Meet Nathalie Smith | Owner, Lula Faye Fiber – a cozy Boulder yarn shop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathalie Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathalie, what are you inspired by?
There is so much creativity in our community right now. I’m inspired by our local Colorado dyers and how unique each of their styles are. I have no idea how they put the colors and patterns together that they do. I’m also inspired by the slow fashion movement, and the idea that you can get high quality natural materials – cotton, wool, bamboo, linen – and make a sweater that might take you 2 years to finish but you will have it for the rest of your life. And then it can return to the earth easily. There is such beauty in even the little mistakes in handmade items.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lula Faye Fiber is yarn shop in downtown Boulder. We are focused on locally hand dyed yarns and wool produced in the Colorado ‘fiber shed’, although we also have a lot of choices of other gorgeous fibers. We have classes and meet-ups mostly on the weekends which I try to make accessible to everyone. The central focus for us is building community and sharing our love of crafting.

Having a creative career has always been a dream of mine. I spent 20 years in the technical world in Boulder. I am appreciative of that career, because it gave me financial stability while I was raising young children and dealing with life changes. But I was really ready to do something different. I struggled on a daily basis with wanting something more fulfilling in my life and also to show my kids that you can build something for yourself.

There are two people that were really a big part of giving me the push to take the risk to open Lula Faye Fiber. The first is my husband Ned, who is super supportive.

The second was Ali DeJohn, who runs The Makerie, which host creative retreats. While there is a lot of work that goes into building a new business, for me the hardest part of the whole thing was stepping off of the cliff and leaving my comfort zone where everything seemed to be running pretty smoothly. Ali is the person that brainstormed with me and then finally gave me the push to do it. Every one needs a friend that will say “what are you waiting for”?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend Kim lives in San Diego so I love it when she comes out because our environments are so different but both really great.

I think I would start the day with a coffee and shortbread from the new Suti and Co, or as we call it in the shop “the Danish Bakery”. So yummy and also the coziest little spot.

I’m pretty sure Boulder trails are the most unique and amazing thing about Boulder. We have so many gorgeous hike close to town. There is nothing like a hike to Royal Arch or Bear Peak, or, if the weather is nice, a high altitude hike up at Brainard Lake. Long hikes are the perfect way to catch up with close friends.

My favorite happy hour is at Leaf, a vegetarian restaurant in Boulder. The cauliflower tacos are unbelievable!

And for a fancy final dinner, we’d head to Somebody People in Denver which is the best restaurant around and also happens to be vegan (which I am not). It’s the freshest seasonal vegetables cooked in the most amazing ways with a handmade pasta. I’m actually going there tonight for my 10 year wedding anniversary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have worked with the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) for a few years now. They have really helped me understand that living in such a beautiful place, and having a business here, comes with the responsibility of being a part of a community and looking out for your neighbors. There are a surprising number of children living below the poverty line and experiencing homelessness. EFAA is truly “neighbors helping neighbors”.

Website: www.lulafayefiber.com

Instagram: @lulafayefiber

Image Credits
Alive Studios