Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sam Heaton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sam, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
After the shut down during covid I grew out of my career that I have focused on my whole adult life. I was unhappy and looking for more. When the building next to my husband’s tattoo shop became available I convinced him that we should buy it so I could open up a record store for the community.
Record stores and collecting vinyl music has been a staple in my almost 20 year relationship with my husband. We spent our early twenties traveling to cities big and small. Every time we stopped somewhere we would seek out the local record shop. Not only to dig for albums we have been looking for but to get an idea of what the city sounds and looks like.
Retail work has always been apart of my life and nothing invigorated me more than the idea of running my own record shop. While we renovated my new 100 year old historic building I dove into what it takes to run a small independent record store. I learn something new every week and stay focused on what I want this business stands for. I work hard every single day to make sure the risk we took in purchasing commercial property in a small city and opening a curated independent record shop pays off.
This is a lovely industry that I’m able to be my true self all while listening to music on vinyl every single day. The harder I work, the smarter I order, the more love I put into the space the more and more I see this risk turning into a heart fulfilling, successful business and community spot.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Sam Heaton, I’m a mother of three amazing individuals. Married to a true renaissance man that is truly my equal.
I own Erie St Vinyl in Massillon OH. It is a brick and mortar, thoughtfully curated record shop where you can get back in touch with shopping for records in person. The record industry is alive and well (didn’t really go anywhere if you have always been a collector). I want my shop to enrich people’s day, not just their vinyl collection. I put thought, effort and time into the feel of the shop and source new records as consciously as I can. All while finding good homes to used vinyl that I seek out from local music lovers.
You will remember shopping at my store. Whether it’s because you found a copy of a band you would never think you’d find in a small city like Massillon. Or the overall vibe of a good record playing from the “house mix”, old music videos streaming on the back wall, local art all over the walls or the smell of incense.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Find balance in your purchasing. I know you can find anything now a days on Amazon or ebay. Making the time to getting out and supporting local businesses should be a priority. All of us independently owned boutiques and retail stores should not be competing with one another. We should be collaborating and working together to show shoppers it’s much more enriching to shop in person and support small businesses.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When shoppers genuinely enjoy their shopping experience in real time, will forever be my reward in this industry. Listening to people ohh and ahhh at an old album they haven’t seen repressed in so long. Watching young people take pictures and get excited that something like this exist in their small city. That’s what puts a smile on my face.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @eriestvinyl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eriestvinyl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samheatoneriestvinyl/
- TikTok: @eriestvinyl
Image Credits
Head shot by Malcolm Harrell