I sat down with the owner of Los Olivos Outfitters, Josh Hartley, to discuss his love for the SYV, his commitment to lifelong creativity, and his plans for what he and Jory Brigham are creating.
Two best friends opening up a side-by-side men’s boutique and gallery sounds like something out of a movie. How long have you two been dreaming this up?
We've always talked about having a place where we can have a creative space. At least 15 or 20 years, something like that. This location came up and I have always had a special feeling about this place. My wife, goes, “Hey, I believe in you, and if you feel strongly... let's make this work.” It felt really good to finally listen to that and to do it without any fear. Pour everything we have into it and to get the response that we've been getting has been amazing.
What drove you to open your store in Los Olivos?
I've been working for Electric (sunglasses) and lived down south, the whole point of doing that was to have a career that would enable me to get back home. I always wanted to do something here... open up a shop that brings people in, enables us to talk, connect, work with the community, and hopefully inspire others to be creative.
One thing that we have found so inspiring is your ability to bet on yourself. What does this mean to you, Jory, and your families?
My whole career I've always had this little voice that told me I never knew exactly what I was going to do, but I knew what I liked. I followed that little voice which always led me on the right path. I kind of went on autopilot for about 10 years and just grinded away. I bought a house, got married, had a kid. Then I took a breath and stopped. I feel like I just had this void... that passion, and creativity that always has driven me: it wasn't lost, but it wasn't at the forefront. I knew I needed to do this.
I always wanted to do something here... open up a shop that brings people in, that enables us to talk, connect and work with the community and hopefully inspire others to be creative or see things differently.