Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Heiden.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mother and her best friend started the business in 1978 (in Corvallis, Oregon) In 1991 my mother moved the shop to Sisters and I bought it when she retired. I have been working at the shop in one position or another, off and on since I was about 13 years old. It is very satisfying and rewarding to put all those years of experience into the shop and see it thrive.
Being in business in one place for so long has allowed for great long term relationships to develop – (we regularly hear “”we have to stop here every time we come through Sisters” and “I have been coming here for decades”) and that longevity has allowed me to really refine the selection to cater to both the locals and the visitors in our destination town.
I’m proud of the fact that we are a second generation Sisters family owned small business – and now that my daughter is working here, we are 3 generations deep!
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?
Recessions, Covid, and periods of thick wildfire smoke have been very challenging – as well as the annual slow season during the cold months. I learned to make sure there is always a reserve to draw on (both in finances and in personal energy) because you never know what’s coming next.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ear Expressions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Most frequently overheard in-store comment: “What a fun shop!”
Ear Expressions is a second generation, Sisters, Oregon family owned boutique, filled with earrings, fashion jewelry, accessories, and gifts. We are known for our amazing earring selection and our focus is on extra-special, locally made, fair trade and hand made goods. Over the more than 30 years we’ve been in Sisters we’ve collected a unique assortment that visitors won’t see anywhere else. We also have an extensive online catalog that has much (but not all!) of our in store selection.
We hear complements every day on our selection and prices and are continually hearing from customers at checkout that “I always find something great here!”
I’m very proud of having earned the loyalty of so many new and long time return customers.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I cherish the memories of camping in Central Oregon with the mixed sharp and warm smells of sage, pine and juniper, the wildlife and blue skies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://earexpressions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earexpressions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earexpressionssisters/
