WOMEN I N B US I N E S S For any entrepreneur, establishing an independent business requires guts, gumption and grit. And as any Ginger Rodgers fan will tell you a woman can do it, too—only backwards and in high heels. Plenty of Utah woman are doing it every day in businesses focused on dining, fashion, beauty, interior design, event planning and in niches they have invented themselves. The common theme between these women is that beyond running a profitable business, they build community—with their customers and with other entrepreneurs. “I can’t help but reflect on the multitude of gracious people I have worked with throughout the years,” says Kimi Eklund, owner of a successful restaurant, “I attribute my success to the unconditional support of my family, friends and staff.” Our Women in Business special section salutes these women and the contributions they make every day to our economy and our community.
27TH STREET SALON Chelsea Landvatter, owner Heidi Hogan, owner
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ince 27th Street Salon opened their doors, the retail space just above 13th East and 2700 South has gone from a nearly abandoned and graffiti-covered corner to a booming spot in the neighborhood. Owners Chelsea Landvatter and Heidi Hogan, a mother-daughter team, took over the rundown salon in March of 2012. When the duo caught wind of the possibility of starting up their own salon, they were up for the challenge. Their main goal was to create a charming and friendly environment, with an inviting local vibe.
Visiting 27th Street salon today feels like walking into a local business that has been around for a while. Chelsea and Heidi have gone from employing four stylists to a now abundant 19 stylists. The space has been totally remodeled and now only slightly resembles the many businesses it has been in the past, including a grocery store. Cars fill the parking lot and line the streets with patrons and many of the clientele come from the surrounding neighborhood.
Chelsea and Heidi feel so lucky to have a team of such incredibly talented women. These stylists have contributed immensely to the positive salon environment that radiates to the clientele. To see more about the individual stylists please visit 27thstreetsalon.com. Chelsea and Heidi admit they are opposites in many ways, but together they make a great team and create a good balance at the salon. Chelsea would say that her mother is the organized one that holds it all together, and Heidi would say that her daughter is the relaxed, and creative one. But, they would both define success as having fun owning a business together and making their salon a warm place for stylists and patrons. They love to charm their guests with a friendly smile, drinks and chocolates. Together, Chelsea and Heidi have enjoyed the last four years owning 27th Street Salon and look forward to the years to come.
1446 EAST 2700 SOUTH // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84106 801.486.1106 // 27thstreetsalon.com
INSIDE OUT ARCHITECTURALS Leah Wynn- Owner/Designer Kathy Shumate- Design Consultant Jenny Dabrowski- Design Consultant
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he ladies at Inside Out Architecturals have a passion for tile. Actually, it’s more of an addiction to tile.
Each one recognizes tile as a way to help people make their space special and unique.
Leah Wynn, owner of IOA, affirms, “I fell in love with decorative tile while researching a college project and interning for a local designer. I discovered Utah needed a source for upscale products. I have been fortunate to work with people who kindled my obsession and encouraged me to open a showroom. I am so very lucky to have friends like Kathy Shumate, an industry veteran of 25 years, and Jenny Dabrowski an up-and-coming designer, who also have been infected by the ‘Tile Bug.’ We make an amazing team!”
Decorative tile specialists since 2007 Representing over 50 original decorative tile lines, Inside Out Architecturals has a collection of intriguing tile options, ranging from wood parquet and largeformat glass to traditional flooring and historical ornamentals used for their charm throughout the years. Additionally, Inside Out carries the handiwork of today’s finest artisans in metal, glass and dimensional tile that are best described as art. With over 40 years of combined experience in assisting both design professionals and homeowners, one visit to Inside Out’s showroom will open endless possibilities—the energetic and knowledgeable staff can provide each client with details that will make their project sing. “Clients need the opportunity to visualize their decorative tile in its field and location before it is installed. We provide drawings and assistance in layout design to ensure our clients love their selection. When a complicated layout is drawn beforehand, it allows us to address questions and finishing details before the installation begins,” explains Leah. Inside Out Architecturals is a playground where creativity with tile can run wild. Visit the showroom to realize the full artistic possibilities of your project. Share the synergy of those who love what they do and are excited for the unique opportunities each project provides.
3410 S. 300 WEST // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115 801.487.3274 // Insideoutarchitecturals.com
FLIGHT BOUTIQUE Kristen Doyon, owner Blaire Isleib, owner
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risten Doyon and Blaire Isleib grew up together in Park City. After graduating from the University of Utah they set off for opposite ends of the country. Doyon went to Los Angeles to work in fashion PR, while Isleib went to New York to work in fashion styling. In 2008, they moved back to their hometown and quickly recognized a void in the city’s fashion scene. A void they knew they could fill. One year later, Flight Clothing Boutique opened its doors and Doyon and Isleib never looked back. Flight specializes in one-of-a-kind clothing items clients can’t find elsewhere. “Customers are always going to find something stylish and affordable,” says Doyon. “Something that they can’t find anywhere else.” Making sure their clients get the unique pieces they crave, Doyon and Isleib don’t order clothes from just anywhere. Carrying many Australian fashion labels, most items at Flight can’t be found anywhere else in Utah. “We try to pick the best of each line, we don’t just buy lines and grab whatever they put out there,” says Isleib. “We like finding unique pieces.”
“Customers are always going to find something stylish and affordable” –Kristen Doyon
Continuing to advance their business, Doyon and Isleib are always looking toward the future, hoping to open up new locations in the coming years. In the meantime however, Flight Boutique is undergoing renovations to add on a new VIP section in the back of the store. Embracing the idea of personal shopping, Doyon and Isleib will pull pieces for those VIP clients ahead of time, making their shopping trips quick, efficient and, of course, unique. One thing is for certain though, Doyon says, Flight will continue to make their clientele happy and continue to stay on the edge of the market and on top of fashion trends.
545 A MAIN STREET // PARK CITY, UT 84060 435.604.0806 // flightclothingboutique.com
MADISON MCCORD INTERIORS Marsha Holfeltz, founder Tasia and Emily, adopted from the Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation
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n 2012, Madison McCord Interiors moved to Highland Drive with its fresh look and Utah got a little more hip and interesting. Founder Marsha Holfeltz began her career in textile buying and traveled all over the world in search of luxurious fabrics. She added home and office furnishings into the mix when she opened her first retail store in the San Francisco Bay area 14 years ago. Luckily for Utah, she felt that Salt Lake needed some of her high-glam and mid-century modern looks and opened her location at 3960 S. Highland Drive. Since then Madison McCord Interiors has become the mid-century modern and contemporary furniture headquarters in town, known for its custom upholstery. With stunning sofas, sectionals, and chairs in more than 700 frames and available in over 1,000 fabrics and leathers, it’s easy. “First you select a style, then the size and configuration that best suits your needs, and finally the fabric,” she explains. “In just three weeks, it will be nestled in your home.” You can also custom design dining chairs, beds, tables, and settees. Holfeltz welcomes a challenge and encourages customers to bring in pictures or drawings. “Our custom design team will make your personal vision a one-of-a-kind beauty,” she says. “With our custom capabilities, you can have exactly what you are dreaming of.”
“Concrete and industrial. Our clients love pairing concrete with live-edge woods, solid walnuts, steel and contemporary glass to get a hip, industrial look.” –Marsha Holfeltz
The showroom features a large selection of artwork including prints and giclée from local and national artists. “I love to use artwork as pops of color,” she says. “But if you want a teal or orange sofa, go for it. Don’t be afraid of color.” Come into the 20,000 square foot studio on Highland Drive to create the home of your dreams.
3960 S. HIGHLAND DRIVE // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84124 801.277.5555 // madisonmccordinteriors.com
KIMI’S CHOP & OYSTER
HOUSE Kimi Eklund, owner
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elebrating 20 years as a Utah female restaurateur and business owner is exhilarating. I can’t help but reflect on the multitude of gracious and generous people I have worked with throughout the years. I attribute my success to the unconditional support of my family, friends and staff. Without them, I would not have been able make the world my oyster.
Kimi’s is a unique and inviting fine dining restaurant experience in the heart of Sugarhouse. As an independent small-business owner, I have been able to interact and work with a plethora of programs, businesses and groups. These groups included Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, my fellow small businesses in Sugarhouse, Jackie Biskupski’s mayoral campaign, the presidential campaign for Hillary Clinton and Winter Olympic reception for the king and queen of Sweden. My hardworking and passionate staff and I have been able to create a unique and inviting fine-dining restaurant experience in the heart of Sugarhouse. As we approach our second birthday here at Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House, I can’t help but look back amazed at the amount of growth this business has attained. Working with such a broad range of groups has shaped us into a versatile venue. This versatility allows us to accommodate every event. From weddings to multimedia presentations to birthday extravaganzas— or “just dinner,” Kimi’s is the place to be. Guests can choose to dine formally or informally on our cozy patio, swanky oyster bar and lounge, elegant tables or on our exclusive executive mezzanine. With my team, we have created a “Kimistyle” that cannot be replicated. Come “sea” food and taste what we’re all about. Skål!
2155 S. HIGHLAND DRIVE // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84106 801.946.2079 // kimishouse.com
NAMEDROPPERS upscale designer consignment Tiffany Colaizzi, owner
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tep into NameDroppers and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a high-end designer boutique in New York or Los Angeles. Don’t be fooled by the trendy interior, you’ll find bargains there. Racks are full of clothing that is in like-new condition and fashion-forward, but priced at a fraction of the original retail price. Tiffany Colaizzi, owner of NameDroppers, knows her clients well and carefully selects the items accepted for her stores. She and her well-trained staff excel at finding the perfect style and fit for each body type. Looking great and feeling comfortable in whatever you purchase are the most important things to Tiffany.
Consignment shopping at its best. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the joy of the find at NameDroppers! NameDroppers has been in business for 21 years and has two locations. Over the years, the consigner list has grown to well over 15,000. With a complete line of women and mens clothing, designer bags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories, there is something for everyone. If that’s not enough there is the NameDroppers Outlet, on Parleys Way. There discounts dive even lower. Tiffany understands everyone loves the “thrill of the hunt”, but she wants to ensure that her clients will experience the “joy of the find”.
MAIN STORE: 3355 HIGHLAND DR // SALT LAKE CITY, UT OUTLET: 2350 PARLEYS WAY (2100 SOUTH) // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 801.486.1128 801.474.1644 // shopnamedroppers.com
FUSE WEDDINGS & EVENTS Mara Marian, owner
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f you’ve been to one of FUSE’s events, you likely walked away having experienced something completely unexpected. As a party planner, owner Mara Marian loves to surprise guests with elements that make a lasting impression. Whether it be an aerialist serving champagne while suspended from a hoop hung from the ceiling or late-night snacks served by professionally-trained ballerinas in LED-lit skirts, there is always something exciting around the corner. Having grown up in a household where dinner parties were common place and the patterned china made an appearance on the dining room table often, Mara learned the art of entertaining early. Mara started FUSE Weddings & Events in 2008 after finding her own passion for planning and hosting social events working as a private event manager at a downtown venue. Since then, FUSE has been featured in countless local and national publications and online resources for planning and design of weddings and social events— birthday parties, anniversaries, bar/ bat mitzvahs and just about any other reason a client has to celebrate.
FUSE is considered a leader in the event planning and design industry in Utah and beyond The FUSE Weddings & Events team occupies an urban downtown studio space on the highly sought-after Pierpont Avenue in the Downtown Arts District. Boasting a team of six, plus event support staff, the team executes over one hundred events annually. Services range from partial planning and design to full service event planning and production.
335 WEST PIERPONT AVENUE // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101 801.512.9555 // fuseweddingsandevents.com
K. ROCKE DESIGN Kristen Rocke, owner
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ince launching K. Rocke Design in 2004, Kristin Rocke has quickly set herself apart as a fearless designer. Her Utah-based national interior design firm is widely respected for stunning residential and hospitality work. Rocke’s awardwinning designs have been featured in publications such as Utah Style & Design, Traditional Home, Luxe Magazine, Boca Design, CA Home + Design, Mountain Express, Park City magazine and The Salt Lake Tribune. Kristin Rocke was named as Top Ten New Trend Designer for 2013 and also shares tips during local designer news TV segments, as well as continuing to be Best of Houzz for Design. She has built a reputation for intelligent, personalized, and creative designs. “I love getting to know people and what they respond to, I travel the world and I am a design junkie,” she says. “I love taking all that information and responses from my clients and creating something entirely original and fabulous for them.” Access to the top artisans and craftsmen from around the world lend K. Rocke Design’s projects a tailored aesthetic with distinctive details. Rocke’s portfolio can be viewed at www.krockedesign.com.
“I love getting to know people and what they respond to, I travel the world and I am a design junkie” –Kristen Rocke Rocke also owns Glass House, a pulsating design store furnished with new and unique items to delight and elevate your tastes. Glass House carries a variety of gifts for everyone, starting at a budget friendly $10 up to high-end furniture, lighting and accessories. Visit the online store at www.GlassHouseSLC.com.
1760 NORTH WOODSIDE DRIVE // HOLLADAY, UT 84124 801.274.2720 // krockedesign.com
h2blow
BLOWDRY BAR + MAKEUP SALON Meredith Wright, co-owner Allison Varner, co-owner
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o-owners Meredith Wright and Allison Varner opened Salt Lake’s first and only blowdry bar—h2blow—in July 2013 in Foothill Village Shopping Center on the East Bench. Wright and Varner, both business women who came from backgrounds in marketing and accounting, discovered the need to bring the blow dry bar concept to Salt Lake City when they were frequenting the local hair salon for weekly washes and styles.
“What we offer is simple. No cuts. No colors. Just washes and styles!” says Wright. h2blow is perfect for anyone at any age, whether you’re a bride-to-be, a business woman, a new mom or in need of some beauty help for your daughter’s dance recital. “Blowouts are an affordable luxury that offer an immediate boost of confidence,” says Wright. h2blow uses and sells Oribe, a hair care line that epitomizes luxury. In addition to Oribe, h2blow uses R+Co, a sister product line to Oribe which is targeted to a younger demographic. They also offer makeup applications with Becca Cosmetics, brow and facial waxing, and memberships for blowout connoisseurs. h2blow is the perfect way to start a night out or get a quick boost of confidence. Who doesn’t love the feeling of walking out of the salon with a fresh new style? You can expect to be perfectly pampered in 45 minutes. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are always a good idea. Appointments can be booked anytime Monday-Saturday from 9am- 7pm and Sundays from 10am- 4 pm. Morning and evening appointments available upon request. Wright and Varner are happy to announce the newly opened second location of h2blow in Park City’s Redstone Shopping Center and have plans to expand their business with more locations within the year.
1400 SOUTH FOOTHILL DRIVE // SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84108 1678 W REDSTONE CENTER DRIVE // PARK CITY, UTAH 84098 801.953.1017 435.575.8800 // h2blowdrybar.com
HUMBLE DWELLINGS Julie Meese, Jasmine Meese, Brynn Meese and Halle Meese
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umble Dwellings started in 2013 when Julie Meese, an interior designer of 25 years, teamed up with her three oldest daughters with a vision to create a home furnishings store with a unique style all its own. “After growing up in the industry, interior design has been something we’ve always loved to be a part of,” says oldest daughter Jasmine Meese. Humble Dwellings is a home furnishings store located in the heart of Draper that offers a unique blend of new modern organic furniture mixed with reclaimed materials and antiques to create a new bohemian vibe.
An interior designer and her three daughters, with a home furnishings store made to inspire a modern organic lifestyle, and aim to create your perfect space. “Our style has definitely been influenced from their experiences. From having it all, to having nothing, we realized that you can create a home entirely yours that’s a reflection of your personality and what you love,” says Brynn Meese,“We feel very fortunate to have had such a positive response to the store and its style and getting amazing opportunities to work with interior designers throughout the industry.” It has been a privilege for us to be a part of a family-run business, with each person taking on their own role and responsibility to keep things moving forward. “We tease each other that we each love the responsibilities we’ve been put with, and we wouldn’t want to do the other’s job,” says Halle Meese. The owners are excited for the future of Humble Dwellings—an online store coming soon and the first Humble Dwellings service trip in the works. The end goal is more than just a furniture store, but a place to inspire lifestyle and the desire to help others create a home and refuge away from the world— wherever that may be.
1265 E. DRAPER PARKWAY // DRAPER, UT 84020 801.613.9570 // Humbledwellingsliving.com