful and lifelike taxidermy mounts but also offer a personalized touch, customizing each piece to reflect the unique story and memories associated with the animal. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own taxidermy business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others in the field is my willingness to create unique and personalized taxidermy pieces that go beyond traditional mounts. I’m not just in the business of preserving animals; I’m in the business of capturing stories, memories, and the essence of the animals I work with.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to collaborate closely with my clients to bring their visions to life. Each mount I create is a partnership between my skills as a taxidermist and the individual stories and preferences of my clients. Whether it’s a specific pose, a particular habitat, or even incorporating personal mementos, I strive to make each piece a true reflection of the client’s connection to the animal and their unique experiences in the great outdoors.

My journey to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Starting my own taxidermy business meant not only working towards perfecting my craft but also learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. It required dedication, hard work, and a willingness to adapt and grow. I had to master not just the technical aspects of taxidermy but also marketing, financial management, and client relations.

Challenges were certainly part of the process. There were times when I faced setbacks or encountered obstacles with country-wide material shortages and inflation. What helped me overcome these challenges was seeking guidance from experienced mentors and improving my business skills without losing sight of my artistic vision.

Through these challenges, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. First and foremost, persistence and a strong work ethic are key to success in any field. It’s essential to be adaptable and open to change, whether it’s in response to market trends or client preferences. Building trust and strong relationships with clients is crucial for a sustainable business.

As for what I want the world to know about my brand and story, I want people to see taxidermy not just as a preservation process but as a form of art that can evoke emotions and capture memories. My brand is about celebrating the beauty of nature and the stories we share with it, and I’m excited to continue this artistic journey and share it with my customers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m grateful for the support of my friends, family, and the hunting community that encouraged me to pursue this path, and I look forward to continuing to create unique and meaningful art through taxidermy.

Website: www.truenaturetaxidermy.net

Instagram: @truenaturetaxidermy

Facebook: Matt Hartzell’s True Nature Taxidermy

Image Credits
Matt Hartzell