Willow + Tulaire
Littleton, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Left: Helen of Willow, photo by Ryan Lawrence Right: Alexis of Tulaire, photo by Lee Stiffler-Meyer
We're a newly merged artsy girl gang of a store. Helen has owned Willow in Downtown Littleton for 17 years and Alexis opened Tulaire in Wheat Ridge last summer. Art and design is the heart of both of our stores. Right before the shutdown we decided we could make a pretty great pair and that's what we've got in Willow + Tulaire - our newly combined shop located in Willow's location of many years.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Helen (Willow): It’s always interesting how and why people name their businesses. Being a big music lover, there was a standout artist for me in the late 70s-early 80s by the name of Joan Armatrading. Her track titled “Willow” heavily influenced me and gave me strength and solace and shelter to live my best life. So, when taking the big leap to start my business – it was Willow.
Alexis (Tulaire): Tulaire was born out of my love for the south of France circa 1950s-60s. The vibe is funky, artsy, relaxed and always making a statement. The name (and branding) came about when I wanted to encapsulate all of that in a store.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
Nathalie Lété "The Big Party" Print from Tulaire
Helen (Willow): That is a difficult question and one I am not sure I can succinctly answer. I represent more than 150 artists at any given time and they are all so talented…and different! BUT, when I look for new work in the store, I am mostly drawn to originality, which there is no shortage of in the artisan community!
Alexis (Tulaire): Nathalie Lete's work is by far the signature collection. She's a folk artist outside Paris that has partnered with many brands, including (and iconically) Gucci and Anthropologie among many, many others. I reached out to her a few months before Tulaire opened to see if I could purchase from her studio - I was able to get 12 signed, numbered silkscreen prints shipped from Paris. Her work is quirky, irreverent, and most importantly charming beyond words.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
It's a shop unlike most you'll find in the Metro area. There are so many great stores, but we specialize in the unique and the interesting, while supporting and representing many Colorado-based artists and artisans.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid- 19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
This situation is forcing so much creativity and innovation. Joining forces to collaborate was a major step as we utilized the down-time to merge the two stores and ready ourselves for the re-opening. Tulaire offered Surprise Sunshine boxes in April, Willow pivoted to online shopping (first time ever!) and we're increasingly focused on building out our online platforms. This week we introduced virtual shopping and in-home try on for clothing. We're sure it will only expand from there as we try to find new ways to connect with customers.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Helen (Willow): I love finding and offering unique items that are made by the people, for the people. I love knowing the artisans and sharing their stories with our customers so they can engage in thoughtful gift giving. When that magical connection is made with just the right piece for that customer, it is so satisfying for me.
Alexis (Tulaire): I'm someone who loves buying gifts and trying to find the perfect thing for those I love. For me, my shop is that on a large scale - I love hunting and sourcing the most interesting, special pieces I can find. Things people haven't seen before. Things that can become something special for them or as a gift for someone they love.
What is your *must do* local activity?
We're all a bit starved for being able to do much of anything right now, but we always believe in supporting local. To us, more is more and the more great shops and restaurants we have, the more we all thrive. Our community is better for it. Come hang with us in Downtown Littleton – our Main Street has such an eclectic collection of locally-owned restaurants, shops and services.
Where to find Willow + Tulaire
Storefront: 2400 W Main St, Littleton, CO 80120
Online: willowartisansmarket.com and tulaire.com /
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willow.artisan.market/ and https://www.instagram.com/tulaire_denver/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowartisanmarket/ and https://www.facebook.com/tulaire