Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jill Hass. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jill, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?
It’s all kind of a crazy, hair brain story really. I had been a work-at-home mom, child care provider, animal lover, creative, type- B, outdoors enthusiast, free spirit for as long as I can remember. I was nearing the BIG 4-O and my dad had a grand idea. “Jill, how about we import Italian leather handbags and sell them in the US?” You see, dad traveled to Italy each year for work and had fallen in love with their AH-MAZING leather goods. I mean really, can you blame him? “Ummm, great idea dad! EXCEPT, I’m no Spring chicken anymore and have NO clue how to import anything. (Unless, you count the vanilla I brought back from vacation that one time. HA! )” I decided life is too short and well, that grand idea led from one thing to another, tons of research, fretting and stewing, excitement and a short while later BAM….Olita was born! No, Olita is not an Italian word. It’s a combination of my kids’ names. Olivia + Tayton = Olita! Awww, isn’t that sweet! :)
Forward to 2018: I realized my youngest would graduate soon and I would be an empty nester at the ripe old age of 43! WHAT on earth would I do with myself?? With that, planning began again! I have, for as long as I can remember, had visions of owning my very own shop. The kind that I have always loved going to with my mom and daughter. You know the ones. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll through leisurely looking at every last detail. Picking up unique and possibly quirky items for myself or as gifts. In September of 2019 that vision became a reality. The timing was right and I jumped on the opportunity! 3 weeks later, on October 17, 2019, Olita Gifts and Goods opened it’s doors just in time for the holiday season!
This journey has been one of learning, tears, growth and so much dang fun! Unfortunately, with the astronomical cost of shipping from Italy the last couple of years, I have not been able to have an Olita Italian Leather Goods Collection, BUT did open the second Olita Gifts & Goods store in Hutchinson, MN. Hutchinson is now the community I call home and have since closed the doors at the Saint Peter store.
Jill, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
When opening Olita Gifts & Goods I had many goals, as most small business owners do! Of course, goals for sales are necessary, but the most important goal for my store was creating an environment that exuded a happy, fun, comfortable and welcoming feel. I wanted everyone that walked in the door to feel excited to come back again and again. To ensure that goal is met it’s important everyone, from every walk of life, is greeted with kindness and respect. I also feel the “vibe” of the store needs to be welcoming to every age. With that, I play music that is upbeat and friendly, not just trendy and popular at the current time. Think: The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. :) Our Olita Kids area is filled with fun, creative items and also plenty of things to play with while mom and dad are shopping. Last, but definitely not least, I take pride in our FREE gift wrapping! Our customers love walking out the door with gifts in hand, ready to bring to the party!
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
I work closely with two other local woman business owners. One being connected to Olita by a hallway and the other just 2 doors down on Main Street. We talk daily about our businesses, sales, what’s working and what’s not, new ideas, complain, and offer our shoulders to cry on when it gets tough. One spur of the moment marketing idea came when the 3 of us were snapchatting one morning. We were discussing how desperate we were feeling with sales down and not really sure what to do. We (loosely) related it to what it must feel like for the people that stand on street corners with signs asking for help. And with that….#cardboardsigngirls was started!! We each hand wrote a message on a piece of cardboard and took photos of us holding them. Since that first photo early this Spring we have invited other local small businesses to join us! The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce even challenged other businesses to a “Sign War”…creating a buzz on social media and the importance of shopping, dining and thinking local!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting should really be my middle name! Ha! As mentioned in the previous story, I was an at-home-working-mom, running a day care business, caring for my kids/home/pets. I loved my job and the kids I cared for as well as being able to be there for my own children.
Then, a bomb hit.
My then husband wanted a divorce after 21 years of marriage. I was beyond devastated, scared, lost and very unsure what the future looked like. I knew that childcare would not be feasible forever as it takes a LOT of energy and stamina not to mention I would not be able to stay in our home on a single income which is where I ran by business from. With that, the first Olita Gifts & Goods was born! I opened the store while also continuing childcare, knowing that I needed time to build the business and income before quitting my full-time job.
We divorced.
I met the love of my life!
Fast forward a bit… opened a sister store in St. Peter called Freebird by Olita, retired from childcare after 12 years, graduated my youngest, moved out of the home we had lived in for 16 years, moved to a Hutchinson and opened a second Olita Gifts & Goods store there. All while in a pandemic.
It was an absolute whirlwind to say the least!
Being that we were in the middle of the pandemic sales changed drastically! What used to be hustling and bustling stores was now masked customers afraid to shop! I quickly realized something needed to change. With that, I closed Freebird after being open only 1 year and then the St. Peter Olita a year and a half later. (I know, it’s confusing! I can barely keep track and I lived it:) ) Although, I cried many tears over closing the original Olita Gifts & Goods in St. Peter, it has turned out to be a good thing. I have less pressure and feel like guilt about not being there as much as I should have been.
Contact Info:
- Website: olitagiftsandgoods.com
- Instagram: @olitagiftsandgoods
- Facebook: @olitagiftsandgoods