Meet Shannon Vance | Proprietress

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

Hi Shannon, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I started Stash Style in 2001 as a retail boutique and in 2011 transitioned to wholesale. I pride myself on creating and producing everything in the United States. In our green initiative we recycle and reuse about 75% of our supplies to lesson our carbon footprint. For over 15 years we have been selling our vintage faded flannel shirts and denim which have a bit of a cult following.
Late in 2023 we opened our sister company, Ritual- a wellness emporium of sorts. At Ritual we offer a small retail boutique with books, crystals, organic perfume oils, coconut wax hand poured candles and much more. In addition to the store we also offer Reiki, Aura Photography, Tarot, Yoga, Meditation, Candle making workshops and more. The community has been responding in such a positive way, and our little family here continues to grow!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m most proud of the message Stash Style’s product brings to so many people. Many of our items that I design are snarky quoted coffee mugs, dishtowels, pillows. The gift giving business is not easy but when the audience has a great response its worth the effort. I love being at a trade show and hearing shop owners reading our products out loud and laughing so hard together, then ordering and re-ordering. Its strange because I managed to cruise through the recession of 2008 without having to close, covid-times were actually my best two years sales wise but 2023 and the start of this year has been tough for my customers (store owners) I try and work together with them to lesson the burden through these times by lowering my order minimums and not raising my prices and just checking in with kind words of encouragement.
I’m extremely proud of Ritual, which is truly my passion project. I created a space where technicians can work and explore wellness in a safe and inclusive environment. My hope for the future of Ritual is that we keep growing our community and add new opportunities for people like group therapy sessions and a tiny health market within the shop with blended supplements and such.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all Lake Erie! I have a small wooden boat, a Lyman that was built in 1959. I spend a lot of time on or near the water in the summer and fall months. Driving through the Metroparks, “taking the long way” is just magic. We are so lucky to have so much gorgeous green space in our city.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland are Amba and Patron Saint in Hingetown neighborhood, and definitely grab a Tony-rita at the Jukebox right there as well. My favorite patio is in Rocky River at the Wine Bar, which is walking distance from my house… convenient:) I also like to show folks new to Cleveland Chagrin Falls, I call it our Pleasantville. Its so quaint and there are lots of fun boutiques and eateries. I had a retail store there for 6 years in the early 2000’s. I’ll say that little community really supports their small businesses.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ever since I was a little girl and my grandmother taught me how to crochet my creativity launched in lightening speed. I owe any success I’ve had to my family! We love BIG. I come from a large Italian family, so cooking and weekly Sunday dinners always. My family and my two sons have been my biggest champions and support through all of my endeavors. My boys have helped me at each of my retail stores and at my warehouse doing anything I would ask out of the goodness of their hearts. I have gained hundreds of very loyal customers over the years, many that turned into lasting friendships. I believe if you do any job with a full heart and good intentions you receive that back ten fold.

Website: https://stashstyle.com

Instagram: @stashstyle_ritual

Facebook: Stash Style