DECEMBER SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH!

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Everything Utah is a gift store that fosters an appreciation for Utah by providing treasures and keepsakes that honor the memories made in our great state. It is your one-stop shop for locally-made products including handcrafted jewelry, collectibles, fine art, books, artifacts, geological treasures, Utah-branded clothing and gear and lastly the best selection of chocolates, candies, salt water taffy and pure Utah honies. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs to take home or are a life-long Utahn, Everything Utah is here for you! In honor of the holiday season we have chosen Everything Utah as our December small business of the month! We sat down with owner and Utah enthusiast Mary Lindsey to hear more about why she loves our fabulous state.  

UMLF: Mary tell us about yourself. What’s your background? What made you want to start Everything Utah?
Mary: I love this amazing state of Utah. This wonderful place has been fertile ground for me to grow and develop myself and enable me to continue to become the woman, mother, and community member whom I want to be. I love the people of Utah, honor our state, and I love the gifts of Mother Nature which are here for us. I want to provide an experience for locals to be able to be able to enjoy and support our own identity while also giving visitors an authentic immersion into what's good about Utah.

UMLF:  Every business has its high and lows. Tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it?
Mary: The greatest challenge thus far has been that there are a few “haters” if you will. Individuals who mistreat our space, steal or demand more than is reasonable for sustainability. I do want to say that this is not a lot of our customers but it hurts when it does occur. For a long time local businesses have been losing ground and brave entrepreneurs who are creating, financing, working, offering, are putting it all out there to sustain and enrich communities. We are thankful to visitors and locals alike that appreciate and support our store. 

UMLF:  What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?
Mary: My advice is to be willing to be humble in your initial offering. Roll it out with confidence and confidence. “Never play small” but remain grateful and humble in all that you are fortunate to have vision of and stewardship over.

UMLF: How do you believe the Utah Microloan Fund has helped you and your business? 
Mary: Shortly after opening Everything Utah at our former Gateway location I learned about the UMLF. I applied for a small loan to allow Everything Utah’s offerings to be expanded and more widely known. I received support, counsel, vital critiques and feedback as I presented my intentions for Everything Utah. In doing so I learned not only how to request funding, but it also solidified my vision and hope for Everything Utah. Being able to follow a proven system which has been lovingly and professionally developed to support and grow businesses is amazing. This ultimately create strong, supportive, and viable and I dare say more welcoming and sustainable communities.

UMLF: What are some of your favorite getaways in Utah?
Mary: I love to go down to Moab with our family and enjoy hikes off the beaten path with our daughter Kelley. She has so much to share from a local’s point of view and is a nurse and a guide of many fun activities in Moab. I recommend the Moab Adventure Center and that personalized type of connection with the area. Brighton and Snowbird resorts are also family favorites here along the Wasatch no matter what season. There is amazing scenery, hikes, skiing, snowboarding, accommodations and tasty food. 

UMLF: Do you have any fun gifts for the holidays that you recommend?
Mary: Everything Utah Charcuterie Boards are really popular and justifiably so. They are adorable, practical and everyone loves them. So gift away with these locally-crafted Utah shaped charcuterie boards knowing that you be the sharing the life of the party for holiday gatherings and celebrations to come. Here is a tip, stop by Everything Utah request your charcuterie board, there are four designs to choose from. Head over to Western Nut Company and check out their amazing selection and grab a little bag of your favorite nuts to share with the board. Next pick up Heber Valley Cheese or Beehive Cheese from your favorite cheese monger and some Creminelli meats with a jar of jam from Everything Utah. 

Address: 

• 311 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 

​Website: 

•  https://www.everythingut.com/

Facebook: 

• www.facebook.com/everythingut

Instagram: 

• www.instagram.com/everythingutahslc ​