Meet Shan Wo | Custom Bicycle Bag Maker

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

Hi Shan, how do you define success?
Success to me is feeling fulfilled in all aspects of my life – family and friends, professional, personal self. To wake up every day with a purpose and excitement for what lays ahead. To be constantly challenged, always learning, and have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Reroot Outdoors officially launched last year even though I had been thinking about it for almost 5 years. I took an interest in sewing, fiber arts, and DIY gear in my spare time while working as an engineer for over 15 years. When the time felt right to give it a go, I worked at an outdoor gear repair shop for about 2 years with the goals of gaining more experience with industrial machines and learning industry standards in order to build enough confidence to start my own business.

All my products are custom or made to order. I like being able to tailor designs to my customers’ needs while knowing that there will be an end user, and to not just be making things for the sake of making. Providing a great customer experience is important to me. I also plan to move towards using only materials that are reclaimed, recycled, or manufactured sustainably.

I’ve always worked for small businesses, but I am still learning every day being out on my own. There are so many dimensions to running a small business and learning to adapt while taking things in stride has really helped in the every day.

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.
Colorado is such a beautiful state with so many outdoor activities. We are so lucky to be here. Some of my favorite things to do in my hometown of Boulder include frequenting the Boulder County Farmers Market and hiking at Chautauqua. Salida and Crested Butte are at the top of my list of places to visit. There is wonderful mountain biking around Salida along with delicious house made ginger beer and pizza at Moonlight Pizza. Crested Butte also boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in the state that are especially beautiful during wildflower season.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful for my family and friends that have provided support, feedback, and mentorship at every step along the way. There are prior coworkers that are now friends who taught me by example how to run a small business and be a leader. Friends who now feel like family who showed me how to live life with compassion and gratitude while staying true to your beliefs and values. Family that is always there through thick and thin providing a sounding board for everything…and I mean all the things. You all know who you are. Thank you for being you.

Website: www.rerootoutdoors.com

Instagram: @rerootoutdoors

Image Credits
Charles Corbin (IG: @disc.of.confusion)