We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Ortiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.

Alright, Leah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The Arc has always been driven by a mission to empower and support our community, but we faced a common challenge—finding sustainable funding sources to fuel our endeavors.

We brainstormed ways to overcome this obstacle, and knew we had to think outside the box. We wanted to create funding options that would provide more control and stability, allowing us to continue our important work without constantly relying on external support.

We explored various avenues and contemplated what set them apart from others. With the mission in mind, we decided to leverage our unique position to tackle one of the pressing issues faced by the community we serve: the high unemployment rates among people with disabilities.

With this realization, the idea for Theirlooms began to take shape. Theirlooms is more than just a retail store; it is a purposeful space, carefully aligned with The Arc’s mission. The concept was to create a business that would not only generate revenue for our cause, but also provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Initially launching in a pop-up shop in 2020, Theirlooms is a retail and consignment store, offering a wide array of upcycled and repurposed items. We understood the power of sustainability and recognized the beauty in giving new life to forgotten treasures. Donations from the community has formed the foundation of Theirlooms, minimizing overhead costs and maximizing the impact of every dollar earned.

Now located in the heart of downtown with a vibrant store-front, when walking into Theirlooms, one could feel a sense of warmth and inclusivity. The store showcases a diverse range of products, catering to the varied tastes and preferences of customers. From vintage furniture lovingly restored to handcrafted items made by entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with disabilities, every item has a story to tell.

The consignment option was a key feature of Theirlooms, allowing talented individuals with disabilities to showcase their work and earn a fair income. The store provided a platform for these entrepreneurs to flourish, breaking barriers and challenging societal perceptions. It was a celebration of their abilities and a testament to the power of inclusion.

As word spread about Theirlooms, the community rallied behind the cause. People flocked to the store, drawn not only by the unique products but also by the heartfelt mission that underpinned every transaction. The success of Theirlooms went beyond financial gains; it became a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals with disabilities, showing them that they too could be valued contributors to society.

With each sale, every item in Theirlooms carried a piece of the community’s support and belief in the potential of people with disabilities. The funds generated from the store’s operations provided stability for The Arc’s programs and initiatives, empowering them to expand their reach and make an even greater impact.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have had the privilege of engaging in a diverse range of professions throughout my career. From serving as a Veteran of the U.S. Army to working as a Police Officer, licensed therapist, and most recently, earning my Juris Doctor degree, my journey has been filled with experiences that have shaped my perspectives and passions.

For nearly nine years, I have had the honor of leading The Arc of Calhoun County, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocating for social justice issues and ensuring that every person has a voice are at the core of my beliefs and the mission of The Arc.

I was recruited to The Arc and while I did not intend to do what I am now — I cannot imagine not being on this side of advocacy, the side where representation matters, a sense of belonging matters, and where inclusivity is expected.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

With a clear understanding of the unique model we wanted to adopt, we embarked on a journey to gather the resources necessary to launch this innovative enterprise.

Our first step was reaching out to the community and sharing the vision for Theirlooms. We attended local events, community gatherings, and engaged in conversations with individuals and organizations that shared our passion for social impact. Theirlooms would not only benefit the community, but also empower individuals with disabilities.

The power of upcycling and repurposing and how these practices could not only benefit the environment but also support a meaningful cause, which resonated with many people.

Generous community members who embrace the concept of Theirlooms have donated items that have been transformed into treasures.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Sometimes, life has a way of presenting us with moments that force us to reevaluate our paths and make significant changes. For me, such a moment came during my time in law enforcement, a career that I had dedicated myself to after serving in the Army.

Tragically, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of a fellow soldier, someone I had served with, who chose to take his own life. This devastating event shook me to the core and made me confront the harsh realities of mental health struggles and the toll they can take on individuals, even those who are brave and resilient. It was a profound wake-up call, a stark reminder of the importance of emotional well-being and the need for support systems.

In that moment, I realized that I had to pivot my career and find a way to make a more direct impact on the lives of those facing mental health challenges. I felt compelled to pursue a path that would allow me to provide support, understanding, and guidance to individuals in moments of crisis.

Becoming a licensed therapist opened doors to a world where I could make a tangible difference in the lives of others. It allowed me to create a safe space for individuals to share their stories, confront their struggles, and become empowered. The ability to offer support, empathy, and guidance to those in need became my mission.

The pivot in my career was not without challenges. It required tremendous dedication, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. But it was a necessary step, one that aligned my passion for helping others with a career that allowed me to do just that.

Looking back, I am grateful for the experience that led me to pivot my career. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health and the pressing need for more support and understanding in our society. It also reaffirmed my belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of seeking help when needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theirlooms.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051173564102
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ortiz-lmsw-clinical-j-d-637375234/