Meet Victoria Sofias | Vintage Store Owner

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

Hi Victoria, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In the beginning, Heck Yes Vintage started as a side hustle while I was juggling other jobs. I’d spend nights and weekends sourcing, listing, and dreaming about making it something more. Over time, I’ve slowly been able to transition it into a full-time business, and I’ve found the most fulfillment and reward working for myself and building something that truly reflects my vision.

That said, the balance hasn’t always been easy. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s hard to “clock out.” But I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means being present and intentional. Some weeks demand more from me at the shop, and others are for rest, travel, or creativity. I think of balance as something fluid that shifts with the season I’m in, not a fixed formula. Rest and time to live and explore are high on my list of priorities as a small business owner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career in vintage started out as a side hustle back in 2018—I was selling online and at markets while working other jobs to make ends meet. I didn’t have a clear roadmap, just a love for fashion, a deep appreciation for storytelling through clothing, and a drive to do things on my own terms. Slowly but surely, that side hustle turned into Heck Yes Vintage, now a full-time business with a permanent home in Fort Collins.

What sets HYV apart is the curation. I specialize in pieces from the ‘60s through early 2000s that are handpicked to blend seamlessly into a modern wardrobe. It’s vintage that feels wearable, expressive, and totally you. I care a lot about helping people feel confident and connected to what they wear—not just dressed, but seen.

Getting to this point definitely wasn’t easy. There were financial challenges, a lot of trial and error, and moments of self-doubt. But I kept showing up. I said yes to opportunities before I felt fully ready, I learned how to be resourceful, and I leaned on my community when I needed encouragement. Every pop-up, every slow day, every small win taught me something.

I’m most proud of building something authentic from the ground up—something that reflects not just my style, but my values. I want the world to know that Heck Yes Vintage is about more than just clothes—it’s about creativity, sustainability, and celebrating personal style at every age, shape, and stage. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone light up when they find a piece that feels made for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my best friends visited at the start of summer, and we packed the week with some of my favorite local spots. We kicked things off with a boat day at Horsetooth Reservoir—there’s nothing like soaking up the Colorado sun on the water, surrounded by those views. Later in the week we went to Chipper’s Lanes for bowling, drinks, and some classic throwback fun.

Honestly, one of my favorite ways to spend time here is just walking around Old Town Fort Collins. The energy is so creative and laid-back, and there are so many unique shops to explore. We stopped into a bunch of local gems, grabbed iced lattes, and wandered around without any real plan—those kinds of days always end up being the most memorable.

If I were planning the perfect week, I’d mix in vintage shopping (of course), some local food trucks or brunch at places like The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm, rooftop drinks at The Sunset Lounge, and maybe a night of live music at Washington’s or The Aggie. Fort Collins has such a great blend of nature, local charm, and community—it’s easy to make any visit feel special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and moments that helped shape my path, but I have to give a huge shoutout to Vintage Willows. Having a space within their boutique to grow Heck Yes Vintage truly changed the trajectory of my business. Their support and belief in me gave me the confidence (and the room!) to dream bigger.

I also want to recognize the vintage community—both locally and online. The friendships, encouragement, and shared love for timeless style have pushed me creatively and reminded me I’m not alone in this. And of course, my family and close friends, who have cheered me on through every market, move, and late-night idea spiral—they’ve seen it all and kept me grounded.

Website: https://shopheckyes.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/heckyesvintage

Facebook: https://facebook.com/heckyesvintage

Image Credits
Shot by: DaMario Mitzelfeld // World Wonders