Meet Athena Pauly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Pauly.

Hi Athena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Opening Aspen’s Blue Skies boutique is a lifelong dream inspired by my late mother (Harriet Tsevis). Throughout my childhood, I remember my mother sketching extraordinary dresses. She had a keen eye for fashion. I, Athena Tsevis Pauly, inherited that gene and as evolution goes, Aspen is now hooked too! I believe in signs and positive thinking. Ironically, losing my job in April due to Covid provided the time research, build and make a dream a reality. This boutique also allows me to create something with my daughter and work closely with my niece, who is modeling many of our clothes. It is our vision to expand our collection and connect with women of all shapes because “The most beautiful thing you wear is your confidence.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to opening the boutique has been rather challenging during Covid. I have done a ton of research, basically received my education through U Tube University. 🙂 I spent countless hours creating my website, viewing products from wholesale vendors and creating and growing a social media presence. Weekends are dedicated to Farmers Markets around town to sell my products and expand my brand. It has all been a learning curve since this industry is completely new for me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the last 30 years, I spent my professional career in the restaurant industry. I started working for my father’s restaurant when I was 15 years old. Moved to Arizona when I was 32 and became the General Manager of Fox Sports Grill. It was at this location that I fell in love with event sales and moved on to becoming the Director of Sales & Events for Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill. Through the sales position, I made a ton of connections that led me to work for US Foods as a Territory Manager. I absolutely loved this position, mingling and working with 60 different chef’s was a delight! Unfortunately, with Covid hitting the Nation, I was recently laid off. Even though it was quite devastating losing my job, I allowed myself to be upset for two days.

I am not one that sits and sulks, I saw an opportunity. That opportunity was time, time that I never had before because I spent 60 hours a week to the food and beverage industry. With that, I time I did my research and figured out how to open my dream… Aspens Blue Skies boutique! I believe everything I was taught in the restaurant industry led me to this moment in time. I have always been driven… 23 years ago, I was an NFL St. Louis Rams Cheerleader! This achievement was not easy to conquer. There were 900 girls that try out every year and I was one of the top 35 girls to make the team. My third year on the team, the Rams took me to the Super Bowl, where we defeated the Titans!!! The greatest show on turf! I was lucky to cheer my team to victory!! I believe in Hard Work, Dedication and a good Hustle will allow your to achieve your goals!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
There is really nothing surprising about me! I am an open book for everyone to read. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Email: aspensblueskies@gmail.com
• Website: www.aspensblueskies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspensblueskies/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspensblueskies

Image Credits
Model – My Niece Cassandra Clemens