Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Colbin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been in the fashion and accessory industry since 1995! Before I started my own boutiques, I was an independent sales rep for small jewelry and accessory companies. I would drive all over Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana and visit women’s boutiques, museum shops, and catalogs.
Once I had children, I needed a way to travel less, so I made a lateral move in the industry and opened the first Kismet on 32nd and Meade street. That store, now called Luna and Jasper, was the beginning of my retail journey. I’ve never looked back! I now have four locations: Luna and Jasper on 32nd and Meade St., True in the Stanley Marketplace and on 26th and Larimer in RINO and Kismet in the Lowry Town Center. I’ve made a lot of changes, moved stores, closed some stores but all this time Denver (and surrounding areas) has been good to me and I’m so grateful for this long time career and journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh! The life of and entrepreneur! Lots of struggles and successes. I think working with a team is a forever work in progress. I learn more about myself and my business from my staff. I have had some times that are more stressful than others (ahem, 2020 do-over anyone?) but I’ve enjoyed the challenges and the learning process and sometimes I pinch myself and say, “What just happened?” Or “Wow–can’t believe we got through that!”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kismet, True and Luna and Jasper?
Kismet was my first brand. It represents color and happiness, community, and acceptance. I don’t follow trends per se unless I like them! We have always specialized in handmade jewelry from local, national, and international artists, gifts, wearable accessories, and clothing. We carry high-quality, colorful, and unique clothing from brands such as Dylan, Thml, Kerisma, Mavi Denim, Sadie and Sage, Project Social T and SO much more. True was the second brand that I opened at the Stanley Marketplace in 2017. I call it a holistic boutique because the theme of the brand is nurturing our customers from the outside in and the inside out. True offers books on wellness, apothecary items, and luxurious and soft clothing all in many neutral colors. This store focuses on the body, mind, and soul and offers a respite in a world of chaos. Some of the brands we carry at True are Subtle Luxury, Echo, Fate, Little Barn Apothecary, Intelligent Elixers and so much more. Luna and Jasper is a refresh of the Kismet that started everything on that little corner in the Historic Highlands of Denver. It’s a lot like her older sister, but a little sassier!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Haha–well Kismet means “destiny”, which is kind of the opposite of luck. Whether good things or bad things happen, I kind of takes it as it’s meant to be. The idea behind True is the concept of really looking at yourself and living a true, authentic life so our free will plays into the idea of making choices based on what works for each individual.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.kismetandtrueboutiques.com, www.trueholisticboutique.com and www.kismetaccessories.com
- Instagram: @kismetandtrueboutique
- Facebook: Kismet and True Boutique
Image Credits
Esther Lee Leech (third one with me in the burgundy sweater)
Meghan Morin (group shot and woman in blue sweater)
