Aspiring Opera Singer Overcomes Stroke to Launch Clothing Business

Mitchell Palmer-Gage transforms his life after surviving a 2022 stroke, opening Brass Tacks Provisions in Oklahoma City.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mitchell Palmer-Gage, an aspiring opera singer from rural Iowa, has overcome a 2022 stroke to launch his own clothing business, Brass Tacks Provisions, in Oklahoma City. Despite facing medical challenges and having to relearn daily living basics, Palmer-Gage's vision for his store provided him with purpose and the support of his family helped him persevere.

Why it matters

Palmer-Gage's story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination in overcoming adversity. His journey from aspiring opera singer to small business owner reflects the changing paths many people take in life, especially in the face of unexpected health crises. The success of Brass Tacks Provisions also speaks to the continued demand for high-quality, American-made products, even in the face of broader economic challenges.

The details

Just three weeks before Brass Tacks Provisions was set to open, Palmer-Gage suffered a hemorrhaging stroke during a dress rehearsal for his graduate recital at Oklahoma City University, where he was completing his master's in music and opera performance. After spending about a month in the hospital and then transferring to inpatient therapy, Palmer-Gage had to relearn daily living basics, but the vision for his store provided him with purpose. With the support of his parents and husband, Palmer-Gage's strength and courage are now reflected in the heritage-inspired menswear and other products offered at Brass Tacks Provisions.

  • In 2022, just three weeks before the store was set to open, Palmer-Gage faced a medical scare — a hemorrhaging stroke.
  • At the time, he was completing his master's in music and opera performance at Oklahoma City University.

The players

Mitchell Palmer-Gage

An aspiring opera singer from rural Iowa who has transformed his life after surviving a stroke in 2022 to launch his own clothing business, Brass Tacks Provisions, in Oklahoma City.

Brass Tacks Provisions

A clothing business in Oklahoma City that celebrates Palmer-Gage's rural upbringing and city living, offering high-quality, American-made menswear.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Both of my parents are small business owners and I grew up in a small town. So really a lot of everything we carry is based around the two ideas of rural upbringing and city living.”

— Mitchell Palmer-Gage (wbal.com)

“Things that are staples we generally that was the goal with a lot of the items so they are heritage pieces so they kind of last a long time obviously.”

— Mitchell Palmer-Gage (wbal.com)

“It wasn't ideal by any means but um I had been singing for over 11 years and I had been singing at the collegiate level for six, so it kind of felt like I had lost something intrinsic to myself.”

— Mitchell Palmer-Gage (wbal.com)

“I didn't want to feel like I had nothing to really for at the time. I had a lot of great encouragement from my parents and my now husband.”

— Mitchell Palmer-Gage (wbal.com)

The takeaway

Mitchell Palmer-Gage's journey from aspiring opera singer to small business owner in the face of a major health crisis is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of community support. His success with Brass Tacks Provisions demonstrates that even when life takes an unexpected turn, pursuing one's passions and vision can lead to meaningful transformation.