Let's Chat local - with Steve & Ken from h2o closet

I decided to create a platform for the blog called "Let’s Chat Local ” shining a light every Wednesday on some of the incredible businesses and owners within the Coachella Valley. I have realized especially during this time how important it is to recognize the people within in our community who are living out their dreams while providing us with the products and services we love!

Thank you so much for being here and I truly hope you enjoy this latest installment of "Let's Chat Local"! xx, Taylor

Q: Your name?

A: Steve Kouchi & Ken Zaikowski

Q: Name of your business?

A: h2o Closet

Q: How would you describe your business/what you do?

A: We carry skin care, bath products, home and personal fragrance, wellness including cbd. Our emphasis is on clean healthier, conscious products which are free of known bad ingredients that are so often found in personal care. We strive for quality, unique, hard to finds brands to be part of our small neighborhood shop. We try, test every item before it is on our shelves. After a couple years we now have customers evaluate items also. Asking did we like it, would we want to use the item again? What price range do we think is right, fair? It has to deliver on many fronts.

Steve came up with the name and we ran it by family, friends and a couple brands we knew we were going to carry before officially saying that’s it and they loved it so h2o closet it became. In lots of countries h2o closet means bathroom which is where most of our products are used. We just didn’t want to have bath, bathroom in the name.

Q: How long have you had your business?

A: We will be six October 3rd!

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

A: Ken got his start in the cosmetic industry working at a great apothecary, pharmacy, while going to school in New York City way back in the early 80’s. Started as a stock guy in the basement, then started selling by accident one day. Got my esthetician’s license and went on to be with Clarins, Chanel, Presciptives at Macy’s, Barneys and Nordstrom. But also returning to that pharmacy once to manage it and another about 10 blocks away. I always said one day I want to have a version but without the actual pharmacy. I came home from work one day in 2014 and asked Steve if we were going to grow old here? He said yeah I think so then asked what are you scheming? So that’s how it was hatched. We decided to go all in and both work it which is scary. Steve has the nose you would say and finds all the candles, fragrances and accessories.

Q: What would you say sets you and your business apart?

A:That our focus is on healthier options for you, your home, that we test every product, look up each ingredient and we truly strive for our choices to be at a fair price.

Q: Since COVID-19 set in what are the direct impacts you have felt? How have you pivoted?A: To be honest the financial impact has been a big hit. From the moment the BNP tennis tournament was cancelled end of February the effects started. March and April are two of our biggest months, like so many. We instantly offered free shipping on any purchase, free delivery locally, curbside pick up. The delivery was big as we haven't offered it before but now it caught on. Then when restrictions lifted we were in our worst month as not many people like to shop when it is 120 out! We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the city of La Quinta, they have been so supportive of their businesses and how can they help.

Q: What is your ultimate dream for your business?

A: Okay that is a big one.  To be honest and get to the point; pay all the stores bills, our bills and put some money away.  We truly love our little h2o closet, what we do, customers become more than just customers.  How we all care for each other, I think now more than ever how we treat each other is paramount. 

Q: Do you have any new items, specials or deals you would like to share?

A: Already we are starting to get in new merchandise that we spend summers searching out. fytt beauty Ken loves. Plant powered exfoliating and mask treatments inspired by the founders plant based diet. Fueling your skin from the outside in. Steve also found Fork & Melon cleansing wash and lotion. The formulas are refreshing year round keeping your body parts hydrated through the wonders of watermelon 🍉 seed oil.

*Check out h2o closet in person at Old Town La Quinta

or online at https://www.h2ocloset.com

Thank you so much for reading!!

***Now head over to Instagram for instructions on how YOU can win your own full size bottle of the fytt brightening mask treatment by entering our giveaway***