If you’re anything like me, the fears of life after college have set in. You may deliberate over how you will best prove your self worth, and do so in an inspiring and individually authentic way. Think about taking your passion and turning it into a life long, self-sustaining career, far-fetched? It takes entrepreneurial spirit, an inspiring mechanism for facing this world head on.
Meet Vanessa Barcus, owner of Goldyn, whose entreprenuerial success is backed by academic rigor, ruthless determination, and hours that extend far beyond the nine to five. Barcus completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Claremont Mckenna, where she received her MBA in finance in 2006. “I think it’s important to have that business background, to run numbers and my business. It’s helped me a lot,” stated Barcus when asked how her finance degree correlates with the ever-competitive industry of fashion.
Barcus worked in advertising and for Trovato based in Los Angeles, where she exposed herself to the industry and developed a skill set in order to propel herself forward. “I always knew I wanted to eventually start a business, but the question lied in what. It wasn’t until I worked in fashion for a few years that I realized I could make it a viable career.” Originally, the business functioned as a mobile boutique, showcasing high-end designers through the use of traveling trunk shows. This hit or miss business model traveled the nation until it later transformed into an ecommerce site alongside various pop-up shops. The pop-up shops eventually dissolved leading to a brick and mortar storefront. A Colorado native, she didn’t stray for long. Goldyn is located right here in the up and coming neighborhood of the lower highlands in Denver. Denver’s greatest boutique according to 303 Magazine, recognition that stems from the determination and visions of this young entrepreneur.
There seems to be a fashion buzz in Denver, and I don’t think anyone’s complaining. “I saw a need in Denver, there just wasn’t much as this price point,” commented Barcus concerning her views on the Denver market, “I knew I wanted a brick and mortar, but I was waiting until the time and location were right. I love the face to face interaction it creates and seeing the reaction of my customers when they come in, there’s nothing like this around.” Barcus is facilitating a fashion forward vibe that not only showcases top of the line designers, but also consistently embraces the arts in the Denver community and offers itself as a cultural hub. “I’m excited, there are a lot of people moving Denver forward and more and more local designers. I’ll be carrying Gabriel Conroy for fall, a very talented local. His clothes can hang alongside my best brands here.”
All this glory doesn’t exist without its challenges, so gear up when prospecting the idea of starting your own business. A woman playing all the roles speaks of its challenges, “Finances and managing inventory are always challenging tasks. I think buying and merchandising takes intuition and will inevitably reflect some of my personal style. My favorite and least favorite aspect of my business would be customer service; you get both great and difficult customers. You really just learn as you go, there will always be curve balls.” So what’s next for this innovative boutique? Menswear is the answer. This is an exciting new endeavor given its apparent need in the current Denver market. Billy Reid, Shipley and Halmos, Raleigh Denim, and Pendleton are just a few of the menswear labels that will be found on Goldyn’s racks. To add to this excitement, Goldyn will be bringing in jewelry designers Kora and Pamela Love who will be accompanied by exclusive jewelry collections, an exciting event for Denver’s jewelry obsessed.
Now this exclusive sneak peek into the life of a fashionable entrepreneur just wouldn’t be as fun if we didn’t get a little personal. Barcus on her personal style stated, “I like the ‘downtown gritty grunge look’ you get with Alexander Wang, Helmut lang is wearable and easy to throw on. I love accessories, preferably classic with an edgy twist. I hate pink.” What’s the secret to staying informed and up to date with the rapid world of fashion? Constant observation. “I observe a lot. Everywhere I go I’m taking mental notes of what people are wearing, it always has to be in the back of your mind. I enjoy figuring out the trends and patterns.” The last words are a bit of advice for the fashion crazed, “You’re capable of so much creativity in the things you wear when you’re not conforming. What you wear projects how you feel and carry yourself. Fashion is my favorite kind of art, it’s personalized art, you get to change your persona.” Pick a persona of power, ladies. Entrepreneurship isn’t something that lies within textbooks and lecture halls; it’s a risk worth taking for the innovative, creative, and determined. Goldyn, a Vanessa Barcus empire, embracing fashion, arts, culture, and ultimately a leading example for the entreprenuerial spirit that lies within young women.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter.