Get To Know Darren Bowen of Creek Candy Lures.

By Admin, BuyLocalBG.com, BuyLocalBg@gmail.com/
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 1:00 PM CST

Get To Know Darren Bowen of Creek Candy Lures:

1. Tell us a little about you. Where are you from, what are your hobbies and where did you start your career that led to the business?

My name is Daren Bowen and I am from Campbellsville, KY. After high school, in 1991, I joined the US Navy. After serving for 11 years I then joined the Kentucky Army National Guard where I served as a recruiter. I retired in 2012 and began teaching for Warren County Public Schools. Being a part of Henry Moss Middle School staff makes it a privilege to come to work each day. I currently serve as the instructor for the Dragon Leadership Corps. I am married to my lovely wife Amelia who is a communications supervisor for the BGPD. Our children keep us busy, however when given the opportunity I love to hunt and of course fish. One day after looking at an old school fishing lure I thought to myself “I think I can make that”. Much to my surprise is come out very nice. I then ventured on to making a few different designs and people started liking the product.

2. What is your earliest memory of your work, what got you interested in it?

The fact that you can’t find the old school lures anymore sparked my initial interest in trying to make a wooden lure. Back in the day they were all wood. And the designs caught tons of fish.

3. What is your favorite thing you sell?

I love them all because each is different given they are all hand made. If I had to choose one it would have to be the “Creek Candy Moss Minnow” in a Tennessee Shad pattern.

4. Who are your influences in life and your work?

I am not afraid to say that I am a Christian. I try to live an honest and good life and treat others the way I want to be treated.

5. If you had to choose a last meal, what would you eat ?

My last mead would have to be homemade meatloaf, fried potatoes, cornbread, pinto beans, pickled beets, and big ole glass of sweet tea.

6. How important is local business collaboration to you?

I think it is very important. Collaborating with others locally grows small business, keeps local money local, provides to the local economy, and provides opportunities for many to include employment. It also aids in folks who have an entrepreneurial mindset. Helps you feel like your not in it alone.

7. What event in Bowling Green are you involved with?

I am just beginning to take part in local and surrounding areas craft shows and sales. My family has shopped local farmers markets for years. We try our best to buy local.

8. What do you see for the future of your business in Bowling Green and serving South Central Kentucky?

What I hope to see is people seeing a local product that works. The joy of folks using your product that started out at a log and then seeing pictures of them catching fish on that same wood is overwhelming. I would love to see this grow and become a full time gig. I love the artwork, craftsmanship, and the attention to detail that it takes to make a handmade fishing lure.

9. What other locally owned businesses in town do you enjoy shopping, eating or patronizing?

We shop at the farmers markets, roadside stands, as well as Chaney’s Dairy Barn. We love to enjoy a meal at Home Café, and the Smokey Pig BBQ. We always try to support the home team and buy local when possible.