Christi Ballard, founder of Status, turned a lifelong love for luxury handbags and sustainability into a thriving business. Ballard started by hosting private gatherings and popups. The demand for her luxury finds led to her opening her store at Aksarben Village in 2021. Due to high demand, she moved into a larger space in 2023. At her store, she chatted with Visit Omaha about the Omaha dining scene, a special event that she looks forward to every two years, and local arts.
Tell us about Status.
We specialize in pre-loved authentic luxury handbags and accessories. Status has a wonderful, accessible home in Aksarben Village, and our community keeps growing.
In addition to Status, why should visitors check out Aksarben Village?
Aksarben Village is centrally located and there’s so much to do – from eating to exercising. There are so many different events, and it’s a melting pot of lifestyles. You can find it all here whether you want to run, meet a friend, or shop. You have Sonny’s, which has salsa nights. You have A Priori, which is fashion apparel and different events. Herbe Sainte is a great restaurant. Stinson Park is very family-oriented.
What’s your idea of a perfect Omaha day?
My husband and I have three beautiful boys – ages 16, 15 and 5. Our 15-year-old and 16-year-old love arts and culture, so we’d go to KANEKO.
Going to Culxr House is another definite for us. Marcey Yates has done a great job connecting different arts, music, genres, makers and time frames. It’s always neat to see what’s going on there.
Because of the 5-year-old, we’ll have to hit the zoo. Our zoo (Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium) is the best in the country, so we have to incorporate that.
And then, after my husband and I are done hanging out with the kids, we’ll figure out something to do with just the two of us, especially if Native Omaha Days is on (the weeklong event happens every two years). It’s a time to reunite with different people who have moved away. It’s joyful. Local celebrities return too and gather with the ones who stayed – Amber Ruffin, Lacey Lamar, Gabrielle Union and Bud Crawford.
Our website, VisitOmaha.com, offers itineraries for different types of travelers – so what kind of traveler are you?
I am definitely the foodie. Food can make me book a flight.
What are some of your favorite Omaha restaurants?
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is chef’s kisses. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse is another wonderful steak house. Southern Spoon has oxtails on Wednesdays. Chef Jay Overton, you have outdone yourself.
Some of my other favorites include La Buvette, M’s Pub and Memoir.
My girlfriends and I are going to Cham Pang Lanes this weekend. They serve food and great cocktails – you’ve got to have the drinks with the food!
Where do you like to shop in Omaha?
I like Made in Omaha because it’s a one-stop shop where you can find local gifts.
I’ve also enjoyed shopping at Hot Shops. I bought a Telle & Resa hand-poured soy wax candle there and loved it. Telle & Resa is run by two sisters, and the scent was nostalgic but new at the same time. I never burned it. Later, when I opened Status, I started carrying their candles.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with visitors to Omaha?
Omaha is changing constantly. There’s so much to do for families and single people. I’m proud to be part of the change the city is undergoing and the entrepreneurial space here.
