Meet heather schultz | Owner: consignment clothing store

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

Hi heather, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I live in a seasonal ski resort and I was working as a ski instructor for over a decade and my husband was a ski patroller, He is the one who nudged me into thinking of a business model In which I thought I could be successful because he reasoned we might not want to be working seasonally for the rest of our lives.

I had worked at a clothing consignment store in the off season, and I had shopped second hand since college, and felt I had a good working knowledge of how to run one, Mostly I felt there was a need for affordable clothing for those who couldn’t afford the super expensive boutiques geared toward wealthy tourists.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business has grown into a very high end consignment clothing store in a world class resort with more than 8000 consignors from around the world. We see seasonal fashions from such a diverse group of second home owners in the Vail Valley as well as the international ppl who live and work in the Valley. What sets us apart from other consignment stores is our diverse pool from which we draw, but also because of the amount of incoming clothing we accept daily (200 pieces everyday Mon – Fri) and limited retail space (2000 squ ft) we can only accept the best of the best that comes through the door.

One of the lost important lessons I have learned is building strong relationships with clients and shoppers alike is what builds a strong business. We had to build trust on our consignors that we would get fair value for their high end items, as well as giving a fair deal to shoppers. Another important part of our success is our staying power (20 years in business) and our ever changing and super high quality inventory.
We also have inventory from such diverse age groups so there is something for everyone from 15 to 90, including designer clothes, accessories, jewelry and sport/ski wear.

The one very important part of my business I am the most proud of today that I want to highlight is that it helps the environment by reusing and recycling, in a world where fast fashion is so disposable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Vail is a world-renowned ski resort and I was an instructor for many years so skiing would be the first stop. There are many world class restaurants and chefs in the Valley so eating out, whether it’s sushi at Matsuhisa, or just great food at Sweet Basil, you can’t go wrong. A spa day would be in the list as well. Spa Anjali is one that comes to mind for a workout and a massage. If it’s a visit in the summer, whitewater rafting or a horseback ride is always fun too. There are also a plethora of mountain bike trails as well as great road rides that are a must too, like a ride up Vail Pass.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is my right hand partner in the business who handles all of the behind-the-scenes operations of our business who also stands in on the floor when I need him (which is more often than not). He is also the one who has the entrepreneurial spirit who steered me into starting our business.

Website: holytoledo.co

Instagram: holytoledovail

Other: 191 Main Street, Minturn, CO 81657 970-827-4299 6 miles west of Vail and 6 miles east of Beaver Creek It’s located in a church on Main and Toledo, hence the name of my business: Holy Toledo

Image Credits
Heather Schultz