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

Hi Sally, what is the most important factor behind your success?
This question is an easy answer, the success of my brand has always come down to relationships and authenticity. There have been so many instances where a door has been opened to me based on a relationship that I had fostered previously, whether it was related or not. Maintaining positive relationships with those that mentor you, offer you advice or show you the way, has been fundamental in me finding solutions while in sticky situations. I highly recommend surrounding yourself with people who are being brave in the same arena that you are. On top of those relationships, the other key is living an authentic life. People will be drawn to you and what you are doing if you are doing it from the heart.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my business with $500 and a pop-up tent, with little knowledge about business, but a very very huge will to make change in a place that gave back to me. My business first started because I wanted to create with Indigenous women in Mexico, so that we could share their craft, while giving sustainable access to employment. First, I made 20 skirts with 1 woman in Mexico. I brought those back to the states and sold them, then made 30 skirts. I continued growing until we had over 300 wholesale accounts throughout the U.S., including Nordstrom. However, through several catastrophic errors, including $30,000 in molded, trademarked game-day football embroidered shirts that were on a strict timeline, I knew what I was doing was not sustainable. By that time, I had opened two retail stores, one in Oklahoma and one in Beaver Creek, Colorado. I quickly saw that retail was a game that was easier for me to cater to as a mother and someone seeking to leave a terrible relationship. Throw the pandemic in there with my divorce and I consolidated my business down to 1 store in Beaver Creek. This is the store that saved my life. Once things opened back up and I moved to Colorado full time, my store really started to take off in success. By spending more time here, I really dialed in on the types of products that people wanted to take home from their visit to Colorado. Thus, I like to say my personal self and my store rebranded to Alpine Kind, a mountain inspired gift and apparel shop that supports local artisans.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can do so much in Vail in a week! Since it is Summer now, I will choose the Summer time! You know I am an outdoor girl, so here are some of my favorites!

Day 1- Alpine Lake Hike, Dip and picnic — hike to Brady Lake and lunch at Tiguan Road
Day 2-3 Float the Upper Colorado River and Camp overnight along the side of the river
Day 4- Hike Lionshead Rock in Minturn and follow it up with Brunch at Sunrise Minturn
Day 5- Hike Piney Lake with our paddle boards on our back, fill them up and then take the natural lazy river all the way back to Piney Lake.
Day 6- Bike Haul day!! We LOVE to mountain bike, so we love the thrill of taking the lift up and riding down!
Day 7- Hot Springs day! We have several off-grid hidden spots that we hike in to and take a dip to relax!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My life-lens was shaped because my mother never said no to my adventurous soul. She allowed me to spread my wings at a young age and spend most of my high school days in Mexico, studying abroad. She supported me in my athletics, travels and anything my heart thought I desired. Had she not been brave enough to let me explore, grow and learn, I would never be where I am today.

Website: www.alpinekind.com

Instagram: alpinekindco

Image Credits
Keidra Lejuene

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