Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Santillan.
Hi Sasha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved retail. I worked in retail throughout high school and college, and eventually found myself drawn to the visual merchandising side of the industry, starting at American Apparel and Urban Outfitters before moving into local, independent retail. That’s where I really fell in love. I knew early on that I wanted to own my own store one day, so I intentionally sought out roles where I could learn every aspect of running a business.
One of the things I value most about small business is the ability to work closely with owners and see firsthand how your contributions make a difference. At places like The Bunker, I focused on e-commerce, social media, buying, and merchandising. At Charlie Hustle, I gained experience in warehousing, wholesale, and even opening a store. At Seen Merchandising, I dove into accounting and operations. Each role gave me a different skill set and a better understanding of what it takes to run a business.
Alongside that, I’ve always had a creative drive—I hold two art degrees in painting and art history—which pushed me to think about retail not only as a business but also as a creative outlet. Eventually, those experiences came together and gave me the foundation and confidence to launch my own store.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—though I don’t think I ever expected it to be. Duet opened during the pandemic, and from the start there were a few heartbreaks. When Emily Reinhardt and I were searching for a space, we came very close to signing one lease, but the landlord ended up giving it to someone else at the last minute. Then we found another space we loved, but because of Emily’s kiln, the electrical capacity just wasn’t there. At the time those setbacks were tough, but looking back I’m glad they didn’t work out—they ultimately led us to our current space, which has been the right fit.
That said, our building hasn’t been without its challenges. Duet is a flexible space that’s taken many forms over the years—with sub-tenants like a gallery, a textile studio in the lofted area, and various artists renting square footage. While that flexibility has been a gift, it’s also brought its own set of hurdles in terms of adapting and reimagining how the space functions. And then, of course, there’s the ongoing battle with self-doubt, which I think most small business owners can relate to. What has made all the difference is the community around me—the people in the building who believe in the work we’re doing and who show up with a skillset, a pep talk, or simply encouragement on the hard days.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Duet?
Duet is a retail store, but at its heart it’s also an experience. I think of myself as a gift giver, and everything in the shop is carefully curated with that in mind. The collection is built from artists and designers I admire—pieces I find beautiful, functional, or simply intriguing. Every item is thoughtfully placed, and the store itself feels like a kind of social sculpture—always changing, growing, and evolving. I’m constantly adding new things, which keeps it inspiring not only for me but also for our regulars.
What sets Duet apart is the personal connection. Working at the store gives me the chance to really know my customers—their taste, their stories, their milestones. I get to help them pick out cups for a new home, celebrate loved ones with a meaningful gift, or swap gardening tips at the counter. It’s not just about what we sell, but about creating a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected. That personal touch, combined with a deeply curated and ever-evolving selection, is what I’m most proud of and what I believe makes Duet unique.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Opening a business during COVID was absolutely a risk, but it was one we tried to prepare for as best we could. I asked myself: what happens if we go a full year making $0? To cushion that possibility, I kept my personal overhead very low and held on to a full-time job for the first two years. That way, if the store couldn’t cover its portion of the bills, I could step in personally. Because foot traffic was sparce during COVID, Emily was able to keep an eye on the store while also working in the ceramic studio in the back. During that time, every single dollar the store made was reinvested into growing the inventory, buying fixtures, and slowly building the foundation.
Another big risk came later, when I left my full-time job to work at Duet full time. I was absolutely terrified—trading a steady paycheck for a potential paycheck is never easy. But the store was getting busier and needed more attention if it was going to keep growing. Still, there were seasons when I had to get creative financially—taking on e-commerce and SEO jobs on the side to make it work.
For me, risk-taking is a necessary part of this field. What’s helped is becoming confident in my ability to figure things out, to pivot, or to try something new when things don’t go as planned. That trust in myself is ultimately what allows me to take risks, even when I’m scared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shop-duet.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/du__et/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuetStudioShop
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopduet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/duet-kansas-city
