Meet Jessie West, owner of Pacific Heritage Boutique, offering men’s and women’s styles in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale!
“We are a small local clothing boutique with a casual California beach vibe mixed with a little bit of luxury, and we just celebrated our 1st year in business!!! We carry men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, as well as jewelry, beauty products, gifts, and more! Our styles range from a casual run to the grocery store to a night out on the town; at our store, you will always find unique pieces with affordable prices. The Pacific Heritage Brand embodies the convivial nature of the Pacific Northwest, where Owner Jessie West was born and raised, and endeavors to have everyone who walks through the door feel better when they leave then when they came in!”
AZF: What is your “life motto?”
JW: “This, too, shall pass.”All circumstances are transient, and we can’t always control the outcome of those circumstances. Always try to maintain equanimity and don’t agonize about an altercation or an error. It may feel unendurable, but I promise you, this, too, shall pass.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
JW: I always wanted to own my own business, and it was my father who encouraged me to go get my MBA because of that. He said “if you want to own a business you have to have the fundamentals of finance”. And growing up, my mother owned her own clothing lines/stores for 22 years up and down the west coast, so the retail world was a huge part of my childhood. Opening the boutique was, I think, inevitable. It just was a matter of the right time. Timing is everything!
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
JW: My family is my constant. We are so close and advise is abundant. Being able to draw on their experiences and parlay that into my own operating approach helps me continually improve upon myself. And Lisa! She is a dear family friend who has had more faith in me through all of this than I could ever have had in myself. I am truly grateful for her support!
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur? JW: Fear! Fear of failure, of disappointment. Fear of looking back and always questioning if I did enough or tried hard enough. Fear that I’m doing everything wrong. Fear of letting down my employees who work so hard and are so loyal to the store. Fear of letting down myself. Fear is an excellent motivator. None of these fears are an option in my mind, and so we keep going, we push harder. The only option is perseverance!
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
JW: Working at the store! Is there anything better than a Saturday sale and seeing that person SO EXCITED to wear their new outfit out that night??? I always secretly hope I get invited to go out with them LOL!
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
JW: Take a finance course! Ask for help. Advice is valuable, even when unsolicited. The right staff is key; surround yourself positive people. And hire a great bookkeeper! I have a recommendation feel free to reach out!
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
JW: The amalgam of experiences I’ve had, and those I still have yet to experience. I’ve met the most interesting people, made some truly amazing lifelong friends, and found a resilience within myself that is a constant driver of self-improvement and self-awareness. Continuing to create and grow a business opens up the possibility OF! And that is the most exciting enterprise of all.
Follow the Pacific Heritage Boutique on Instagram and visit their website for more information.
About the Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co
