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

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had an affinity for good design and re-purposing pieces. It may come from the idea that I never had the means to go by brand new furniture and art so I was always thinking of ways to work with what I have or have found. When we finally built our first house, I was upset by the amount of waste that was left behind. One of my first projects was using a chunk of our Calcutta marble and making and iron base cocktail table. I sold it to a friend and just kept going from there. After 7 years of making tables from fallen trees and stone remnants, I expanded to full service interior design, upcycling furniture, making pillows and art from found objects and textiles. These ideas were piling up in my home and friends and family were pushing me to start a store. Two years ago I began to look for a space and birthed Rogala Design Gallery in SOBO.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have tried to coin and elevator pitch for my business and it is hard to get it out in one breath. Customers and clients ask what is going on in the store all the time! Rogala Design focus on unique finds, curated by me. Including, up-cycled furniture, local artist, framed curiosities, eclectic textiles, custom made pillows and furniture, fallen tree pieces and home decor. Further, if you like what you see, we offer full service interior decorating and remodel design.

I am proud that we nod to the local artist and we up-cycle. I am also proud that we cater to all budgets and can offer advise and help for small jobs. Many people are overwhelmed by the design process and hiring an interior designer. I offer a “Power Consult” of four hours that many people have used to get the ball rolling.

Starting is a business is never easy. I admire anyone who took the steps to start a business. I know that once I registered the LLC, I knew I had to legitimize the process. And honestly, for a long time, my business was all referral. If you take care of people, create a relationship and be honest and vulnerable, people are drawn to that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This question is hard for me because all I do is work and family stuff. I am not big on the Denver scene, so..

I would take them to Kaladis for coffee and then to Red Rocks for a hike. Then lunch at Mod Market and a then shopping in SOBO and drop by Rogala Design. I would try to get to The Botanical Gardens and chill in Observatory Park and catch a movie at the Landmark theater.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserves a huge shoutout in my development. Although he is not a part of the creative or curating process he is constantly moving pieces for me, delivering, helping with paint and repair. He even says he has a part time job breaking down boxes and recycling them. One of the best gifts he gave me was a branding tool so I could brand the bottom of my wood pieces with my logo. My sister-in-law is my biggest cheerleader. She was instrumental in convincing me to open a store. She gushes over my ideas and since she has impeccable taste, I listened to her.

Website: www.rogaladesign.com

Instagram: rogaladesign

Facebook: rogala design

Other: shop with us at Rogala Design & Gallery 2911 s Broadway Englewood CO 80113

Image Credits
Ian Warren Photo

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