We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Tedstrom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
While sitting on the chairlift with my sister-in-law a few years ago, I needed to use the restroom. She suggested I “go” in the woods, then added… “but you’ll have a cold hoohah!” We giggled at the old lady term for your lady parts. But it stuck, that’s how I named my ski brand. A silly name for fun clothes!

Growing up in Edwards, ten minutes from the ski hill. My mom would drop off my friends and me on the weekends. We’d goof off all day, tell stories on the chairlift, and live off the candy in our pockets. It was a full day of play.

As an adult, I’ve found it hard to find other women to ski with. Women I know shy away from the sport because they’re afraid of the speed, it’s too cold, or it’s intimidating to learn. I started hosting an annual ski trip at my parents house in hopes I’d convince my friends to love skiing as much as I do. The first year, the gals were all varying levels. Some were bored on the bunnies, others preferred “the green circles”. I needed to break the ice and get the girls out of their heads to just enjoy our time together outside. I found my mom’s old onesie with tight legs and fringe and packed a speaker. It completely changed the mood! We danced down the catwalks and cheered each other on. At the end of the day, they all wanted to go vintage shopping to find their own bold ski outfits. That’s when I knew I needed to bring fun ski clothes back!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Skiing is a fashion sport. But after the 80s that vision disappeared and skiwear is now only built for performance. You see everyone wearing the same muted color palette and minimalist coats that are built for long expeditions and extreme conditions. But what about the recreational skier who is there to enjoy the views, social time, and just get some fresh air? Before starting Hoohah, I worked for a fast rising apparel brand, Marine Layer, which has grown to over 50 brick and mortar stores. There I developed California casual apparel that had a pop of novelty in each piece to give the customer a distinct Marine Layer experience. When designing for Hoohah, I want each style to be unique and distinct. I get a lot of my inspiration from 70s art and fashion and think, “what would Dolly Parton wear skiing?”

I up-cycle vintage and preloved outerwear to give the garments a new life! For each of the garments I up-cycle, not only am I adding decoration, but I also try to replace the old elastic and broken zippers or patch over holes to extend the life of the garment. I challenge myself to make my products sustainably by upcycling full garments, and choosing deadstock, scrap, and recycled materials as much as possible.

I love working on custom pieces. I can source vintage pieces for your custom design or can start with a coat you have and love! I also take donations if you have a fun old ski suit you aren’t using.

I officially started Hoohah in September of 2021 with the mission to create fun, vintage inspired ski clothes that embody the playful spirit of skiing that I fell in love with. If you see the gal hootin’ and hollerin’ in fun ski clothes, please come say hi! You can also find me on instagram @hoohah_us or on my website hoohah-us.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re visiting the Vail Valley, top spots to hit are the Bookworm for breakfast, Outdoor Divas for ski gear, Holy Toledo for unique vintage and second-hand finds, Blue Moose Pizza for pizza obviously, and the Minturn Saloon or VBC in Eagle Vail for happy hour.

If you’re looking for an excursion, I highly recommend the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and Sleep Yurts outside of Leadville. I take my best friends up there every year for an off-the-grid, no interruptions, slumber party. Our annual girls trip inspired me to start Hoohah. This year at the yurt, we all wore the fleece base layers I developed. They kept us cozy the whole trip, from the nordic ski, to our nature walk, and while playing banana grams by the fire.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is my biggest supporter. He’s made it possible for me to take this leap into entrepreneurship and challenges me everyday to take my ideas further.

Website: hoohah-us.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hoohah_us

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoohah-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoohah.us/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teddys_hoohah

Image Credits
Kate Rauch Arturo Torres

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