photo by John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics
After three decades as president and CEO of Elite Sportswear GK, Sallie Weaver has turned her entrepreneurial spirit and myriad of talents to giving back to the Berks community through her work with It’s A Gift! The Woman’s Exchange of Reading – a unique boutique on Penn Avenue in West Reading. She sold Elite, a prominent maker of women’s sports apparel (her clients included Olympic athletes), and took only a few weeks off before realizing that she thrives on the excitement of turning ideas into actions. While she admits her passion is innovative problem-solving, she also knows how to enjoy life and does just that by splitting time between her homes – one near Blue Marsh Lake and the other by the ocean in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Q: When did you sell Elite and how did you get involved with the shop?
I sold my company five years ago. After that, I started getting involved with the store, which is a not-for-profit enterprise. It’s actually a volunteer, charitable program that donates all proceeds to local charities. Our motto is “give the gift that gives twice” because we all give gifts or purchase a few indulgences for ourselves, and what makes this store different is that it helps artisans, who craft the goods sold in it, and the community, which benefits from the sales.
Q: It is a winning endeavor all around, for the customers and the charities, but I hadn’t thought of the artists and craftspeople. What a great way to support them.
Yes, and there are so many talented people in our area; it’s amazing – their skills and creativity and the goods they make. It’s A Gift! carries a wide variety of goods, from women’s accessories to children’s clothing and lovely gift items.
Q: Are you a Berks County native?
Actually no, I grew up in South Carolina and have lived and worked in Georgia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. I moved to most of those places for work. I came to the Reading area 35 years ago to purchase a gymnastics manufacturing company.
Q: With as successful as that company was under your leadership, I’m curious if you were ever a gymnast yourself.
No, I was in track and field and was a swimmer, but I never did gymnastics. Unfortunately, when I was growing up in the South it wasn’t available; there weren’t really facilities where children could do it. I love watching gymnasts; what they can do is amazing.
Q: You’re obviously dedicated to business and very successful in all its aspects, but what do you like to do for fun?
I like ballroom dancing and reading, particularly biographies. I like to be inspired and learn from the experiences of others. Oh, and I love travel. I always take an opportunity to go somewhere if I can.
Q: What are some of your favorite places you’ve been?
Switzerland is the most gorgeous place. For me, Australia comes in a close second, and South Africa – I had always wanted to go there. I did, and it was fascinating. I went on safari. The wildlife was the best part, particularly the elephants. I love elephants and was able to ride one and got to feed them; it was a dream come true. In the US, I think Alaska is my favorite place – the land and sea; the natural beauty there is just breathtaking. I love to be near the water. My home in Berks County is near Blue Marsh and I never tire of the view, having my morning coffee and looking out at it. That is definitely a favorite place.
