A little about our newest Vintage Hem Model Heather...

• Tell us about you?
Well, my name is Heather. I’m 24 and currently live in downtown Salt Lake. I am a visual arts major and will be graduating from BYU come August, yay! Along with being an artist, I love everything in the fashion industry whether if it’s modeling, photography, clothing design, makeup artistry, and whatnot. I also LOVE dancing and have a huge passion for music. In general, I’m a very happy person, love meeting new friends, and believe it’s the experiences in life that make you who you are.


• Tell us about your family?
My family is awesome. I have the best mom in the world and my dad is pretty much a genius. I am the second oldest of seven and think it’s the perfect spot! I’ve learned from my older sister since she’s had to experience everything first, but, like her, I am a big sister and get to see my younger siblings grow up. Then there’s Alfie, only THE cutest puppy ever, who I’ve recently adopted.


• What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
I’m not much of a cook, so I’m all about simple and quick. Some things I have are yogurt, salad, whole grain bread, grapes, apples, leftovers from Olive Garden, V8, milk, and a chocolate silk pie, ymmm!

• If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
The first answer that came to mind was Sleeping Beauty, haha. But seriously, I’d like to not only frolic through the forest amongst friendly woodland creatures who are charmed by my beautiful singing voice, but to also have a handsome prince who’d slay a dragon in the course of a perilous quest to rescue me. J


• What was the last movie you went to see?
Australia. (Hugh Jackman- tanned and muscular, speaking with his native accent, and taming wild horses in a romantic epic - need I say more?)


• What is your favorite song?
I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I looked in my iTunes for help. The song marked with the highest play count is “The Scientist” by Coldplay. Love it.


• If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Probably Telekinesis, the ability to control objects with my mind, because if I’m curled up on the couch with remote in hand and have ordered a pizza delivery, why not go all the way and be as lazy as possible? J Just sayin… it could come in handy.


• What is the one thing you are most proud of?
I have the best family and most amazing friends in the world and they always come first. I’m proud to be a big sister, caring daughter, and devoted friend. I try to fill those roles the best I can and truly be there for each person, which may be something simple but is incredibly rewarding.


• If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
I lived in Hawaii when I was little and love the idea of sunny beaches where I just let my hair go frizzy and wear flip flops all the time, but I’d also love an exciting city where I can delve in current music, fashion, and pop culture in general. So it’s a tossup!


• What is your best secret (that you're willing to share)?
When I get ready for my day, I like putting thought and detail into a “look” because I believe it’s the small subtleties that count. For example, putting on a sentimental piece of jewelry, or making sure to curl my lashes. It’s so simplistic, but doing so gives that extra oomph and can make someone feel that much more confident…. kind of like slipping on a Vintage Hem. J


• What is your favorite Vintage Hem?
Uh oh, I can only pick ONE? Well, my current fav I’d have to say is Effie’s Dessert from the spring collection. I like this one because it can give an outfit a sweet and almost old-fashioned look, yet make another outfit look more avant-garde and completely unique. As many people know, Vintage Hem is not only about lengthening a skirt because it’s a bit too short, it’s also a fashion statement, and I like to be a stand out. (and we totally think you do stand out...you're gorgeous and you have a light about you that radiates!!-we love you Heather!)

Salt Lake Tribune Press

Hot products named Next Big Things
Fashion trend » Utahn's frilly slip is a finalist.
By Dawn House

The Salt Lake Tribune
Posted: 01/17/2009 08:49:00 PM MST
Jennifer Young, Draper, was named one of two finalists in The Next Big...

The familiar caution that your slip is showing could become a fashion statement.

On Saturday, a Draper woman who designs frilly slips that peak out from under shirt hemlines was named a finalist in The Next Big Thing contest. The announcement was made during the Total Home & Gift Market show in Dallas.

The winning product, however, may not be a big seller in Utah. It's a spill-resistant martini glass. The goblet, designed by Renee Williams of Rowlett, Texas, has the traditional shape of a martini glass, with an added curved rim -- much like a toddler's sip cup -- to prevent spills.

Jennifer Young, founder of the Utah-based Vintage Hem, was one of two finalists from a pool of 100 contestants. Young, 32, got her idea from a favorite dress that had an attached slip which fell below the hemline. Why not design a slip that could be worn with other dresses and skirts -- particularly ones that are a bit too short, she reasoned.

"A slip could add a fun, romantic flair when worn underneath different outfits," Young said. "Then I started thinking about different ways to embellish hemlines."

Meredith Hite, spokeswoman for the Dallas Market Center, which stages 50 exhibitions each year, said Young's product caught the judges' attention "because it's a low-cost way to change your wardrobe while adding a little spice to what you wear."

To attract online customers to her fledging business, Young paid for a television ran after the closing LDS Church conference session in the spring of 2007. She choose the Mormon conference because women are advised to dress modestly.

Young paid particular attention to two slips she had designed that sparked the most interest after the single commercial was broadcast. One undergarment was edged with a simple tulle netting and the other had a single row of eyelet lace.

The first year she racked up $12,000 in sales for the six months she was in business and last year revenues totalled $20,000.

Young, who runs the business from her home, calls herself a one-woman show. She manages her Web site, Vintagehem.com, as well as the company bookkeeping, and stocks her inventory in the downstairs' basement. She holds a finance degree from Brigham Young University, and says she has learned from watching her husband Jason, whose career is in sales.

The couple has three young girls. And, Young is expecting their first boy in May, "so I'm hoping we can afford to hire some employees soon."

Her line of undergarments comes in black, blush, white, ivory, gold and polka dots. Prices start at $14 for the tulle slip to $28 for one edged with three rows of one-inch eyelet ruffles.

Young is presenting her Spring Tea collection for spring and summer hemlines during the Dallas Market Center show that runs through Monday. As a finalist, she was awarded free booth space and travel to the international market.

The second product finalist is a product skin-care line for girls age 9 to 15 years old, marketed by a New Hartford, Conn.-based company. Winners were selected by four judges, based on the contestants' product, trade space presentation and production plan.

dawn@sltrib.com

photos courtesy of Sara Kerens photographer and expert snow angel maker, sara@sakphotography.com