Meet Kristin Schweitzer | Boutique Owner/Local Business Owner/Mom

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

Hi Kristin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a creative career based on the timing of where I was in life. At the time, in 2015, I was raising two young boys with a husband that travelled a large percentage of the year. I was starting to feel the “itch” to have something of my own, and to fill my time with something that was inherently satisfying. I knew I could not work outside of the home because of my husband’s travel schedule but I didn’t think I had a skill to translate into a business. One day while Christmas shopping, I came across the ribbon aisle and remembered how my Mom always made beautiful bows for our Christmas packages and the greens on the banister at the holidays. Those memories sparked an idea that I would teach myself how to make bows for wreaths and sell them to friends. I watched a Youtube video on how to make bows, called my sister for advice, and sent an email to 80 people. The response was amazing! I had started a business! After the first holiday season of making bows I decided to attend one of the large gift markets to buy ribbon. While I was there I saw all the interesting items that were available so I decided to purchase other seasonal items to accompany my bows. Each year I added more and more seasonal items to the point where I decorated my entire first floor with holiday items to purchase, kicked my family out, and hosted an open house for five days.
Again timing lead to another creative pursuit when unfortunately Covid hit. There are silver linings even amongst terrible events and ours was that my husband was grounded from traveling which allowed him more time with the kids and allowed me to pursue opening a retail store.
Along with the right timing, I pursued a creative career because I had the support and encouragement of friends and family which allowed me to follow a path that inspires me but most importantly allows me to model hard work and the enjoyment of your pursuit to my kids.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am local business owner within the community of Columbine Valley. I opened a small home and gift store within a mile of my home. I recognized there was a need within our community for a place to find gifts and unique home decor. I am proud that I took the risk of opening a store during Covid without any retail experience. There are daily challenges within the business that I am learning along the way, plus balancing work and home life.
I am lucky to have the support of my friends and family but also my community. I am fortunate to have a network of people who feel strongly about shopping locally and supporting small business and that is the key to my success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver has grown so much in the 24 years I have lived here, with new restaurants and neighborhoods popping up everywhere. I have lived in Littleton for the past ten years so I have not kept up with the ever changing city life. I would mix in old and new plus of course the renewed!
red rocks
garden of the gods
walk with the dog in wash park
drinks at union station
game at coors field
brunch in cherry creek
burger at the cricket or park burger
Carmines
Cruise room
Izakaya
Downton Littleton of course!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My supportive husband, kids and sister.  Plus the ladies in the store who help me keep the store running and organized.

Website: backeasthome.shop

Instagram: @backeasthome

Facebook: back east home

Image Credits
Kathy Daly Photography