You may recognize Stéphanie Sassolas as the manager of Smål Market. After making a significant impact during the market’s first year, she has expanded her role with the Ballard Alliance, accepting the position of Business Liaison and Office Manager while continuing to support Smål Market’s management.
Stéphanie grew up in the French countryside in Annonay, a town known as the birthplace of the hot-air balloon and home to the company now known as Canson, the fine-art paper maker. Both legacies trace back to the Montgolfier brothers. Surrounded by that creative and entrepreneurial spirit, Stéphanie went on to work as a freelance small-business consultant, helping companies streamline their online sales operations. She also worked with a French nonprofit that supports sustainable fashion designers by building community around their work and connecting them with resources—experience that has helped Smål Market grow and thrive.
Stéphanie holds a master’s degree in foreign languages. She began studying Japanese in high school, fell in love with the language and culture, and later spent a year at Nagoya University. Her enthusiasm for languages also led her to study Spanish and Mandarin.
In her new role, Stéphanie will support our business community by providing technical
assistance as well as managing the Ballard Merchants and Restaurant Group. Stephanie will
lead Smål Market operations and oversee the retail sales team.
“We’re excited to welcome Stéphanie into this expanded role, which builds on her success managing Smål Market while meeting two critical needs for the Alliance: business support
and office management,” said Ballard Alliance Executive Director Mike Stewart. “Promoting Stéphanie was a natural next step, and her skills and years of small-business experience will be a tremendous asset to our team and Ballard’s business community.”
When asked what she loves most about the neighborhood, Stéphanie pointed to its independent spirit and strong sense of place.
“I love that we have so many small independent stores, restaurants and bars. I also love the history and the deep sense of community of the neighborhood. Ballard feels like a bubble, a small town in a bigger city.”
Ballard’s independent shops—especially its thrift and vintage stores—also complement one of Stéphanie’s favorite pastimes.
“I really like thrifting and have a very specific love for white embroidered shirts, particularly traditional Austrian-style blouses,” she said.
When she is not at work for the Alliance and Smål Market, Stéphanie enjoys walking at Golden Gardens and trying to spot whales from the shore.
Please join us in welcoming Stéphanie to her expanded role. You can send her a welcome email at stephanie@ballardalliance.com.