Our Story

A woman standing in the door of a clothing shop.

Behind The Business

Hi, my name is Shannon and I would like to introduce you to my latest passion project.  My new lifestyle brand, Out West Design Co., is a fresh take on locally inspired apparel and accessories, crafted with care in Santa Cruz, Ca and pressed in house by myself. The brand tells a story, one that spans through most of my life.  I have always believed in taking risks and starting something from scratch.

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I was born in the Santa Cruz Mountains and raised in Northern California.  I can say with certainty that growing up among the majestic redwood trees, far away from the distractions we face today, gave me plenty of time to daydream.  Although we lived in a rural area, I was always drawn to art, fashion and design. After high school I returned to Santa Cruz and earned my bachelors degree in cultural anthropology from UCSC. After a long career in alternative health and wellness, I decided to take a leap and open my own business.

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When I’m not working on the brand I can be found at the beach, with friends, with my 2 kiddos and husband or road tripping in our 87’ westy van! We are a family that loves to be outside, exploring and adventuring. We enjoy camping, gardening and spending oodles of hours with our 4 glorious chickens.

Three people standing on a sandy beach with a clear blue sky.
Van with a roof rack and surfboard in a desert landscape
Two people walking on a rocky trail with a scenic landscape and cloudy sky.

Our Brand Journey

where it all began... The Closet Shopper

In 2010 I opened my first brick and mortar in Santa Cruz, California. The Closet Shopper is a buy sell trade boutique for women. A place where fashion recycles, friends gather and local artists are highlighted. I worked closely with our community and hosted many events, makers markets, sip and strolls and business mixers. In 2024, after 13 years, I sold the business to my long-term employee Krystal and she continues to thrive owning The Closet Shopper in the heart of Pleasure Point.

Woman standing in a store with a warm interior, holding a cup.
Black and white image of 'The Closet Shopper' store with people gathered outside.
Four people sitting on a beach with colorful patterned blankets

Out West Design Co. | brick + mortar location

In summer of 2024 I opened my second brick and mortar, Out West Design Co, in Capitola village. This sweet little shop was a space for me to highlight my new brand and work closely alongside many of my favorite artists to launch the brand into the world.

I have since closed this location to focus solely on my brand design and have moved into a studio workspace at my home.

Clothes hanging on a rack in a boutique.
A hat that says "Capitola" sitting on a bench in a boutique.
A woman standing in a boutique leading against a table covered in clothes.
Clothes and hats hanging in a bohemian boutique.

Out West Design Co. | where we are now...

Since closing my recent brick and mortar and moving into my new home studio I am able to focus on growing my brand. This has allowed me more flexibility and time with my family and I am able to focus on areas of my work that I hadn’t been able to previously.

I am now able to work in my studio, host pop-ups, vend at many events around town, get my products into other shops and continue to design and create!

Person standing in a room with a wooden table, plants, and various items.

I hope you enjoy and know that you are truly supporting a small business with a BIG idea.