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

Hi Shana, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Many years ago (barring a two year break during Covid) we launched a program called 12 Months of Giving where we ask customers to round up to the next dollar and we donate their change to a different charity every month. At the end of each month, we match or exceed all donations!

I like to think that when we connect with customers, help them on their shopping missions, or are there for them when they want to come in and chat or have a glass of wine, we serve as a consistent, positive place for people to come. Our mission has always been to inspire happiness in our staff, our customers, our vendors and our community while offering the highest quality products at reasonable prices. This effort has a rippling effect that we hope will infiltrate our community and the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own four retail brands called Kismet, Kismet Eats, True and Luna and Jasper. When I started this company in 2006, I owned a small repping company where I sold the wares of small artisan accessory and jewelry companies. I never thought I would go into brick and mortar retail full time. I wouldn’t define owning your own business as easy; however, it is rewarding and challenging at the same time. The main lessons are: don’t let your ego get too inflated, because one day you could be on top of the world and the next you can be giving yourself a pep talk to keep going! The other main lesson is, if you want to start learning something, just start. For example, I have no background in marketing, I had to just do it. I had no background in buying and selling gifts. I had to just do it. I had no experience managing a team. I had to just do it. Don’t let not knowing how to do something EVER stop you. Just go for it, you’ll figure it out quickly and make mistakes just like the rest of us!

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.
I’m originally from New York City but Denver has some of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to! Some that stand out are: Annette in the Stanley Marketplace, Humboldt Kitchen and Bar, Izakaya Den, The Greenwich, and so many more. During one of the days, I would find one of the many hikes in the foothills of Denver. I’d be sure to take them for a cocktail at the restaurant patio in the new City Park golf course–best sunset in the city. I’d also take them to Rino arts district and look at all the art on the buildings. We’d get a signature cocktail at Honey Bar and also check out Death and Co over at the Ramble Hotel. We could also rent bikes and go down the Cherry Creek trail. If they were here on a Friday night, we’d check out the sound bath at Karma Yoga. So much to do in this city, I feel blessed to live here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people! However, the one that stands out the most is my (now ex) husband, who supported me in executing all of my business ideas, no matter how risky or crazy sounding! He also built the majority of my store fixtures and displays in my stores.

Website: www.kismetandtrueboutiques.com

Instagram: @kismetandtrueboutiques

Linkedin: Shana Colbin

Twitter: @kismetlive

Facebook: Kismet and True Boutiques

Image Credits
From the Hip Photo, Esther Lee Leach with Cherry Creek Fashion

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