Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Klatte-Olson.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, one of my fondest memories was spending time with my grandma Ruthie, who’s now 101 years old. She’s always been one of my favorite people on this planet, and we shared a special bond over something unique: garage sales. It all started with us hosting garage sales together. Grandma Ruthie would gather treasures she no longer needed, and I’d help her organize and sell them. Not only was it a fun way for me to be with her, but it also gave me a chance to earn money for things like school clothes—something I always looked forward to.
From a young age, I’ve had a love for clothes, though it took me some time to figure out my true style. I went through a phase where I wanted to blend in, not stand out. I thought finding my personal style meant following the trends and fitting into the mold. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much fun it is to embrace my individuality and express myself through fashion.
Ruthie has always been my inspiration. Her sense of style, wisdom, and grace taught me that fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about the stories they tell and the memories they hold. What started as a way to make extra money with my grandma has blossomed into something so much more. Ruthie’s House Vintage is a reflection of that journey—where fashion meets history, and where every piece of clothing holds a piece of my past and my grandma’s timeless influence.
I also have to add – I always say, I don’t want people to ask me who I am wearing… I want them to ask me what decade I’m wearing!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While I wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the support of my family and friends, the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, and a wonderful network of vintage sellers. It’s definitely been a lot of hard work, and I never really stop thinking about the shop, but the sense of community I’ve found has made all the difference. That strong support system has been invaluable in making the journey so much more rewarding. I do work full time in Marketing and the shop is my absolute passion project. I am a mom to two boys and my hubby is a pilot.. So sometime it’s hard to balance doing it all. But you know us women… where there is a will there is a way!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ruthie’s House Vintage ?
Ruthie’s House is a safe space for everyone. No matter where you’re from, you can walk in and feel comfortable knowing I’m here to help you express yourself and find clothes that make you feel confident. I specialize in unique, high-quality vintage pieces that let you show off your personal style. Whether you’re into timeless classics or something more quirky and fun, I’ve got a little bit of everything. Every piece is handpicked with care to make sure it’s not only stylish but also tells a story.
As a mom of two little boys, I know how important it is to find clothes that are not only fashionable but also comfortable and long-lasting. At Ruthie’s House, you’ll find pieces that check all those boxes—clothes that help you look and feel your best, without sacrificing comfort or durability. Well let’s be real, with vintage you can also find pieces that might not be the most comfy but they are super fun and may give a great story. 😉
I also specialize in vintage home decor and am so passionate about filling your space with things that inspire and motivate you. Out with the all gray (I mean, unless you really love it) and in with a little color and pop. Who said orange can’t be fabulous, right!?
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways people can support and collaborate with Ruthie’s House! First and foremost, you can always come by and shop—whether you’re hunting for something specific or just browsing, there’s always something new to discover. You can also follow along on Instagram for updates, sneak peeks, and to get a feel for the vibe of the shop.
But the support doesn’t stop with Ruthie’s House…. There’s an amazing community of vintage sellers throughout Minnesota, and I encourage you to explore and shop secondhand wherever you can. There’s so much vintage goodness out there, and supporting local vintage shops is a great way to find unique pieces while being kind to the planet.
And on a personal note, hug your grandma! Spend time with the people you love and cherish those moments. My journey with Ruthie wouldn’t be the same without my grandma’s influence, and I think it’s those connections that make everything even more meaningful. I am so proud to have a shop where I can walk in every day and think of my sweet grandma Ruthie.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ruthieshousevintage.com/
- Instagram: @ruthieshousevintage
- Facebook: @ruthieshousevintage
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyklatte/
