Stalk Market started as a dream of two passionate women, Grace Noe and Leah Lear. Their friendship of more than 3 years blossomed over trips to the local plant nurseries and dreaming of having their own store. Together they started Stalk Market at Edgewater Public Market in May 2021, and later that year, the two women partnered with Arvada artist Alisha Capps to open a second Stalk Market shop in Olde Town Arvada.
Grace says the communities have been extremely supportive. “They really want local businesses like ours to succeed.” Supporting other local companies is important for Stalk Market, too. The shop purchases 90% of its plant inventory from Calabrese Greenhouse in Arvada which has been in business for more than 70 years.
Customers can expect helpful coaching on how to care for the plants they buy. The Stalk Market team cultivates a positive learning space, and Grace says they are even developing classes for the community. Those should start this summer. “It's a hobby that should be accessible to everyone, financially and socially.”
For Leah, being around plants is incredibly relaxing. “It's a little tropical vacation from life when you're in our shops, and it's been amazing to see our vision come to life.”
Alisha's art is branded as Rendering of Cosmos. It includes a little bit of everything such as plants, mushrooms, and identification charts. “The success of it has been humbling, and I'm very grateful.” Plant enthusiasm can start as something small, but Alisha says you can develop an almost symbiotic relationship with your plants. “Watching people learn and get excited about it is beautiful and empowering.”
Like many women, Grace says all three of them faced challenges as business owners. “We've grown up in a world that makes it hard for women, and we got together knowing we could change that and do something special for the community.”
Check out Stalk Market's selection on Grandview Avenue in Arvada or on West 20th Avenue in Edgewater, and visit their website at stalkmarketco.com.
