|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Inspired by life among the redwood trees, Jennie Aburish launched her apparel business, Side of the Woods, in July. Aburish, originally from the small town of Orondo, Washington, sells Woodside-themed clothing embroidered with Woodside emblems such as horses, bikes, mushrooms and the Highway 84 sign.
Aburish and her family first discovered Woodside during a hike at Wunderlich Park in 2019 and fell in love with the town. After buying a home in the Western Hills neighborhood four years ago, Aburish wanted to create something that showcased her love and appreciation for Woodside.
As a mother of two young children, Abruish said the only time she can do her thinking is late at night. While laying in bed one day, she had the idea of starting a clothing company and with this late night thought, Side of the Woods was born. The company serves as her creative outlet.
“I feel like this place is so magical. I just wanted something to show how special Woodside is, because I don’t know if everyone knows about Woodside,” said Aburish. “I was thinking it’d be great for people to know how amazing it is and show how amazing this community is.”
Despite not having any prior experience in business, Aburish is using her background in IT and project management in her new venture. She said patience is a skill that has helped the most with launching a business.
In 2023, she started brainstorming ideas and for the last year has been sampling T-shirts, working with designers, building her website and testing the embroidery on her products. She said the length of time to work through various logistics took longer than expected.
“I was really surprised. I thought it was gonna launch in January, my goal, and then it didn’t launch until July,” said Aburish.
T-shirts and long sleeves are now available on the website. Hats and socks are in the works. Aburishs is also planning on releasing more sizes and colors for shirts as well as new designs. The website currently lists five different designs in various colors with prices ranging from $33 to $40. She is not yet selling her products in stores.
As Side of the Woods continues to grow, Aburish is hoping to donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity at the end of every year. She also has a long term goal is to partner with local businesses to create merchandise for them.
While juggling the busy schedule of being a mother and business owner, Aburish is hoping to find more time to focus on her business since her two kids headed back to school this fall. With the extra time, she hopes to meet with local boutiques and businesses to sell her products in stores.
Aburish’s husband Hassan Aburish, who models her merchandise, is currently running for the District 5 seat on Woodside’s Town Council in the November election.
Side of the Woods: Website: sideofthewoods.com; @sideofthewoodsllc on Instagram.
