Shop Small OKC

If there were a perfect small business to begin my Shop Small OKC project with, I feel like it is this one. There is something magical about Siempre Viva. I remember when I first was introduced to this line a couple of years ago at the very awesome holiday midtown pop-up shops. It was a brisk winter day, but i was completely transported out of our country when I saw all that Siempre Viva offered.

That day I met Sally, the owner, and was completely wowed by her vision and enthusiasm. Her smile is contagious and you really need to follow her on Instagram and view her story highlights to see her in Mexico sourcing all her amazing goods from Mexican artisans. Sally is the kind of human that makes this world a better place — she cares about the social responsibility of the creations she sells - the artisans have opportunities, they are fairly compensated, she cares about the laborers and their working environment. She cares about the quality and consistency of the product and she is involved in everything and so transparent about all of it.

And the products - the clothes, the bags, the shoes, the gifts. Y’all. All of it is amazing. It is chic, and current, and special. Everything is just so special. I literally want to buy it all. Walking into the charming store you see so many tempting things. The clothing is so flattering - shirts, dresses, skirts all look amazing on. I couldn’t resist some of the one of a kind pieces that were sourced from a recent trip to Mexico. And the pillows and tea towels were really charming as well. And the children’s toys. I could go on and on…

It is the biggest kind of magic to think that shopping small at Siempre Viva adds value to our community and to the community of so many others. It brings me such joy to know that there is a woman in Oklahoma who had a vision for something that brings design and beauty and culture and sustenance to so many people in so many ways.

I asked Sally a few questions so that you all could learn a little more about her small business

ShopSmallOKC: Tell me a little about your small shop

Siempre Viva: Siempre Viva is an ethical boutique, that sources products that have been personally vetted by me, according to my standards that reflect the Fair Trade Principles.

ShopSmallOKC: When did your store open?

Siempre Viva: We opened our Brick and Mortar in August of 2017, but Siempre Viva just turned 3 this summer!

ShopSmallOKC: What is your store’s specialty?

Siempre Viva: Our specialty is curating goods that have been produced ethically. We ask the hard questions, so that you don't have to.

ShopSmallOKC: Why did you go into small business/open your store?

Siempre Viva: I knew I wanted to create change in communities in Mexico that had given a lot to me as a vulnerable teenage exchange student.

ShopSmallOKC: What accomplishment are you most proud of as a small shop owner?

Siempre Viva: I am most proud of employing 28 families full time and landing Nordstrom as a client.

ShopSmallOKC: What is the biggest challenge of being a small shop?

Siempre Viva: The biggest challenge is managing the supply chain while maintaining the funding to keep all of our families working.

ShopSmallOKC: When you aren’t busy with your shop, what do you enjoy doing?

Siempre Viva: I love to hang out with my twin boys, Silas + Cruz and I practice yoga daily.

ShopSmallOKC: Favorite OKC date night?

Siempre Viva: Our favorite date night is to the Jones for dinner and live music.

ShopSmallOKC: Favorite local thing to go/see/do?

Siempre Viva: My favorite local thing to do attend the local pop-up shop markets to support other entrepreneurs from my community.

Follow her on Instagram at SiempreVivaClothing and check out her website www.siemprevivaclothing.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter and get a generous discount on some online shopping or in store! Her charming brick and mortar store is in Automobile Alley at 3 NW 9th Street.