The Story Behind Wasatch Gift…
Hi, I’m Anne, the founder and owner of Wasatch Gift. I wanted to introduce myself and share some of the background on why I decided to launch this small business.
Starting at the beginning (quite literally), I grew up in my family’s multi-generational store in a small town in Kentucky. It’s actually still operating today, run by my aunt, and it's 115 years old! At a very early age, I learned to appreciate what customer service looked like. My grandfather put the customer first every single time. My first job was making bows for gifts in the stockroom, with a real old-fashioned bow-making machine. I made so many bows, they were stocked for many holidays to come!
Working in some form of retail environment was a mainstay from the time I could start earning a paycheck. I sold Dooney & Bourke bags in the 80s. I opened the CP Shades store in SoHo (before it was SoHo). I opened the J. Crew Pasadena store in the 90s, which may have been the coolest job ever. I got to design my own stockroom with an office view looking toward the San Gabriel mountains. So, it was only natural that I made my corporate career out of the retailing experiences that shaped me. I worked for major brands and companies like Express, Rip Curl, Amazon, and J. Crew. I travelled the world buying luxury brands for an Australian Department Store. Regardless of my role over the years, one thing never left me: the thrill of the find, and the pleasure of sharing that find with others.
Fast forward to today, and I’m living in the beautiful state of Utah. I love exploring the state, driving into a small town, quickly researching what is around, and making a discovery that feels like a hidden gem. I felt like I kept discovering little secrets but had to share them with others to bring the same delight to as many people as possible.
I started this business to share my joy of discovering local brands, makers, and artisans with others. And to also remove the stress of gifting that some people might feel. I enjoy thinking about the recipient, what they might like, and bringing together the goodness that Utah has to offer in order to delight, surprise, and excite the recipient on behalf of the gift giver.
I hope you enjoy what we are bringing to market.
From the Wasatch, with Love.
