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

Hi Molly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs – so business is kind of in my blood. I started in LA in entertainment – the classic story of mail room, to assistant, to production and so on. I cannot express how much I learned from that experience. I learned how to work effectively, to be resourceful, to problem solve and ultimately to figure it out, all of which are essential in running a business. When I hit my mid 20’s, I started to feel like there were things I wanted to do myself and I wanted a different lifestyle. I have always focused on the lifestyle I wanted to have rather than the job or career I wanted to have, and that has never led my astray.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am originally from New Hampshire. I grew up in a political and legal family. My mom is the first woman in history to ever be both a Governor and a US Senator so she has been an amazing role model for me. She always reminds to have a good meal and get some sleep when I am overwhelmed. It’s not about ‘can I do this forever?’ it’s more like ‘can I do this today?’, and then you just keep going. My dad is a lawyer and entrepreneur and he has taught me most of what I know about business. He reminds me to be fair, stand my ground, and keep pushing. Both of my parents are relentless in their work approach, and that has absolutely had an impact on my work ethic.

The most important factor behind the success of WHEAT is that we have a vision, a point of view, and a purpose. We identified a gap in the market, luxury multi-brand retail in luxury destinations, and we have tried to understand all the reasons it hasn’t been done successfully in the past and establish solutions for those issues. We think about every detail from where is our guest coming from, what will they need when they arrive, what will they want when they arrive, which direction will they walk when they first come into the store. Everything has to make sense for our guest experience.

What matters to me most is running a company that I can be proud of, where our team feels heard and comfortable sharing what they need and where they are at, and where we can all have fun and enjoy the work we are doing together. It matters to me to know our line is being manufactured responsibly, and that we know we are always trying our best to be good and reasonable partners. We go out of our way to stand up for what we believe in, and sometimes hold our ground on principle. I just want to go to sleep at night and feel good about the decisions I made that day and the direction we are moving in. Of course, sometimes I and we fall short, we are all human, but being comfortable enough to say I made a mistake and trying to make it right. Ultimately, we are lucky enough to open lovely stores in lovely places, and we should be able to enjoy it and feel good about it!

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.
If my best friend is visiting LA we are doing it all! I am a classics girl…so in no particular order.
Obviously we would stop at Casa del Mar in Santa Monica for brunch and to see WHEAT, followed by a leisurely drive up PCH to explore Malibu, Nobu there still is at an exceptional level. At least one dinner at Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel (after sunset). An Italian feast would have to be scheduled at Funke, in Beverly Hills. Brunch at Beverly Hills Hotel at Cabana Bar (it’s more casual and relaxed than Polo Lounge, and on a warm day you can’t beat it). Coffee is best at Euro Caffé, a cute little spot off Canon Dr, with Italians aplenty at the Espresso bar. Nails are at Q Salon, my go-to spot for years. Spray Tans at Portofino so we fit in with the native Angelenos. Dinner on the Westside at Gjelina – one of the few lasting LA staples. A little shopping on Melrose Place, and a saunter down Rodeo Drive. When we’re feeling in the mood for a little fun, it’s Honor Bar in Beverly Hills (for the fries), then Barney’s Beanery…it’s back and it’s important to pay your respects, maybe finishing the night with cocktails at Nice Guy. In true LA-style, it has to be In-N-Out en route back to LAX…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to shout out. It truly takes a village to raise a business. I would shout out our team- everyone that works every day to keep WHEAT growing, our partners who have trusted us to open businesses in their beautiful properties, our manufacturing partners who work so diligently to make sure our product is made to our standards, the list goes on- but if I had to choose one person it would have to be my Dad. My Dad has taught me everything I know about business, has been so supportive and encouraging every step of the way. Anytime I start to doubt myself he reminds me to keep going. When covid hit and I thought for sure we were done, but he gave me the guidance on how to proceed. It would be impossible to say how grateful I am for everything he has taught me.

Website: https://www.thewheatcollection.com/

Image Credits
The WHEAT Collection

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