Meet Sam Heaton | Record Shop Owner, Mom and Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Heaton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When the building next to my husband’s business went up for sale I knew I was ready to change my professional life. Being a record collector, avid record store shopper and the enjoyment having a turntable in my home has been a true sense of joy for myself and my family for a really long time. After the covid shut down I was unhappy in my career as a hair stylist and created a plan to enrich my life and find a new way to live.

I didn’t know anything about running a small retail store but I’ve been working since I was 15. Restaurants, retail stores, reception, doing hair, I was always willing to clock in and have a good time while I made my money. I was lucky enough to learn so much along the way with some extremely memorable bosses, supervisors, co-workers, floor leaders and mentors. I am a true vocational learner and now as I run my small business I make decisions consciously and confidently with that background. I’m lucky to have a partner that understands what it really means to open and run your own small business. With my husband’s support I am able to put the love and energy this business needs to thrive. Also he’s the poor soul that has to teach me to use QuickBooks, dude is a saint.

My record store is a culmination of all of my experience in my many jobs and side hustles. Being open to work hard and understanding that no one is going to give you handouts, it’s all on you. The process starts there. Many people offer to help and want to be apart of the thing but when it comes down to it you have to put in the work, read all the fine print and put your name on everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a mom sets me apart. Along with my husband we get to help three amazing individuals grow. Those three kids give me the confidence and drive to keep working hard and keep working with love and consciousness.

All working moms should be celebrated more. Pumping while nursing and still on the clock to make money to contribute to your family should be celebrated. Managing 8th, 6th and Kindergarten homework all while keeping up with Record Store Day lists should be celebrated. Working together with your partner to make sure everyone is at cross country, student council or the book fair should be celebrated all while you network at small community events should be celebrated.

Running a small business there is no HR to help you keep your work/life balance in check. There are no paid sick days. There is just you and your vigor to make it work. Being a mom has prepared me for that ten fold. I am able to work all day at the shop ordering new releases, grading and pricing used albums, organizing inventory and keeping up with the responsibilities of being a building owner knowing I am doing this for my life and my family. Making sure customers enjoy themselves every visit is my focus. And enjoying my life outside of my work is spending time with my husband and kids, listening to records in our home. It’s all quite a lovey ecosystem on the weeks I can get it all together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are some really interesting AirBnbs here in Massillon. Super cute and safe, so look them up! The art museum MassMu is FREE! You can literally go in, whenever they are open and enjoy. The staff there are young, hardworking and so cool. There is an awesome photo exhibit by Ish Ishmael in Studio M right now that I really want everyone to see. Not to mention in the lobby their is the most wonderful little lunch spot. The Greatness Cafe offers self affirmations and amazing smoothies, salads and sandwiches. The staff is lovely and they are always down for a game of chess in the lobby.

We’ve got boba tea at Golden Tiger Tea and coffee from Tremont to get you through the day. Paradigm Shift brewery, Benders, Heck’s Downtown, The Hideaway and Chloe’s Diner that will keep you tipsy and full all night.

As for shopping there’s plenty of little antique shops to bop in. Sangria Stand is amazing and Dori loves to entertain.

Lastly do not forget your bike. The towpath is a block from the shop and all of downtown. You can hop on and ride for miles…even up to Akron nonstop!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There has been and will be one bright beacon for me during this ride. The Women In Vinyl community has literally been my resource since day one. Literally day one! Their early blog posts were literally where I got the confidence to apply for my LLC. The day I got my keys to the building their first podcast was put out into the world and I ended up connecting with their first guest, Amanda Schutzman, she is now one of my most trusted and organized reps that I get to chat with weekly.

The Women In Vinyl community is a group of amazing females led by Jenn D’Eugenio that want to make sure everyone knows that the vinyl industry is full of women doing amazing things. From production, mixing, retail and everything in between there are so many of us kicking ass, supporting one another and opening doors for all.

I’ve learned that being a shop owner is pretty isolating work. Luckily between the support from my local record shop neighbors and the Women In Vinyl community I feel like I can do this!

Instagram: @eriestvinyl

Facebook: @eriestvinyl

Image Credits
Headshot by Malcolm Harrell