Today we’d like to introduce you to Raiza Giorgi.
Hi Raiza, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Venezuela to my Venezuelan father and American mother. I moved to the States to the Santa Ynez Valley when I was 3 and lived there my entire life until last year, when my husband got an amazing job in Hailey, Idaho. While my family and I are new to the Wood River Valley as residents, my aunt, cousins, and late grandmother have lived in Ketchum and Hailey since the 1970s. Some of my favorite memories are spending summers here and winters skiing with my aunt and cousins.
Before we moved I started and operated an award-winning newspaper, the Santa Ynez Valley Star. I am a journalist and an entrepreneur. I come from a family of entrepreneurs.
There is no reward without risk and I love doing something that makes a difference in the community. I saw a need for a place to get reasonably priced clothing and decided to go for it.
I was recently recognized as the Third District Commission for Women in Service Award by the County of Santa Barbara in April, and I won the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award in 2018 for Emerging Business from the Women’s Economic Ventures Spirit of Entrepreneurship.
Since becoming a mom, I noticed my style changed and my body changed. I want to provide a place where women of all ages can find something they love and won’t break the bank. I also love supporting local artists and you will notice that some of my vendors are from Idaho.
I would say the style of the shop is comfortable and casual, with some fun graphic t-shirts with a western and boho flare.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve only been open three weeks, and for the most part it’s been pretty smooth. I had a lot of help from my friend that owns a women’s retail shop in my hometown of Solvang, Calif., I started working on the boutique in Hailey at the beginning of the year, and the city and my landlords have been so supportive.
We’ve been impressed with Hailey Heritage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in women’s clothing for now, focusing on comfort and affordability. I want women of all ages and backgrounds to find something they like. I also offer online shopping and shipping.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haileyheritage.com
- Instagram: @haileyheritage
- Facebook: /haileyheritage
Image Credits
Raiza Giorgi
