If you’re a western fashionista, then you no doubt love a good piece of authentic, Native American turquoise. One of our favorite places to find such goods? Silver Concho! Owner Marti Wells is a native of New Mexico, so she’s grown up around the best turquoise her entire life, which has given her quite the eye.
We chatted with Marti and asked her our best questions! Read what she had to say!
Tell us about life before owning a boutique? What consumed your life before fashion?
Before Silver Concho, I was a wife, mom, and teacher. I was at every practice and event my kids participated in. That was my life and I loved every second of it. I have a grandbaby now. I am working on balancing my time to make sure she gets a large amount of my time.
What has been the most fun or exciting part of owning a boutique for you? The most challenging?
The most fun aspect of my business is the people I meet! I have met so many people who are now my friends! Every show I do is a challenge! I try to always beat my numbers from the previous year. I’m not scared to try new shows out. If they don’t work, I don’t go back!
What’s in your closet? Do you have a go-to style?
I live in jeans! They are in my closet!!!! I pair them with plain shirts and go to town with my turquoise and silver jewelry!!
How does your style differ from that of your boutique? Or is your boutique a reflection of your style?
My booth definitely reflects my style! I love everything in my booth and wear it all!
Who’s been your role models – both in business and in style?
I love my mom’s style!!! She can put her outfits together perfectly!!!
What scares you the most in life or business?
I’m not scared!!!! I pray about everything!!!
More importantly, dark or milk chocolate?
Dark chocolate!!!!! For sure!!!!
What’s your favorite retail season?
I love Christmas and spring!!!! I love helping people select Christmas presents!!!! So much fun! I love spring because of the color!!!!
Owning a business is hectic, how do you unwind?
To unwind I love hanging out with my family!!!!
If you’re an NFR veteran, what’s one thing you’d recommend a Vegas -rookie to make time for while they’re in town?
In Vegas, everyone needs to go downtown and walk around!!!! Always entertaining!!!! We are going to a few shows this year! I’m excited!!!
What are some of the biggest fashion trends you’re anticipating to see at this year’s NFR?
I’m excited to see all the velvet and fun jeans this year!
How did your boutique get started? Any fun stories behind your name?
I started selling only Indian jewelry! That is my passion! I’m a New Mexican and that has always been in my life! I think any new business owner has to be passionate about their products!!! I love mine, it makes selling so much fun!!!! My boutique is named after a racehorse my parents owned!!!
Year your boutique was founded?
2011.
Your boutique’s brand in three words…go!
Jewelry-clothes-fun
When I walk into your boutique, what is the atmosphere like, how do you hope to make your customers feel?
My boutique is friendly, energetic, and happy!!! I enjoy my customers and want them to know that!
Tell us about the women who shop at your boutique?
The women who shop with me are all ages! There is something for all of them!
In your store now – what’s one steal and one splurge?
My clothes are a steal! I try to keep the price very reasonable! I also sell jewelry that I love, but isn’t expensive! The splurge is my Navajo jewelry!!!!!
What are your favorite trends at the moment?
My favorite trends are the najas which I have in every size!!! They look great with everything and aren’t as heavy as squash blossoms!
How do you decide what to buy for your boutique?
When choosing jewelry, I have to love it! I couldn’t sell it if I didn’t! With clothes, price, quality are looked at! I am very blessed to have Ralna working with me! We are a 2 man show! We buy, sell and do it all. Our styles are different and that really helps when buying! I couldn’t do it without her!!!
Do you use outside models and photographers or do you keep those things in house?
I used an outside photographer and love her work!!! This was my first photo shoot! You could say I am very green. All of the photos in this post are taken by Hannah Black Photography, and she did an amazing job!
If your boutique dressed a celebrity daily – who would it be?
I would dress Miranda Lambert! I love her personality!!!!
If you’re going to be in Vegas, be sure to shop with Marti and Silver Concho, at the Roper Cowboy Marketplace (Mandalay Bay Convention Center)!
Are you a fashionista with an eye for all things western?! Then you’ll want to sign up for our BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW western-focused email list! All you’ve got to do is follow this link, and leave your info! `
All photos taken by Hannah Black Photography
