The heart of Hometown Shops is simple and sincerely felt while perusing the enchanting displays of high quality handcrafted goods—local love. Hometown Shops, located at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, offers a variety of exceptional handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique gifts, and so much more. But what separates them from other shops is that all of the merchandise sold at Hometown Shops is sourced from local small businesses. A flourishing local artisan collective, Hometown Shops was one of the first local shops to offer a beautifully curated space for local businesses to showcase and sell their merchandise. They now sell products from more than 20 small businesses, primarily from Northern Colorado. From handmade soaps, coffee, personalized hats, clothing, and more, Hometown Shops prides itself in supporting artisans from our local hometowns for the purpose of giving back and building up our community.
Owner of Hometown Shops, Tara Chavarria, founded her shop in 2021 after spending years in the multi-vendor business. Following the challenges of the pandemic, she recognized a significant need to support small businesses in their recovery. As a manager overseeing three locations of a similar-type store in Denver, she recalls interacting with countless individuals and small businesses that faced severe difficulties when the pandemic hit.
“Many people that I worked with lost their physical spaces and had to cancel markets. They did not qualify for unemployment benefits the same way as others and were even required to repay them. This situation troubled me deeply,” Chavarria explains. “I felt a strong urge to create a positive impact, no matter how small. Thus, I launched Hometown Shops, driven by the desire to make a difference in someone's life.”
Brimming with a style and flair that only she can exude, Chavarria’s passion for her shop, the local artisans she works with, and her customers’ overall experience is palpable. This shop is her life’s dream come to fruition and you can feel it as soon as you walk through the door.
“I love everything about running my store! I'm truly grateful for the chance to represent businesses in Colorado. I started this journey with minimal resources, but through hard work, dedication, and the support of our wonderful small businesses and customers, we continue to thrive every day.”
And not only does the store thrive, but the small businesses that she collaborates with thrive as a result, which is one of Chavarria’s foremost motivators. She recounts a story of approaching a woman-owned jewelry business before she opened her shop. Initially, the woman doubted her ability to sell enough to maintain a space at the shop. However, today she stands as one of their top sellers.
“Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to believe in us! I find daily motivation in the small businesses and customers who make this store a reality,” she says.
Described as an Etsy store come to life, Hometown Shops is brimming with one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t easily find in large retail stores. Some of Chavarria’s current favorite items include cozy sweatshirts, Swedish dishcloths, flannels, burned hats, handmade soap inspired by nature, unique mugs and cups, and the list keeps growing. And as winter approaches, the store has definitely entered its cozy phase.
“I love anything cozy! And I absolutely adore the beauty of fall and winter! My favorite time is snuggling up in our personalized sweatshirts from Cozy Pop, paired with a delightful mug from Summer Newton.”
But aside from the beautiful and one-of-a-kind merchandise, what truly shines about Hometown Shops and differentiates them from any other store is the love, gratitude and support of the local artisan community. The care that is poured into the merchandise, as well as the selection and curation, gives the shop a unique vibe and glow unlike any other.
“The small businesses pour immense love and dedication into their craft. Throughout my journey, I've come to realize that these are the ones we should wholeheartedly support. There is something truly beautiful about the effort that small businesses invest. I created this store to empower the little guy and uplift individuals within our own communities.”
Chavarria goes on, “Success is embodied by Hometown Shops. We can measure the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion that have gone into this store. Each night as I close up and reflect, that profound feeling in my soul defines what success truly means.”
A go-to destination for any gifting needs throughout the year, you can connect with Hometown Goods on Facebook at @ourhometownshops or on Instagram at @hometownshops.
"I created this store to empower the little guy and uplift individuals within our own communities."
"Small businesses pour immense love and dedication into their craft."