In 2004, while roommates at Bowdoin College, the owners decided to start a company that offered needlepoint belts. They had each been gifted a needlepoint belt from then girlfriends and became intrigued with these unique accessories. After looking to buy finished belts, they realized that there wasn’t a company that featured these timeless items. From the start, the goal was to make the belts more available, attractive and affordable. They had always shared an entrepreneurial spirit and after discovering a concept that they were passionate about, Smathers & Branson was born.