Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Widdison.
Hi Debbie , 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?
It all began with a simple idea sparked by my sister Denna and her son, who expressed their frustration over the lack of affordable vape and nicotine products in our town. The only shop around was notorious for price gouging, leaving many community members feeling taken advantage of. As I found myself searching for a job, I saw an opportunity to not just create a business, but to fill a gap in our local market. I decided to join Denna and her son in this venture, and thus, our journey began.
Navigating the bureaucratic maze for city and state licenses proved to be a formidable challenge. With zoning restrictions complicating our search, we spent nearly a year hunting for a suitable location. Finally, we stumbled upon an old building that had stood vacant for years. The owner was eager to sell, but since it had been on the market for so long, I took a leap of faith and asked if he would consider leasing a small section instead. To our surprise, he agreed, and that moment felt like a turning point.
With only a $15,000 line of credit at our disposal, every dollar mattered. We poured what we had into revitalizing the space, painting the walls in inviting colors, installing shelves, and acquiring some used display cabinets. One cabinet, affectionately named “Peg Leg” due to its wooden leg, became a quirky centerpiece of our store.
Just as we hit our stride with the renovations, my nephew decided to take a job in Idaho and left the project. I was left with a daunting task, how to run a business in an industry I knew little about. Determined to make it work, I turned to Google and YouTube, diving deep into research. I absorbed everything I could find about the vape industry, market trends, and customer preferences.
Listening to our customers became our secret weapon. We started with a limited inventory, but as we opened our doors and engaged with our community, we learned what products they wanted. This feedback was invaluable, helping us curate our stock and grow organically. Every sale reinvested into inventory allowed us to expand our offerings without accumulating significant debt.
Through perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to learn, we transformed our humble idea into a thriving business. What began as a response to a community need has blossomed into a local favorite, proving that with the right approach, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building our business has been a journey marked by significant struggles, each one testing our resolve and adaptability. Just as we were beginning to find our footing, the building we were leasing was sold, leaving us in a precarious position and forcing us to consider relocation. Rather than risk losing our customer base again, we made the decision to purchase a larger, newer building that was conveniently located nearby.
However, the transition wasn’t as simple as we hoped. The new property, previously a bar, needed extensive renovations to transform it into a suitable retail space. Fortunately, since it was located in an industrial zone, it met the necessary criteria for our type of business. But with the excitement of acquisition came the reality of compliance. Vernal City required us to submit a site plan and insisted on various upgrades to meet city standards. This included digging water retention holes and blocking off one of the highway entrances, each modification adding to our already mounting costs.
The renovation process stretched out for ten grueling months. During this time, we faced countless setbacks, from delays in construction to navigating the complex approval process. Just as we finally settled into our new space, we received another blow: Utah implemented a ban on flavored vape products, a devastating hit to our business model. This change not only affected our revenue but also left us scrambling to adapt in an ever-shifting regulatory landscape.
State laws seemed to evolve daily, often targeting our best-selling products. Each legislative change forced us to rethink our inventory and marketing strategies, pushing us to be more innovative and resourceful than we had ever anticipated. The challenges were daunting, but each obstacle also became an opportunity for growth.
Despite these struggles, our commitment to our community and our customers kept us motivated. We learned to pivot quickly, diversify our offerings, and find creative solutions to maintain our business. Through perseverance and a willingness to adapt, we continued to push forward, determined to turn our setbacks into stepping stones toward success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Xvertuz . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our business started as a vape shop but has evolved into a hybrid adult gift and smoke shop. We pride ourselves on offering a unique shopping experience that goes beyond the standard offerings. Our space features a coffee shop, an oxygen bar, and a pool table, creating a cool, relaxed atmosphere where customers can hang out and chill. We specialize in products that you won’t find everywhere, reminiscent of the vibe at Spencer’s and Hot Topic during the ’90s when they were considered “cool.”
While we still carry a wide range of smoke shop products, we are especially known for our exceptional customer service. Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where every customer feels valued. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to competitive pricing and a unique vibe that keeps people coming back time and time again.
We take immense pride in developing our own brand of vape products called Crypid. This brand reflects our commitment to quality and innovation, and it has become a staple for our loyal customers.
Despite facing challenges from the state and certain segments of the community that want us to go away, we are here to stay. When Utah banned flavored vape products, we didn’t let that stop us. We relocated 28 miles across the Utah border into Dinosaur, Colorado, and opened another Xvertuz location to continue providing our customers with the products they love. Additionally, we proudly operate locations in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and Pocatello, Idaho. Our resilience and dedication to our customers are at the core of our brand, and we’re excited to keep growing and serving our community.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, our plans for the Utah location are focused on resilience and evolution. We are committed to navigating the challenges posed by those who attempt to limit our presence in the market. Our goal is to adapt and innovate, ensuring that we continue to serve our loyal customers despite any obstacles.
In addition to our efforts in Utah, we will maintain our operations in states that support our business model, allowing us to reach a broader audience. We recognize the importance of being where our customers can access our products and services without unnecessary restrictions.
As we move forward, we are dedicated to developing more industry-relevant products and services that meet the evolving needs and preferences of our customers. By staying attuned to market trends and customer feedback, we aim to expand our offerings and enhance the unique experience we provide. Our commitment to innovation will be a driving force in our growth strategy, ensuring that we remain a vibrant and essential part of the communities we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Xvertuz.com
- Instagram: @Xvertuzvapes
- Facebook: @Xvertuz
- Youtube: @xvertuz8520
- Other: TickTock: @xvertuz
