Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Mullins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and finding creative ways to keep materials out of the waste stream. I have a knack for seeing potential in discarded objects that others might overlook, transforming them into something beautiful and meaningful. My background is in sculpture and woodworking, and for several years I managed and taught in a wood and metal shop. During that time, I started making jewelry from leftover materials I accumulated while building sculptures and furniture—wood, steel, bicycle inner tubes, rubber flooring, even retired fire hose. Then one day, while building a custom table from old skis, I looked at the colorful off-cut scraps and thought, “Wow, these are the best scraps I’ve ever seen!” That moment sparked an idea that would eventually become Après Ski Jewelry.
For years, I made ski jewelry as gifts for friends and family. When I moved back home to Colorado, a job opportunity unexpectedly fell through, giving me the chance to pursue the idea more seriously. I launched Après Ski Jewelry alongside my furniture business, and over time it grew into something much bigger. Today, Après Ski Jewelry is my full-time business. Every piece gives retired skis and snowboards a second life, tells a unique story, and reflects my belief that the most overlooked materials often have the greatest potential.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One challenge has been learning how to accept no for an answer when a retailer is not interested. This was tough at first but I keep trying and for everyone that says no, someone else says yes and often those that said no in the beginning come back around.
One of our biggest challenges has been having enough workspace to operate efficiently and stay organized as we grow. Because we rely on upcycled skis and snowboards, we need adequate storage for raw materials as well as space for production and inventory. Expanding into a larger studio would allow us to streamline operations, increase production capacity, and scale the business without compromising the quality and craftsmanship of our handmade products.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Après Ski Jewelry?
At Après Ski Jewelry, our mission is to transform surplus skis and snowboards into meaningful, handcrafted jewelry that celebrates beauty, creativity, and sustainability. We believe every object deserves a second chance, and every piece we create tells a story of renewal while inspiring others to see possibilities where others see waste. Beyond our jewelry, we are committed to strengthening our Colorado community through local partnerships, charitable giving, education and active involvement. As a proudly female-led business, we champion women in entrepreneurship and the outdoors, creating a brand that reflects resilience, craftsmanship, and purpose. By choosing reuse over waste and community over competition, we strive to leave a lasting impact – one piece of jewelry, one story, and one connection at a time.
I am proud to say we now sell in 200 stores in 37 states across the country.
Every piece of jewelry we make is unique and one of a kind based on the colors and qualities of the skis we use. You will never see two pieces that are exactly the same.
Any big plans?
My biggest goals for Après Ski Jewelry are to increase brand awareness through consistent marketing and media exposure, while continuing to grow wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales. As demand increases, I want to thoughtfully scale production in a way that keeps operations efficient and overhead manageable without sacrificing the handcrafted quality and story behind each piece.
I’m also focused on building systems and partnerships that allow the business to grow sustainably while preserving the craftsmanship, authenticity, and environmental mission that sets Après Ski Jewelry apart.
Pricing:
- Powderhound Earrings $28 – $32.00
- Camber Coasters $48.00
- Cruiser Ski Necklaces $30
- New Zig Zag Zipper Pulls $16.00
- Cirque Ski Earrings $30.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apresskijewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apresskijewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apresskijewelry/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=c1KNh1p7Rd8
