Diane Sorensen and her daughter, Kelly Sorensen Hansen, have created a unique new business in downtown Langley on Anthes Avenue. Alma has many meanings: In Latin, kind or nourishing, in Spanish, soul; in Scandinavian languages it means loving. Diane and Kelly hope people will come to associate the name with lots of positive feelings after visiting the store.
Alma specializes in eco essentials for the family including sustainably made clothing for men women and children, and toys. Most of the items are new, but they also feature select items from vintage and up-cycled consigners.
The Hansen family has been living on and visiting Whidbey Island since the 1970’s.
Diane and her husband, Doug Hansen, moved to the island six years ago from the Seattle Area. They were drawn to the peaceful feeling of Whidbey, but it was made even better for them when last November, Kelly, her husband, Matt and their two children moved to the island as well.
Diane is a writer and had a long career owning an advertising agency with her husband, Doug. After attending Parsons, in New York, and working in fashion industry for the last 15 years, Kelly, has followed in their entrepreneurial footsteps. Kelly comments: “I always knew I wanted to work for myself and had a vision for a store with all of my favorite makers.”
Kelly and her mom had several discussions about having a business together. In a serendipitous Whidbey moment, shortly after Kelly and Diane decided it was time to start their business in Langley, they walked by the empty store at 115 Anthes Avenue and spotted a “For Lease” sign in the window. They quickly decided it was a perfect spot for their store and made a business plan.
Walking into Alma, it’s not unusual to see a parent or grandparent shopping for clothes while the little ones are playing with toys in the kids’ room. Diane and Kelly give each other breaks, but they are often in the store together.
With the word-of-mouth that often makes for a successful business, Alma has had a very exciting opening. Diane says “We’ve had such positive responses to the merchandise and the vibe of the store.” Alma sales have been so strong in the first two weeks of opening that Kelly and Diane are busily reordering and have a long list of items requested.
Kelly and Diane have been warmly received by their fellow Langley business owners and look forward to building a strong base of satisfied customers.
Visit Alma at 115 Anthes in Langley, Monday, Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. If you have any questions, you can call Alma at 360-504-6647 or follow them on Instagram @almawhidbey. Visit their website
