Today we’d like to introduce you to Peri Bolts.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am someone who always preferred to shop local and support social impact enterprises. I have lived in Colorado Springs since 2010 and love the juxtaposition of outdoors and young professional community here. My professional background is in Organizational Psychology and business operations, and after feeling burnt out and uninspired by “Corporate America”, I set out to find a new path more aligned with supporting community and social impact.
I met Stephanie Yu, of Wilder Bag Co., and Jenny Bazzetta, of BonBon Bombardier, at the first Womxn of the Future event in August of 2018. That event, highlighting dozens of talented women-owned businesses of Colorado Springs, opened my eyes to the rich artisan community needing a space to flourish. I began to problem-solve the obstacles facing artisans and craftsman and wound up creating a co-op concept to reduce those barriers to market. In addition to offering a beautiful retail space for customers to appreciate and enjoy, my passions also include helping micro- and small businesses grow and thrive and Eclectic is the perfect space to make that happen.
Has it been a smooth road?
Any big dream worth pursuing is never smooth! The business model itself aims to combat some of the obstacles that creatives are currently facing but presents challenges of its own. Opening and operating a small business requires a lot of time, dedication, and vision, but it is really worth the sacrifice. I am so fortunate to have tapped into a community of strong women and men that are equally dedicated to their craft and the cause of making artisanal goods available for conscientious consumers. I am also extremely grateful to live in a community that is rallying behind small business and re-invigorating downtown. We would not have been able to overcome the struggle of finding high foot-traffic space downtown without the support of the Downtown Partnership.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Eclectic CO. story. Tell us more about it.
Eclectic CO. began as a holiday pop up store in the Downtown Partnership’s program aimed at filling empty retail space downtown. After a fantastic holiday season where we grew from a collective of 20 artists to over 50 artists and vendors, we have extended our temporary lease and are now really growing roots on Tejon Street. Establishing ourselves as one of the top retailers for one-of-a-kind, handmade, sustainable goods is only part of the equation: Eclectic CO. is also a hub for the growth and development of our resident artists. We offer vendor workshops ranging from marketing and social media to financial wellness and goal setting, as well as workshops open to the community like macrame, painting and other fine arts, and community education classes for a wide range of topics.
Inside Eclectic CO. you will find local, sustainable, handmade goods that are truly one-of-a-kind. Our resident vendors range from curators of vintage apparel and home goods, handmade jewelry, visual artists, sustainable living products, body care, ceramics, and much more. There is always new products coming into the space so you are guaranteed to see something new at each visit.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The social impact sector is really emerging as an integral part of our economy. Consumers of all ages, but especially Millennials and Gen Z are choosing to spend their dollars in ethical, sustainable ways that make their dollars go further. Often it isn’t enough to offer a quality product, consumers want to know what you stand for and how your product contributes to a better community, environment, and world. I really hope this trend continues and bolsters small businesses with ethical practices and pushes large companies to have a greater focus on social and environmental justice. That movement will help retailers like Eclectic CO., and every single one of our vendors, flourish!
Contact Info:
- Address: 214 1/2 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 - Website: www.shopeclecticco.com
- Phone: 719-286-0089
- Email: peri@shopeclecticco.com
- Instagram: @eclecticco._
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eclecticcolorado
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eclectic-co-colorado-springs-2
Image Credit:
Allison Spink Photography, Rachel Rumple Photography, Xaris Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
