Dec 22, 2019
Catching up with Heather Vaught, 40 Under 40 Class of 2018

Heather Vaught received the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award in 2018. She is an entreprenuer who designs stationery and print goods that showcase her love of her hometown. Her success led her to open River City Coffee + Goods, a gift shop promoting local makers in Evansville, Indiana. Recently, we reached out to Vaught to see what she has been doing since she received the award.

Heather Vaught, River City Coffee + Goods

Since receiving the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award, what amazing new adventures have you undertaken?

Since receiving the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award we have purchased the 130 year old historic building that our gift shop and other businesses are housed in Downtown Evansville! We rented the building for 10 years and decided it was time to really invest in our neighborhood. We have spent the last year fully renovating the second floor for an additional storefront for one of our other businesses, replacing plaster, restoring the facade and installing an alley patio! 

How has receiving the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award positively impacted you, personally and professionally?

The 40 Under 40 Award has given me, along with our shop, notoriety in our community — showing others that even in a city our size we can do things exceptionally and be recognized on a national level! I’ve continued to be involved in numerous civic organizations including becoming president of our Downtown Neighborhood Association as well as being on the boards of the Preservation Alliance of Evansville and the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District.

40 Under 40 Alumni logo

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I am excited to see River City Coffee + Goods grow and expand into different parts of our community; building a larger space for makers and the community to host workshops, pop-ups and other events, as well as continue to invest in the historic  properties of Evansville!

River City Coffee + Goods merchandise display

What advice can you share with others in this industry about growing a career, business, or network?

GET INVOLVED! Owning a business is hard and it’s a lot of work! It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday things but it’s essential to get involved in your greater community around you — outside of your business or shop. Not only is it a great networking opportunity but it also gives you a break from the monotony of day-to-day stressors every business experiences. It also shows your permanence and investment in your community outside of what benefits you and your business. Working together with your neighbors to grow your community together will always be better than trying to struggle at it alone!




Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Gift Shop Plus Winter 2024
Get one year of Gift Shop Plus in both print and digital editions for just $16.

Interested in reading the print edition of Gift Shop Plus?

Subscribe Today »

website development by deyo designs