Meet Chelsea Treinen | Small Business Owner & Mother

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

Hi Chelsea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2019, I made the decision to take over my mother’s business, a move that felt both natural and exciting given my lifelong love for fashion, creativity, and connecting with others. My background as a teacher at an international school in Luxembourg helped shape my appreciation for diverse perspectives and strong relationships—skills that now serve me well as a business owner. When I returned to the United States, I was also stepping into a new chapter of motherhood, and I knew I needed a professional path that could align with my family life. Taking on the business allowed me to blend my passions with a more flexible lifestyle, while honoring my mother’s legacy and building something of my own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sweetwater is more than just a business to me—it’s a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the power of starting over. I took over the shop from my mother in 2019, driven by my love for fashion, art, and building meaningful connections. Just six months later, the pandemic forced us to close our doors, and two years after that, a devastating fire brought everything to a halt once again. At the time, I didn’t know that it would take well over a year before I could reopen. In 2024, I attempted to move Sweetwater fully online, but I quickly realized how much I missed the in-person connections with my customers. That experience reminded me of what truly sets Sweetwater apart: it’s not just the curated goods, it’s the community we’ve built. In October 2024, I finally found the perfect new home for the shop and reopened with a fresh sense of purpose. It hasn’t been easy and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. My journey has taught me that challenges often hold the greatest opportunities for growth, and I hope my story reminds others that rebuilding is always possible—with heart, vision, and determination.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Evergreen is a hidden gem just 35 minutes from Denver—perfect for a weekend mountain escape or even a peaceful afternoon getaway. If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d start each day with breakfast at one of our cozy downtown spots, followed by a coffee stroll along Bear Creek and up to the lake. The Evergreen Lake trail is beautiful year-round—perfect for a morning walk, paddle boarding in the summer, or ice skating in the winter. We’d spend afternoons exploring the unique local shops and art galleries downtown (of course, a stop at Sweetwater would be a must!), then relax with dinner at a restaurant overlooking the creek. Evenings would be all about catching live music at one of our intimate local venues or enjoying a quiet drink under the stars. From friendly faces to locally owned businesses, Evergreen has an energy that’s both vibrant and laid-back—full of creativity, community, and mountain-town charm. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and savor every moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here without the vision and creativity of my mom, Cyndi Buck. Her love of design is contagious and I am honored to be the only store that carries her clothing lines.

Website: https://www.sweetwaterboutique.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwaterboutique.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AodkSZo5B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Sweetwater Boutique