Feel like a million at Urban Exchange
by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, photography by Mark Dyrud
Veronica Gasaway, owner/operator of Urban Exchange has lived in Boise since 1994 and been in business since 2009. Founded on the back porch of her West Boise home, Urban Exchange is a locally owned and family operated small business with large goals. “Our ultimate goal at Urban Exchange is to impact every person who visits our place of business in such a manner that their life is better having visited us,” says Gasaway. “I know that’s a tall order for a simple consignment store, but seeing the joy or relief on peoples faces when they come in for something specific and find exactly what they need for a fraction of what they expected to spend is so fulfilling. Sometimes it’s a piece of clothing, other times it’s a simple prayer or even a shoulder to cry on. We are so much more than a consignment store. We exist to offer excellent customer service, quality products and a warm, inviting space for our community to visit in order to look and feel like a million bucks without spending a million bucks.”
“Urban Exchange is a high end consignment store for men and women,” shares Gasaway. “We provide a boutique atmosphere without the attitude or outrageous prices. Just high quality clothing, warm, inviting personalities and a fun and peaceful atmosphere. Plus our selection and prices can’t be beat!”
Gasaway advises others interested in starting a business to “Go with your gut. We had several professionals and business consultants tell us our business was not going to work. Because of my entrepreneurial spirit, we chose not to listen and went ahead with the dream. I think the most important things to consider are whether you are passionate and whether you will have enough resources financially to see you through the first several years of growing pains. Take the time to do the research necessary for the field or industry you’re interested in. Commit and persevere. Learn to enjoy the process.”
“We had a lot of people try to discourage us,” recalls Gasaway. “A few weeks after opening the doors, a lovely older woman handed me a card. She said she walked in the area weekly and noticed my new business and just wanted to come in and say hello. It was a beautiful inspirational card with scripture. I still have it to this day.”
Gasaway is passionate about her family and her faith. “I am a huge fan of Jesus. I love studying scripture and I pray and meditate on scripture daily. Jesus is my anchor in this stormy life and it’s my faith in Him that gives me the help, strength, courage and wisdom to continue to run my business and take care of my marriage and family.”
Gasaway is inspired by “strong men and women who live by their convictions and persevere. Naghmeh Abedini is a Christian wife and mother who lives here in Boise and whose husband has been imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith. She continues to trust in God and share her faith despite her present circumstances. That is the type of woman I hope to be.”
Urban Exchange
10338 W Fairview, 83704
208-322-2433
