Shop it to me: RosaSnow.com

Continuing our series of catch-ups with the people behind the world’s online snowboard stores for women, we speak to Missy Killian of Rosa Snow. You can check out the store at www.rosasnow.com

What made you decide to start Rosa Snow?

I was hooked on snowboarding after the first day I tried it, but when I went to local shops to get gear, there was just nothing for girls! And all the employees were guys, which was really awkward for me, since I was 12. The desire never faded to provide another retail option for girls only. I think a lot of shops have gotten better and are more accessible, and online shopping has become more popular, but I still haven’t been 100% satisfied. To be honest, I am not a huge fan of getting my gear at Malls and like to support independent shops. So I decided to live the dream!

Where are you based?

Rosa Snow is based in Minneapolis, MN. It’s really great being in the Midwest, too, because we are centrally located in the U.S. and Minneapolis/St.Paul is a huge metropolis with many great opportunities and culture. Have you ever heard the expression “Minnesota Nice?” It’s true! People are great!

What’s your role in the store?

I am the founder and head honcho. I wear many hats and I’m involved in every aspect of the shop from customer service to buying, cleaning to website maintenance.

Are you a snowboarder yourself? How long have you been riding?

Of course! I started riding when I was 12 years old in 7th grade. Been riding ever since!  I’ll be 27 in March. You do the math :)

How does an average day for you unfold?

Totally depends on the time of year, no question. In general though, I get up early and start working. Definitely spend a lot of time online and on the computer taking care of business. You never know what might come up in a day. Right now it is buying season and there are a lot of events and tradeshows going on, so a lot of time traveling. I find balance by  working out and getting outside whenever possible, and of course, learning when to call it quits for the day and hanging out with friends!

What skills do you think it takes to run a successful online snowboard store?

Well, I think to be a success in anything, you have to have passion, you can’t give up, and you have to be willing to learn and change. Mistakes will happen and you can learn a lot from those mistakes. As far as actual skills, I think a knowledge of graphic design and computers, being business savvy, marketing, time management, flexibility, communication, and most importantly, customer service!!! Without great customer service, you’re in trouble. Oh, and another great thing is knowing your industry. It would be silly to think you can run a snowboard shop without being a snowboarder yourself.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

It’s hard when there are so many things you love doing, so you avoid or procrastinate on the not-so-exciting stuff. But it has to get done. The other challenge for a small business is keeping up with the big-shots and competing with them. Unfortunately, I’m still finding a challenge with how male-dominated this industry is. Ultimately, the hardest part about my job is looking out the window and the snow is falling and you can’t think of doing anything but snowboarding!

What are the best things about it?

This industry is filled with the goofiest, most awesome, active people! There’s a saying that if you love your work, then you’ll never work another day in your life. That’s what I feel. I don’t even feel like I’m working, I feel like I’m living. I also love my customers ~ I’ve had really long conversations on the phone with them and they are so cool!

How do you go about finding brands to stock?

We think it is important to carry brands that share the same values as us: great design, functionality, concern for the environment, and obviously, if they care about women-specific, then we are fans. We also like to provide brands and products that you won’t find at big-box retailers. Since we are a new shop, we are continually looking to add new brands.

How do you pick which items to stock? Do you pick everything based on what you like or do you keep different kinds of customers in mind?

We definitely keep everyone in mind! Being online, we don’t have the advantage of knowing what is popular in a particular territory. For instance, Midwest needs and aesthetics may differ from those of the West Coast. We are always thinking of that. We know that people who live in Florida may be planning a trip to Colorado and need outerwear, too! I will say though, it is really fun to pick out things that I personally like!

What are your bestsellers so far this season?

Outerwear from Nikita, Betty Rides and 686. We have a little bit of everything on Rosa Snow, so we’ve sold a lot of hoodies, hats from Coal, bags from Dakine, layering from Sessions...

Are you noticing the effects of the global credit crisis at all on people’s shopping habits?

Yes and no. I think if people love to do something, they are going to find a way to do it. It’s really hard to say because Rosa Snow is a new business, so we don’t have past years to look at.

The website says Rosa Snow is all about promoting women's participation in snowboarding as a sport, a fun activity – what events and activities are involved with or planning to get involved with to do this?

Even by just existing, we are promoting women’s participation! We believe that if you feel good and look good, then that is going to shine through in your performance. You will have confidence. Our first priority right now is our customers and being the best girls  shop. We have been involved with some local events in the Midwest like competitions, and we have more in the works this season. We’d really like to be more involved with girls-only camps and events. Next winter we will be out there a lot more!  In fact, if anyone has any ideas or events in the works, let’s make it happen!!

Visit Rosa Snow at www.rosasnow.com