Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Schwartz.
Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been working in the fashion and retail industry since I was 17, so it’s been a huge part of my life for nearly 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in different areas of retail, with much of my experience focused on buying, merchandising, and curating collections. I’ve always loved the creative side of fashion, from discovering new designers to putting together pieces that feel special and a little unexpected.
I always imagined I’d have my own boutique someday, but I never had a specific timeline in mind. I knew it needed to be the right opportunity at the right time. After years of helping shape the vision of other retail spaces, everything eventually aligned, and elvn came to life.
I opened elvn in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone about three years ago with the idea of creating a space that felt like an extension of my personal style. I wanted to offer a thoughtful mix of elevated everyday essentials, emerging designers, vintage finds, and pieces that feel unique without being intimidating or overly trendy.
Owning a small business has been a constant learning experience, and the store has naturally evolved along the way. One of my favorite parts is getting to discover new brands, build relationships with customers, and watch people connect with pieces I’ve personally selected. It’s incredibly rewarding to have created something that feels so personal while continuing to grow and evolve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I don’t think I ever expected it to be. I’ve funded elvn entirely on my own from the beginning and continue to do so. I also maintained another demanding career while building the business, working full-time for the first couple of years and continuing to balance both afterward. There have been plenty of long days, late nights, and difficult decisions along the way.
Having spent so many years in retail, I felt confident going into it and had a good understanding of what running a business would involve. What changes when it’s your own business is the level of personal and financial responsibility. Every decision carries a little more weight when it’s your own money on the line, and there’s a different kind of pressure that comes with investing so much of yourself into something you believe in.
Being an independent retailer in Santa Barbara also comes with its own challenges. The cost of doing business is high, shopping habits are constantly evolving, and there’s a delicate balance between staying true to your vision and adapting to what your customers want and need.
Through it all, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, be resourceful, and become more comfortable with uncertainty. Not everything goes according to plan, and learning to navigate those moments is a huge part of owning a business. It’s challenged me in ways I didn’t necessarily anticipate, but building something of my own has also been incredibly rewarding, and I’m really proud of how far it’s come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about elvn?
elvn is a thoughtfully curated women’s boutique located in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. My approach to the store has always been centered around building a capsule wardrobe with fun, trend-driven pops. I love the idea of having a foundation of versatile, timeless pieces that you can wear again and again, while incorporating more playful, unexpected styles that keep getting dressed exciting. My personal style has always been a balance of effortless, feminine, and a little trend-driven, and I think that really comes through in the collection.
One of the things that sets elvn apart is how intentional I am with the buying process. I personally select everything that comes into the store, and I’m constantly looking for brands and pieces that feel special without being overly trendy or inaccessible. I love discovering emerging designers and introducing customers to brands they might not have come across otherwise. I also love mixing different price points and styles, so someone can come in for a great everyday basic and leave with something completely unexpected.
Over time, I’ve also developed a curated collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and designer pieces, which has become a really exciting part of the business. I’ve always loved the individuality and character of vintage fashion, and I think incorporating those one-of-a-kind finds alongside contemporary designers adds another layer to the store’s identity.
More than anything, I want elvn to feel approachable and inspiring. I love when someone comes in without anything specific in mind and discovers a piece they wouldn’t necessarily have chosen for themselves. I’m proud that the store has developed its own identity while continuing to evolve, and that customers trust my eye and the collection I’ve put together.
Ultimately, I want people to know that elvn is more than just a place to shop. It’s a reflection of my love for fashion, discovering new designers, and helping people find pieces that make them feel like themselves.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support elvn is simply to shop small and shop local! Every purchase, visit, recommendation, and social media share makes such a difference to an independent business like mine.
I love connecting with other local creatives, small businesses, and brands, and I’m always open to collaborations that feel like a natural fit for elvn. Whether that’s through creative projects, in-store events, or finding new ways to support one another, I think there’s so much value in building relationships within our community.
You can visit us in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone or follow along on Instagram at @elvn_sb, where I share new arrivals, vintage finds, styling inspiration, and everything happening at the store. Even just stopping by to say hello means a lot!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elvnsb.com
- Instagram: @elvn_sb
