Meet Heidi Owen West, a native saratogian, local small business owner and running for your citys mayor! Wow, that's a lot! Which is why she deserves the local bad ass title right along side the many others. She owns Lifestyles, A consciously curated collection of women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories (taken from their website). Here right in downtown Saratoga. So you can trust she is in the thick of this town and has seen transitions and challenges from this pandemic and wants to truly make a change.
Quoted directly "My goal as Mayor is to bring our community back together. I don’t care what your background is or what your political party is, if you want to be a part of the success of this city, I want you on my team."
Q. 1 When did the entrepreneur bug bite you?
At a very young age, it was in my blood as I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. I saw my grandfather, uncle and mother set their own course and work hard to create the life they wanted to live.
Q. 2 What is your passion?
I am passionate about small business. Small businesses are the heart and soul of a community. I’m a fierce supporter of anyone willing to put everything on the line and do what it takes to create an independent business.
Q.3 Who were the women mentors that encouraged you or inspired you?
My mother was the first person who inspired me although I didn’t know it until I was a mother myself. She was fearless! She tackled any challenge without hesitation and simply didn’t quit until she was finished. Grit is what she taught me.
My dear friend Lezlie Dana Torkleson inspired me to be the best version of myself, to always say yes to life, to look for open doors, and walk through them. Ninki Carroll showed me how to love unconditionally, to understand the human experience, and to always believe in myself. I’m inspired by the women in my life who are everyday warriors, showing up for each other, loving fiercely, and living fearlessly in a world that will take you to your knees.
Q.4 What do you want local saratogians to know about you? I want Saratogian’s to know how much I care about our city and the people I share it with. I’m proud to be a part of this engaged community as It’s such a large part of who I am. If there is work to be done or someone needs help, I will be there. You can count on me.
Q.5 What do you do for encouragement or to be motivated? I’m motivated by collaborating with creative, brilliant minds. The energy that comes from working together to solve problems or create something new is exciting to me. Q. 6 How do you balance your entrepreneur life with friends/family that don’t understand the challenges we experience? A very good question . . . and without an easy answer. Many people think being an entrepreneur gives you more freedom and less work when often the opposite is true, less freedom and more work! You are the one who has to show up when things go wrong, when a team member can’t be there, when planning falls short. So you quickly learn to cover all bases and have plans b,c,d,e,f,g . . . . z in place.
My family and friends are used to the businesses coming first. I however still get frustrated when I am torn away from family time for business purposes. I’ve learned to plan for certain sacred times when family and friends are the priority and nothing else will interrupt that.
Q.7 What Is the mission of your business/job?
The mission of my business is to build community. To create a space where people connect, create, and care for each other. I’ve developed a business model that focuses on giving back to the community along with the lofty goal of making a difference in the retail apparel industry.
Q.8 With the past year of unfortunate changes, As mayor what positive changes do you hope to make? My goal as Mayor is to bring our community back together. I don’t care what your back ground is or what your political party is, if you want to be a part of the success of this city, I want you on my team. A consensus-building approach with all stakeholders at the table will be a hallmark of my administration.
Q.9 With many challenges with being a woman in business, what about being a badass woman has benefited you and your business?
Perseverance, tenacity . . . being knocked down and always, always, always getting back up!
Q.10 Finally - What is a quote that inspires you!
I have an English degree so words matter to me. It’s hard to narrow down but a long time favorite by Anais Nin “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”
So shop at Lifestyles and Vote for Heidi Owen West!
Heidi Owen West- Facebook
436 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
