Peri Bolts, Founder Of Eclectic Co.
I came across Eclectic Co. on a day spent downtown, exploring the amazing businesses of Colorado Springs. I was welcomed with open arms and met amazing creatives along the way. The people I talked to were proud to be a part of Eclectic, and I later found out that they were all sellers in this store. It truly felt like a group of friends coming together to encourage, laugh, and create- something that Klein House has the goal of establishing as well.
Each booth had its very own personality, and it showed the beauty of personal branding that comes along with owning a small business. You could feel all the time and effort people have put into their craft, no matter what it was. Eclectic is a beautiful physical representation of what I hope my business will grow to represent, and I am honored to have gotten to know Peri, and have found hope that there are more people out their with the same goals to establish a strong and blossoming community.
What is your name and your business name? Where is your business located?
Peri Bolts, Eclectic CO- 214 ½ N. Tejon St., and Eclectic OCC- 2518 W. Colorado Ave.
Tell me about your brand!
The Eclectic CO. brand is a family of cooperative retail stores. We house over 140 artists and small businesses from the Front Range of Colorado. What makes us unique is the authentic sense of community and care that exist in our spaces. Our vendors contribute time in the space, meaning that every time you stop in, you’ll meet the human that made some of the amazing things in our store! I, Peri Bolts, founded Eclectic CO in 2018 and now co-own it with Ani Barrington.
What does your business do or provide?
We pride ourselves on awesome curated vintage and new clothing, handmade jewelry, body products, candles, art, home goods and so much more! Over 95% of our contributing businesses are womxn owned—something we are very proud of! You really have to feel the Eclectic way to get it—we’d love to see you!
What do you feel sets you and your business apart from others?
While there are a lot of shops that sell local items, Eclectic CO. is really unique in our ethos and how we approach small business. We really exist to help our artists and vendors thrive, and it is something you can feel in our stores! It is our greatest joy for our vendors to succeed. We also have a deep commitment to our community and our planet—we are big supporters of the social justice movement both in Colorado and nationwide. We also house multiple social impact businesses that prioritize marginalized communities and the environment.
What is your business’s backstory? How and why did you start your business?
I started Eclectic CO. after seeing the need for artists to have a place that was genuinely supportive of them and allows them to be profitable in their businesses. I started gathering information from artists and makers and what they would need in a retail space, and that was how I came up with the model.
What are the driving passions and morals for you and your business?
Eclectic does and always will stand for the betterment of the community, the contributing artists, and the planet. We continue to find ways to support people, causes, and communities that we care about.
What do you think really put your business on the map?
The authenticity of what we do and the artists that absolutely bless us with their presence is what makes us so special! It makes my heart soar when someone comes to the register to buy something and the person that made the item is ringing them up! It is such a special connection and the customer gets to interact with the wonderful human that has put their work into the world. Its really something!
What are the most gratifying parts and most challenging parts of being a business owner?
The most gratifying thing is when someone comes in for the first time and really feels the heart and the intention behind the business. Just a moment ago someone said to me “This place genuinely feels like a safe place—the aesthetic is so welcoming”. It makes me so emotional! Of course, there are hard parts to owning a business—it seems like you always have to learn things the hard way. But its always worth it!
What is your favorite memory of running your business?
I went to a New Moon yoga circle last year and when we were doing introductions, I introduced myself and what I do for work and the whole circle of total strangers just gushed about how much they love Eclectic and how much the store has meant to them. One gal said that she bought a gift for her mom that really brought them closer, and that felt really special. It was the first time I had been in a room with all new people and had them actually know what Eclectic is and appreciate its impact.
How has your background or life story played a role in who you are today?
I learned business operations from a decade of managing at Starbucks. Ever since I was a teenager I was passionate about social impact—I was using my first paychecks to buy TOMS shoes and donate to water conservation overseas. My heart for small business and supporting women all came together in this business!
What is one accomplishment you are most proud of in terms of your business?
I am most proud of the success milestones of our vendors—quitting their other jobs because their business can support them, hiring their first employee, opening their own store—huge milestones in the life of a small business owner!
Is there someone or something you would like to thank or give credit to for your business ventures?
My partner, my family, and my mentor Kevin Kratt have been huge along this journey—supporting me and lifting me up when I am not sure if I can go on. Most of all, I want to thank Ani for coming alongside me in this business and making more things possible than I ever could have accomplished alone. We make an amazing team!
Small businesses are the building blocks for a strong community. What are your favorite things to do, see, or share in your community?
I love sharing with tourists my other favorite businesses in town—Ladyfingers Letterpress, Heartshake Studios, Simple Body, Bird Tree Café and Story Coffee, and the many great locally owned restaurants downtown!
Social Links, Contact Information, & Location
@eclecticco._ & @eclecticocc._ on Instagram
Eclecticco on TikTok
