Carrie Nye’s path to founding Desert Roots is as unique and multifaceted as the products she creates. From a hobby crafter to a small business owner, she began with an innate curiosity and a DIY spirit. “I’ve always dabbled in crafting,” Carrie says, recalling how she would see items on Pinterest or TicTok and wonder, “how can I bring my own version of this to my community.?” This sense of exploration led her to try a variety of crafting styles before finding her niche in Western and desert-inspired designs.
After moving to Pahrump from Colorado, Carrie initially explored selling dreamcatchers online, but it didn’t pull much draw locally. Her business truly took off locally once she connected with Ashley Welch, a major supporter and organizer of local craft events. “Ashley is like a force of nature when it comes to encouraging others,” Carrie explains. “She has this infectious enthusiasm that really pushes you to dive all-in.” With Ashley’s encouragement, Carrie decided to bring a new idea, “freshies” – customized, scented car fresheners – to local craft shows. Freshies quickly became her signature product, each one showcasing a unique design and infused with scents, glitter, and even rhinestones. “They’re a bit of a process to make, but people love them.”
Her freshies gained popularity, and Carrie realized there was a market for more Western and rustic items in Pahrump. “We’re a rural community with a lot of people who appreciate Western style,” she says. “It felt natural to create things that represent that spirit.” Carrie started sourcing items from Western wholesalers and began designing jewelry, clothing, and accessories that reflect the desert aesthetic she loves. Her products now include statement jewelry pieces, rhinestone-encrusted bull heads, and handcrafted leather items that have resonated with locals and visitors alike. To add a personalized touch, Carrie often makes only one of each item, giving her customers something unique.
Adding to her lineup is the “Blind Date with a Book,” a concept inspired by her own love of reading. Carrie curates mystery novels, thrillers, romances, and other genres, wrapping each book in plain paper and labeling it with intriguing details or a memorable first line. The books are packaged with items for a cozy reading experience, such as bath salts, tea, and skincare items. “It’s become a hit. I’ve had customers buy one and then come back for several more,” she says. “Honey&Sage, a local shop, has started carrying them for me as well.”
Carrie’s craft fair setup has become a familiar sight at local events, where customers are drawn to her colorful display of freshies, jewelry, and other handmade items. She regularly participates in Ashley’s craft shows and also organizes pop-up sales at 775-Realty, her real estate office. Carrie is a staple at local festivals, and she envisions someday expanding to larger shows, such as the renowned Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas. “It would be a dream to have a booth there,” she says. “It’s a major goal, but right now, I’m focusing on building my local presence and connecting with the community here.”
Running Desert Roots has its challenges, especially since Carrie is also a mom and a full-time real estate agent. Her days are busy, filled with crafting, preparing for events, and helping clients navigate the housing market. “Finding the time can be tough, especially with family responsibilities and the demands of real estate,” she admits. But Carrie remains dedicated, carving out time to make her products and prepare for each craft fair. “It’s not just about making things to sell,” she says. “It’s about the joy of creating and sharing that with someone else.”
In her real estate career at 775 Realty, Carrie has become known for her focus on customer care and communication. “Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions a person makes, and it’s stressful,” she says. “I want my clients to feel fully informed and supported, so they know I’m here to help every step of the way.” Carrie, who moved to Pahrump nearly eight years ago, uses her own experience of relocating and raising a family to connect with clients moving into the area. “I understand the rural lifestyle and why people want to be here,” she says, “and I’m all about making sure they have what they need to feel at home.”
In an interesting nod to the county she now calls home, Carrie’s real estate website, buyinnye.com, plays on both her last name and Nye County, where Pahrump is located. She brings her personalized touch to real estate in much the same way she does with her crafts. “I’ve bought and sold homes myself, so I treat people the way I wanted to be treated during those times,” she explains. Known for her open communication, she even checks in with clients when there’s no new information, so they aren’t left wondering. “You’ll see me at Walmart, and I want to be able to say hello, not avoid eye contact,” she laughs. Carrie has built her real estate reputation on transparency, knowledge, and a sense of neighborliness that resonates well in the close-knit Pahrump community.
Carrie’s ability to balance creativity with business acumen has helped her build a strong and loyal customer base. “I see repeat customers at every show,” she shares. “Some even come back with friends, telling them, ‘You have to try her products.’ It’s a great feeling.” The local loyalty she’s cultivated is evident in the popularity of her booth at each event. “People like that they can touch and feel the items, that they’re getting something unique,” she explains. “It’s very different from online shopping, where you don’t always know what you’re getting.”
Looking ahead, Carrie plans to add even more products to her lineup, including hair accessories, rhinestone bullheads, and unique clothing items like lace tops and velvet pieces. She’s also introducing “wild rags,” versatile scarves that can be worn around the neck, tied on purses, or used as hair accessories. “They’re really popular among cowgirls and Western fashion fans,” she says, “and I think they’ll catch on here too.”
For those looking to buy unique, handcrafted items in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Desert Roots will be a part of Ashley’s December craft shows, including “Santa’s Last Stop.” Carrie encourages people to visit her Desert Roots Facebook page or Instagram, where they can preview items and place orders. As she continues to grow her business, Carrie is focused on bringing fresh ideas, quality craftsmanship, and a unique Western flair to Pahrump, making Desert Roots a beloved local brand in the heart of the Nevada desert.
