Today we’d like to introduce you to Moira Girard.
Hi Moira, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My husband and I moved to Durham in 2018. We discovered axe throwing when Urban Axes opened on Foster Street later that year. What started as a fun new activity quickly became much more than a hobby for me. I found a passion, and a community that quickly became like family.
I became a competitive axe thrower and began traveling throughout the United States and Canada to compete in tournaments. Through the sport, I built lasting friendships and experienced firsthand how strong and supportive the axe-throwing community can be.
A few years later, we temporarily left Durham for my day job, but Durham always felt like home. When the opportunity arose for my husband and me to purchase Urban Axes Durham, we didn’t hesitate. It was a chance to return home and give back to the community that had given us so much.
Today, owning Urban Axes Durham is about more than running a business. It’s about creating a place where people can connect, challenge themselves, and discover a passion of their own… just like I did. Being able to invest our time, energy, and heart into this vibrant community means the world to us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been completely smooth, although we’re still early in our journey. Urban Axes Durham has been around since October 2018, but we’re only two months in.
While taking over an established business is very different from starting one from scratch, the learning curve is still very steep. There are so many aspects of running a business that you can’t fully appreciate until you’re responsible for them yourself.
Another challenge is owning a business with your spouse. My husband and I make an amazing team, but, just like any partnership, it requires strong communication, patience, and a willingness to admit what you don’t know. Also, being quick to forgive is essential. We keep reminding each other that we’re doing our best.
One huge factor that has made the transition easier is our incredible team. Most of our staff have been with Urban Axes for a long time (some since the start), and their experience, knowledge and dedication have been invaluable. We’re beyond grateful to have such a strong group of people help us navigate this new chapter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Urban Axes Durham?
We are much more than an axe-throwing venue. We are a community built around bringing people together, one bullseye at a time. Most people discover us through a company event, date night, or a birthday celebration. What often surprises them is how welcoming, accessible and supportive the axe-throwing community really is.
We offer everything from casual, no-reservations walk-in throwing sessions and private group events to corporate team-building experiences and competitive leagues. We even have an annual women’s tournament (Ladyblades) that brings in throwers from around the world. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, challenged, safe and included. Our coaches teach every guest how to throw safely and successfully. As we like to say, “no axe-perience is required”!
What sets us apart is our focus on community. Axe throwing (and now knife throwing) has been a huge part of our lives. We’ve seen firsthand how it brings people together from all walks of life. Many of our leaguers started as first-time guests and ended up finding lifelong friendships AND a sport that they love. Our leagues provide a place for people to grow their skills, compete, and connect with others week after week.
As new owners, what we’re most proud of is carrying forward a culture that has made Urban Axes Durham special from the very start. At the end of the day, we’re not really in the axe-throwing business. We’re in the people business. Axes and knives are just the tools that help us create connection, confidence and community. And that is what we hope every guest experiences when they walk through our doors.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I come from the corporate learning & development world, so many of the resources that shaped me personally and professionally come from that space.
A few books that shaped me early on were Grit, by Angela Duckworth, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith. I recommend those a LOT. They are both about continuous growth, resilience, and the willingness to keep learning every day.
My favorite Axe Throwing Podcast is “An Axe League Of Their Own”, promoting the many accomplishments of women in the sport.
My most valuable resources currently don’t come from books or podcasts, but from the friends that my husband and I have made along the way. The axe-throwing industry is incredibly collaborative. We’ve learned so much from our fellow venue owners across the US, the UK and Australia. They are always willing to share their experiences, lessons learned, ideas, advice, and (again) that sense of community that has been so critical as we’ve stepped into business ownership.
It’s great reminder that no matter what you do, having a network of folks willing to support one another makes all the difference.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Throwing: $27.50/person
- 1.5 Hour Throwing: $40/person
- 2 Hour throwing: $45/person
- Custom events available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanaxesdurham.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanaxesdurham
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanaxesdurham
