Ep. 174 It’s Not Easy, But It’s So Rewarding with Alex Sanso of Island Life Artisan Gifts
Alex Sanso first found her love of souvenirs, gifts, and merchandise at the happiest place on Earth: Walt Disney World. She spent several years working in the creative department as a merchandise designer before moving to a small island in Washington State with her family.
Right off the bat, Alex noticed that Bainbridge Island was home to a plethora of beautiful gift shops—but there wasn’t much merchandise that focused on Bainbridge itself.
With Seattle day trippers, Alaskan cruisers, and other tourists visiting Bainbridge Island on a daily basis, Alex knew that souvenirs to mark these special visits would sell well. That kicked off her journey towards opening Island Life Artisan Gifts.
Listen to this episode of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast and learn how Alex eventually opened her shop, why souvenirs are so special to her and her customers, and how joining Master Shopkeepers has changed her perspective as a newer store owner.
Resources
- Follow Alex on the web, Instagram, and Facebook
- Apply to join Master Shopkeepers, the only retail training mastermind with territory protection, hundreds of training resources, a tight-knit community of store owners, & opportunities for individualized coaching.
- Follow the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast for more interviews with indie retailers.
- Free resource: Tools of the Retail Trade
Timestamps
- [01:35] Alex’s journey to opening her shop, Island Life Artisan Gifts
- [09:18] What Alex’s shop is like (size, team members, & location)
- [13:36] How souvenirs make a difference in people’s lives
- [14:45] Unique gifts a customer might encounter at Alex’s store
- [17:36] Alex’s business model: consignment, wholesale, & eCommerce growth
- [22:27] What led Alex to join Master Shopkeepers
- [28:41] Alex’s favorite part of Master Shopkeepers
- [30:26] How Alex envisions the future of her business
- [34:15] Alex’s favorite & least favorite parts of owning an indie retail store
- [36:14] How to connect with Alex and her shop
