Business Profile: Country Cousin

SVM: What is your Sun Valley story? How did you get here?

The Kings: "We drove through Sun Valley and the Sawtooths about six years ago, and when we got to Stanley, we promised we’d return to Idaho. Several years later, we returned to the Sawtooths for a one week camping trip with lots of swimming, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. It was a perfect vacation, so we decided to go into Ketchum and buy some T-shirts. That’s when we found Country Cousin and saw the sign at the cash register: “This fun business is for sale.” The rest is history."

SVM: Where did you move from and what were you doing before you bought Country Cousin?

The Kings: "We moved here from Colorado two and a half years ago where we were both teachers."

What is the best part of owning a business?

The Kings: "The best part of owning our own business is not having to grade high school English essays every weekend. Not really, but there is freedom to make choices and do things our way. The buying trips in Las Vegas and other cities is great fun, and we like to find merchandise our customers will enjoy. Success is a fun feeling, and so far, the store is running very nicely."

SVM: What part of the business is a reflection of your personality?

The Kings: "The fun and funky nature of the store definitley reflects our personality. We are having fun every day, and we have a great time chatting with our customers, and they have a blast as well. Loads of fun for everyone—that’s what Country Cousin is about.

What business could you not live without in the Valley?

The Kings: "We could not live without Wiseguy Pizza directly across the street.  They take good care of our hungry and thirsty crew."