Torrie Smith has been operating Loom Boutique in Santa Ynez since August 2020
By Pamela Dozois
Contributing Writer
Torrie Smith is no newcomer to the Valley. She was born and raised in Santa Ynez and opened a store called Loom Boutique in August 2020.
Tucked away on the corner of Edison and Madera streets, Loom Boutique not only sells a variety of clothing, jewelry, apothecary and beauty products, but it also shares its location with the Lash & Tan Day Spa, which is independently owned by esthetician Tori Simons.
“During 2020’s unexpected events, I was working at my previous retail job in Los Olivos. It may have seemed crazy of me to leave a safe and steady job to open a brand-new business, when so many were unemployed,” said Smith. “But about six months into the pandemic, I realized that I couldn’t control the craziness in the world, but I did have full control over my own life and how I was going to live it. And for me, that meant following a dream I never thought would be fulfilled and starting my own women’s clothing boutique.
“I was always interested in fashion from a very young age, so it was a natural expression of my passion to open a boutique where I could use my creativity to support the Valley and those who live here.”
Simons presented Smith with the opportunity to open her own store in the same space as her day spa, which Smith initially turned down because of a lack of self-confidence, but with a little encouragement she soon changed her mind. With savings of her own and a small loan from her grandfather, Smith started slowly with only three racks of clothing and put the earnings back into the business to expand her lines of merchandise and grow her business.
“Growing up in this small town, I’ve learned that connections and relationships with others can greatly affect your life,” said Smith. “Tori Simons, the owner of Lash & Tan Day Spa, who I know because my mom has worked at Santa Lucia Farm since I was in second grade, presented me with the opportunity to open my store in the same space as her day spa. Her fiancé is a co-owner of Santa Lucia Farm, hence why I believe connections and relationships are a big influence on our lives.
“During the pandemic, day spas were not able to operate but retail was allowed to be in business,” she continued. “Therefore, it helped both of us to have an operating business in the rental space.”
Smith says she likes daytime, casual and comfortable wear that can be dressed up if need be. All the jewelry she carries is made by local artisans and all the beauty products are clean products. A good number of items are made in the United States and some are imported.
Over the past year many people have asked Smith how is it that she owns her own business at such a young age of 24.
“Basically, I would say that when I was presented with the opportunity originally, I didn’t believe in myself, and I turned it down,” she said. “But my parents and my fiancé believed that I could do it. With their support I took a leap of faith and I wake up every day thankful that I did.
“I encourage anyone who has a dream they think is unreachable to go after it because you will surprise yourself. Plus, as a bonus I get to meet some pretty interesting people. I get excited to come into work every day. Isn’t that the best way to live one’s life? That’s why going after what you love is what you’ve got to do.”
Loom Boutique is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. It is located at 1050 Edison Street, Suite B, Santa Ynez.
For more information, call 805-245-0405, email shoploomboutique@gmail.com or visit shoploomboutique.com. Loom Boutique is also on Instagram and Facebook.
