The Kids Are All Right: Kalle Edwards
Image: Karl Wolfgang
Senior Merchandiser, Obermeyer; Founder and Owner, In Play Athletics
Aspen High Class of 2002
Edwards has hit upon a good formula for forging a professional career in Aspen. “It’s about being creative and figuring out what works for you,” she says. “It’s not easy, but it is possible.”
The 33-year-old certainly follows her own advice. She’s in her 11th year at local skiwear company Obermeyer, plus she launched her own women’s sportswear brand, In Play Athletics, in 2011.
Growing up, Edwards had a long list of extracurriculars, from gymnastics and karate to dirt biking, horseback riding, and snowboarding. As she got older, she competed in the latter two.
After high school graduation, she spent a semester at Front Range Community College, then returned to Aspen. She ventured forth again to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Diego and LA, graduating in 2005. After a summer in Hawaii with her older sister, followed by a winter of snowboarding competitively in California, Aspen called once again, and Edwards decided it was time to answer.
She had her heart set on joining Obermeyer but worked first as a buyer at Radio Boardshop. After a year, she was hired at Obermeyer as an entry-level product developer; Edwards then moved up the ranks faster than any employee in her department at the time.
Meanwhile, she’s been slowly growing In Play Athletics—which she launched to provide more flattering, versatile clothing for activities like golf, Crossfit, and yoga—with the intent of eventually making it a self-sustaining business. “Clothing should make you feel good and sexy and confident, and I want to give that to other people,” she says.
At this point, Edwards has hit an ideal stride as an Aspenite. After six years in the housing lottery, she bought a place on the outskirts of town in December. Her parents still live in the area, and her sister recently moved back with her husband and kids. “There’s really no reason to leave,” says Edwards. “I like to travel, but I still haven’t been to a place that beats this one.”
