Meet Rhea Blasko | Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhea Blasko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhea, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I never knew exactly what I wanted to do when growing up but I knew it would be creative and that I had to be my own boss. When I moved to Arizona in 2013 I was in my mid 20’s and was finally ready to focus on myself. I went to trade school for interior design and after graduating worked for a few interior designers in the valley. I quickly realized there were things about the job that I really didn’t enjoy. Being from a small town in Indiana where the average traffic moves at 35 mph I pretty much felt like I was going to die everyday on all these crazy freeways!! In a days work I found myself mostly in my car and all over the Valley. I came home drained from battling traffic and hardly being acknowledged at fancy furniture stores. I loved the idea of making homes beautiful but also making people feel at home. While I struggled to find my calling and my style I found myself at an interview with a local designer and she asked me “where do you see yourself in the next 5 year?” I responded that I saw myself owning my own home boutique store. It kind of just came out of my mouth… She said that’s awesome! What’s holding you back form starting now? I just sat there… I had no idea what was holding me back. I left the interview with a completely different mindset and a slightly different dream. Heritage and Home started to manifest. A place I could share all the things I love.. furniture new and old, handmade things, unique treasures, trendy fun pieces, design, hospitality, and all the things in between. I should also mention my commute is right around 3 mixtures these day and that makes me extremely happy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
You know what’s interesting? I spent most of my life not putting myself out there because I was afraid of failing. Never really committing to anything significant so I wouldn’t have to face rejection. A lot of people would probably be surprised to hear that because I’ve always been fashion forward, talkative, and opinionated but deep down I was very unfulfilled and fearful. Starting a business is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes it took me weeks or months to do the simplest things because I felt so much doubt in every step I took. I hardly slept for months before opening day in fear that I wouldn’t have an answer to a customers question, or say something stupid, or forget what seemed like a million step process being a new business owner. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I most proud of not giving up and overcoming fear. That making progress no matter how slow still got me the same outcome. Now that I’m living what once seemed to be so far away I’ve realized that I can do this and it’s only the beginning. I still have so much to learn and a lot of evolving to do but I’m really confident about the future. What got me through the first year which is coming up oct 1 is learning that all the tasks don’t have to be done in a day, no one persons way of running a business is the same, don’t be afraid to reach out for help, your vision will more then like change and that’s ok, don’t be afraid to say no for the better of your business, and to be yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have guests all the time! I love showing them around town! Let’s pretend it’s November and gorgeous outside! I always take my friends & family to Hieroglyphic Trail for close to home but super scenic hike. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co for a PB&J Burger, wings, and BEER is a must! Have to go to Sweetz Brew for coffee. Everything is good. I get vanilla & lavender, nitro. with half n half Gotta hit up The Agritopia area, walk through the garden, take pics, listen to live music and drink a beer at 12 West, eat Pizza at Fire & Brimstone On the way out we should hit a few golf balls at Top Golf Taco Guild in Phoenix is always a crowd pleaser. You must get at least one Chipotle Cherry Steak taco If there’s kids involved we always take them to Gold Field Ghost Town. They have an old western shot out in the streets and gold panning, so fun! Speaking of ghosts… Jerome will steal your heart guaranteed. Have to stay a night in a haunted hotel and and walk the historic streets and shops. Feeling bougie??? A pool day at The Scott it is instagram heaven!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh lordy… who do I not have to thank… Kirsten from Treasure In The Detail for unknowingly pushing me into my dreams while interviewing me. My sister, brother in law, parents and step parents for supporting me in every way. And my fiancé Jake & step daughter Rylin for pushed me forward through melt downs, financial set backs, the terrifying unknown, closing our doors to Covid, reopening, the bad, the good, and all of the thing.

Website: www.heritageandhomegilbert.com
Instagram: @heritageandhomegilbert
Facebook: Heritage & Home

Image Credits
Southern Charlotte Photography Suzy Goodrick Photography Carlee Castle Photography