Women-owned businesses in Cottonwood Square

As one of two main hubs of small businesses in Niwot, Cottonwood Square brings together a variety of retail stores. Businesses range from restaurants to clothing stores, and from florists to fitness studios. A surprisingly high number of these enterprises are run, either in whole or in part, by women. Many owners have several things in common. They enjoy the Niwot community and the support it gives local businesses. They also share a "give back" or "pay-it-forward" attitude.

"I feel like Niwot in general has a pretty supportive community of business people," said Lisa Balcolm who owns Farow, a farm-to-table restaurant, and the ghost kitchen Pie Dog Pizza, with her husband, Chef Patrick Balcom. "I've found a lot of support in joining the Niwot Marketing committee and the business association." The restaurant opened a few years ago, and quickly became known for creative, fresh entrees and jazz patio happy hours. Niwot Tavern is owned by a pair of women who are also friends. Tara Shaheen and Stacy Szydlek, longtime employees of the business, bought the restaurant from the former owners in 2019, just prior to the pandemic. Starting a business at that time had unexpected challenges, and the pair worked hard to establish it as a lively community hub serving not only good food and drinks but a friendly welcome.

They agree that Niwot is a place where businesses would work together to support each other and the community. "We're proud to be a woman-owned business, and in the town of Niwot there are mostly women-owned businesses here," Shaheen said. "I think that's something to be proud to be part of." Julie Stenz, owner of Blessings Day Spa elaborated on her experience as a Cottonwood Square business owner. "I like to focus on the number of women in our community who focus on women owned businesses. We have two proprietors at the spa now, myself and Heather Bell, who is a physical therapist. I always appreciate how you draw your tribe to you."

The women all enjoy helping other women whether by teaching a new trade or supporting women starting their own business.

Szydlek enjoys teaching bartending skills and enjoys the details of the trade. "I like to teach people how to bartend correctly," she said. "There are so many people behind the bar that don't do things right. But it's possible to learn it and make a career out of it. I know I did." At Farow, Balcom said she would happily help support any of her employees who were interested in starting a business. "I like to support them in developing their knowledge and skill sets and I hope for them to know more the longer they're with us than when they started," she said. Balcom has also been looking toward continually improving what Farow can offer customers and how she can further strengthen the embodiment of her restaurant's mission. Farow joined the Slow Food Board in Boulder County in the hope of "inspiring and assisting others in our community in using more of our local products." She has also been invited to join the Les Dames d'Escoffier Denver chapter this year.

Stenz added her perspective. "I'm grateful to the other business owners, past and present, who are quick to offer advice or share their experiences. And in my time here, there have been two women clients that have written a book about how women empower each other."

However, gender isn't always a factor in female business success. Shaheen explained, "Our advice to people out there, not just women, is that you can do whatever you want as long as you work for it. You've got to put in the effort. Everything you've got." Balcom agreed, "I think owning a restaurant is challenging regardless of being a woman. There are about 10,000 things that can go wrong at any moment but so many things that can go right too. Going into your day and keeping a positive mindset along with having a problem solving mindset is important in any business. You're always going to encounter challenges. It's your willingness to look for solutions and employing them quickly that ultimately makes you successful in whatever you're setting out to do."

Women-owned businesses in Cottonwood Square:

Belle Terre Floral

Blessings Day Spa

Farow

Fly Away Home

Niwot Counseling

Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy

Niwot Learning Collective

Niwot Tavern

Pebble Art Jewelry

The Little Shop Niwot

The Nook at Niwot Market