Meet the Owner: 10 Questions for Kiss'Tique Owner Heather Twardus

Kiss'Tique, founded in June of 2010, is a trendy fashion boutique for all ages located in the heart of Los Gatos at 11 No. Santa Cruz Ave. Its owner is Heather Twardus, a local fashionista who's passionate about styles, trends and helping customers look and feel great. The store sells high-quality fashion at reasonable prices compared to other similar boutiques in Northern California. It also offers the latest in modern apparel, selling regular popular clothing brands and classic pieces. Its hours of operation are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Los Gatos Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Twardus: My personality is driven, spontaneous, competitive and creative. It goes way back from me being a small child growing up. I just enjoy giving superior customer service always. I want to be treated with respect when I shop at other places and I expect to do the same for my customers when they come to Kiss'Tique. Our customers are family.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Twardus: I have always wanted to have my business, particularly when I started my first job.

Patch: What has helped you succeed and gain experience?

Twardus: I must say I learned so much through the years shopping, in and out of different boutiques and working for large retailers through the San Francisco area. Then one day I was looking online to buy a franchise. I ran across an opportunity to open one, but then decided to create Kiss`Tique, which brought me back in time working for KAOS. I received a phone call that 11 No. Santa Cruz Avenue is available to lease from Mike Johnson at Colliers. He works with my husband Chris Twardus. We decided to go ahead and bring Kiss`Tiuqe to Los Gatos. It was very exciting and scary at the same time. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer while buying for Kiss'Tique.

Patch: What inspired you?

Twardus: I was inspired by how we can bring affordable clothing to the area, my location, and my staff. It was a perfect fit for all of us to create a new boutique, which we focus on superior service, fun, affordable, and update with all the trends of the seasons. Plus, working for KAOS many years ago, and having that feeling you get when you walk in our store. It’s hard to explain, but it makes me feel complete. I also love working with my team. I believe I’m cancer free because I had so much going on I was focusing on my family, and my Kiss`Tique family.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?

Twardus: I really can’t complain. Everyone is very supportive coming to our boutique, and if we notice the foot traffic is slow, we do something about it. We do a lot of social marketing online, special promos, and gift with purchase. We enjoy being here, and planning to ride the storm.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?

Twardus: I’ve met so many wonderful people. They were very supportive when I was battling cancer last year. I really do enjoy being part of this community and helping with donations when we are able to. Plus, I enjoy keeping people employed in Los Gatos.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Twardus: My prices, image and our service.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Twardus: My entire staff at Kiss`Tique. They’re all so talented in many ways  and amazing to work with. They helped me when I was going through cancer. We communicate hourly, just kidding, all the time while I’m working for Fidelity National Title as an  account manager in Santa Clara County. I have been in the title business since 2001, and always wanted an affordable store!

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Twardus: I really enjoy our North Santa Cruz Avenue. I do a lot of shopping, tanning, and eating around there, and I enjoy walking around and feeling at peace.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Twardus: I have a family. I'm married to Chris Twardus who works for Collier International in downtown San Jose and we have 2 beautiful children who made my 20-year dream come true ... “Kiss`Tique.”