Everything Utah
“If I did it right, it should feel like home.” This simple yet profound statement from Mary Lindsey captures the essence of Everything Utah, the expansive yet charming boutique she owns in Salt Lake City. Mary’s journey to opening this business is as rich and varied as the products she offers, each carefully selected to represent the many facets of Utah.
Born in Massachusetts, Mary moved to Utah in 1991 with her then husband. The couple, both avid skiers, fell in love with the state. “It was such a welcoming place between Mother Nature’s magnificent work and the lovely people of Utah.” The sense of community and the beauty of the landscape nurtured Mary in a way she had never experienced before, helping her become, as she puts it, “the best version of myself.”
Mary’s path to opening Everything Utah was far from linear. She explored various fields—cosmetology, real estate, and even fine jewelry—before embracing her role as a business owner. But it was the mountains, the deserts, and the balance they brought to her life that inspired her to create a space that would celebrate the state she had come to love.
“I wanted to represent Utah through various lenses, through different artists, and people who experience their beautiful life in Utah differently.” She recognized that the state is perceived in many ways, and she wanted her store to reflect that diversity. “I have a great affection for the ski mindset and the skier lens, and I also understand those who come for solace and sanctuary in the mountains.”
Everything Utah is more than just a shop; it is a place where both locals and visitors can connect with the state on a deeper level. Mary carefully curates items that residents can feel proud of - “We are much higher end than a typical souvenir shop.” From locally sourced honey to, books, clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and photography from renowned photographer Willy Holdman, the shop is filled with merchandise that tells the story of Utah. There is no way to capture the breadth of goods sold in this store. As one woman commented after spending a few minutes walking around filling her basket, “I am losing my mind. The selection is incredible.
What solidified for me that this was the quintessential Utah shop was when members of the mayor’s office stopped by. They told me that they were looking to buy unique Utah gifts that Salt Lake City’s mayor could present to the mayor of Paris when she traveled there for the Olympics in a few days. They, too, were filling up a basket of beautifully crafted things.
One of the most touching moments for Mary came shortly after the shop opened. “Two older ladies came in to celebrate their birthday and bought each other a geode because it reminded them of their childhood.” These kinds of connections are what drive her mission. “The feedback from locals has been so positive. They feel proud to see what home for them is, and that is exactly what I wanted.”
Mary’s approach to business is as heartfelt as her products. “I do what I do with the understanding that the mission is the joy.” While she acknowledges the financial realities of running a small business, it is about much more than making money for her. “The rewards have come, but it wasn’t about that. You can’t do this if you’re just focused on the financials.”
The store’s journey has not been without obstacles to overcome. After starting at the Gateway in 2017 and moving to City Creek the following year, Mary and her team finally settled into their current location in 2019. Then, just a few months later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. “It was a trip,” she says with a laugh, remembering how they had to quickly pivot to survive. “We kept getting good reviews, and during COVID, we sold immersion boxes to people who couldn’t come to Utah. That kept us going.”
Everything Utah’s location on State Street is part of what makes it special. Unlike her first two shops in the Gateway and City Creek malls, Mary wanted this location to be its own destination. “I believe that being a little off the beaten path is a good thing. It gets people to experience more of the city.” She intentionally chose a spot that would encourage visitors to explore and discover the hidden gems of Salt Lake.
Despite the difficulties, Mary is still passionate about what she does. “I love it,” she says simply. “I am challenged every single day - by things that both pull at my heartstrings and my pocket - but the joy that comes from doing this is, other than being a parent, the most ecstatic connection with creating I’ve ever had.” Everything Utah, for Mary, is a way to give back to the state that has given her so much. “It’s a statement of my gratitude for the immersion I had when I came here from somewhere else as a young woman. Through the gifts of nature, the people, and the creators, it’s a thank you for all of that beauty.”