Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine
56 | JUST ADD WHISKEY
An inside look at Montecito boutique Whiskey + Leather
Hear from the women behind the Montecito boutique serving looks of California cool-girl with a Western kick.
Dreamy and modern paired with western flair to boot, Whiskey + Leather is just the retail therapy I needed as businesses reopen safely in Santa Barbara. I am welcomed to the store by sales associate Haley and she starts a dressing room for me as soon as I have a pair of snakeskin print pants in my hands. My eyes are drawn to the bottles of whiskey displayed against the back wall, in addition to bar stools plucked out of an old western film that are cleverly placed in front of the checkout counter/bar. I’m mesmerized by the intricate rustic details and find myself filling my arms with a heap of eccentric pieces to try on. After exchanging laughs and a shared passion for relaxed fashion with Ariel Hujar (co-founder/owner) and Sam Sook (store manager), I ask about the creative motivation behind this staple in downtown Montecito.
When building their dream of a unique luxury boutique in 2015, co-owners Ariel and Zee, and their team of kick-ass ladies valued both comfort and style in their inventory as well as their own closets (I have a feeling that working at Whiskey + Leather means they never have to shop anywhere else). Featuring brands such as Show Me Your Mumu, Joah Brown, For Love & Lemons, One Teaspoon, and more, this Montecito treasure provides something that fits everyone’s style.
What inspired Whiskey + Leather’s branding?
ARIEL: We hope you feel like you’re at a friend’s apartment or your own home when you shop with us. We offer a variety of brands from different price points, and for men and women, so anyone can shop. Our biggest thing is for people to come out and be a part of the community—everyone is welcome, even if you don’t want to shop.
What did you do before you opened Whiskey + Leather?
ARIEL: I graduated from UCSB six years ago and had no idea what I wanted to do, but I did know that I didn’t want to go into the tech industry. So, I started working retail at Wendy Foster. When Zee and I decided to open the store, we had an “Oh my gosh, what do we do?!” moment, because we didn’t know how to do anything besides sell clothing. With that knowledge in our back pockets, we figured everything out along the way. Before we knew it, our dream was a reality. Sam has been here for a year and a half and is a huge part of this company. I wouldn’t have been able to open the San Diego store without her here.
How would you describe your personal style and how is that reflected in the aesthetic you’ve curated for the store?
ARIEL: My style is casual, I usually like wearing jeans and a tee. But, owning a clothing boutique makes you excited to wear different pieces because when you see it on someone else, they inspire you. When I buy for the store, I often think, “This customer would look great in that!” I LOVE input and I think it’s important to listen to employees and customers when it comes to picking out pieces that showcase Whiskey + Leather.
SAM: Constantly seeing different styles at Whiskey + Leather formed my appreciation for fashion and makes me choose bolder pieces. We carry items that are fun and funky, so encouraging our customers to be bold and showing that anyone can pull anything off is something we cherish here.
What is your favorite piece in the store right now?
ARIEL: What I’m wearing, actually! I have on a Pistola jumpsuit. It’s so easy—I can put it on with some shoes and jewelry and not worry about picking out a whole outfit in the morning.
SAM: I love anything from Scotch & Soda. We have these cute trousers in stock that are fitting and light but have their own flair to them.
How is Whiskey + Leather different from other stores in the area?
ARIEL: We’re a little younger than most stores in the Santa Barbara area. We cater to all ages, but our atmosphere is very different—I like it that way!
What’s the best thing about owning a small business in the fashion industry?
ARIEL: My favorite aspect is learning about different people’s lives and where they come from. An outfit can make you feel so much more empowered in any situation that you're in and I love helping bring that confidence out in people. Another perk is that all of my employees over the years have become my lifetime friends.
Do you have any plans to expand Whiskey + Leather to other cities?
ARIEL: Our San Diego location has been up and running for a year now, so I’m looking at a third location, but waiting until next year to go through with it. My dream would be to open 10 of these stores! My dad always said, “What’s the worst that can happen? Life goes on. Don’t worry about the negatives.” So that’s what I’ve been doing. *
“We carry items that are fun and funky, so encouraging our customers to be bold and showing that anyone
can pull anything off is something we cherish here. ”