In the quaint streets of Nevada City, a town enriched with history and
community, stands a beacon of local enterprise and fashion savvy—Fur Traders. At its helm is Wendy Ermshar, a native daughter of Nevada County, whose passion for fashion and deep community roots are reshaping local retail. This is her story.
Since taking ownership on May 1st of 2022, the re-imagined Fur Traders is the creative culmination of Wendy’s love affair with fashion and community. The original Fur Traders first opened its doors in 1978, the year she was born, so her life has intertwined with the store from the beginning. The news of its
potential closure struck a chord with Wendy, sparking a realization that she could be the one to breathe new life into this long standing establishment. With an extensive career in retail, and a specific fondness for shoes, Wendy was perfectly poised to take on this challenge.
Running Fur Traders is not just a job for Wendy: it’s a commitment to her hometown. Located in the heart of Nevada City, the store is a place where Wendy can connect with neighbors, collaborate with fellow merchants, and contribute to the city's vibrant culture. She cherishes the opportunity to employ locals who are seeking meaningful work and the coveted quality of life that Nevada City offers.
Wendy believes in cultivating a team with aligned values to drive enthusiasm for excellence and to inspire the discretionary energy to go above and beyond in service. She focuses on identifying each team member’s strengths and placing them in the roles that best suite their unique talents. The reward is a highly engaged and committed crew who compliment one another and work on behalf of the Fur Traders Mission Vision and Values.
One of Wendy's greatest challenges has been tempering her aspirations for Fur Traders with the necessary patience that is required for sustainable growth. She acknowledges that realizing her goals takes the discipline of strategic planning, team training, and time in order to flourish. Her relentless drive is accompanied by a deep appreciation of her team and the many milestones they have achieved together already.
Wendy attributes her success to a strong vision, backed by clear intentions spoken through the Fur Traders Vision and unwavering values. She recognizes that entrepreneurship requires not just tenacity but also passion, and humility—a willingness to evolve constantly and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.
Wendy is deeply engaged with the Nevada City community, having served 3 years as a Nevada City Planning Commissioner, and currently sitting on the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and Miners Foundry Board of Directors. The opportunity she feels to engage with others who likewise love and shape the community, inspires a sense of belonging and further fuels her purpose to give back to the place which shaped her.
Wendy Ermshar's journey with Fur Traders is more than a business endeavor; it’s a heartfelt commitment to her roots and a testament to the power of local enterprise in fostering community ties. As she continues to lead with integrity and vision, Wendy not only preserves the legacy of Fur Traders but also ensures its vibrant future in the. heart of Nevada City.
Visit us at Fur Traders to experience firsthand the passion and care that Wendy and her team bring to our community. Join us in celebrating
local business and the spirit of Nevada City.
