Business: Soul Haus
Address: 1225 East 17th Ave.
dzܰ:10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday,11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 1999
Contact: 303-830-7685, soulhaus.com, @SoulHaus
Dz:3-5
Interview with Chris Bacorn, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
:In the late ’90s it was really difficult to find distinctively-styled and independent clothing lines in Denver, especially for men. Soul Haus opened its doors in 1999 as one of Denver’s first fashion houses to offer small-tag, Denver-made and independent labels for men. It wasn’t long before female shoppers asked us to carry the same caliber of clothing for women, so we expanded our offerings to include women’s dresses as well. Over the years, we have kept growing to include unique jewelry, wallets, hats, watches and most recently vintage accoutrement and décor.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
:We have a sort of love-hate relationship with the word “boutique.” We do showcase independent designers and offer unique pieces, but we would never be so bold as to tell people how to dress or who to be. Soul Haus regulars already know who they are and what they want. So go ahead, pull up a bar stool and hang out for awhile. In return, we promise a great experience without all the boutique-y pretension, as well as an awesome alternative to shopping at the Big Box Mall.
:That’s an easy answer — the customers. I have learned so much from the people who walk through our doors, and so many have become my extended family. I have always wanted to be just like Mr. Hooper from “Sesame Street” — outside sweeping the sidewalk, waving to Maria and Luis across the street and shaking hands with Mailman Leo on his way to work. Uptown feels like Sesame Street sometimes — I may not be a millionaire, but I’m living the real “American dream”.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
:Our biggest challenge at Soul Haus is making sure that our racks are stocked with styles that suit the people who have been shopping with us for 18 years, but at the same time finding the balance with styles that attract a millennial shopper. That is where we discover our niche — a distinct, urban look for modern men and women. To achieve this, we carefully curate our floor with a large selection of small label designers, handpicked with purpose and a precise plan.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
:I think that people are surprised to learn that more than 12 of our staffers have gone on to open their own businesses, and that we actually celebrate that as an accomplishment. Why wouldn’t we want the people we love to succeed? We are often pro bono consultants for these new business owners, and are proud to have so many good friends go grab that golden ring. Soul Haus, as an organization, has garnished several awards and been recognized by many media outlets as an “entrepreneur incubator” which is a title we wear with humility and also with pride.