CHERRY CREEK FASHION — A Fashion Entrepreneur's Journey with Shana Colbin Dunn of True, Kismet and Luna & Jasper

A Cherry Creek Fashion Brand Partnership

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH

CLOTHING: TRUE & KISMET

Esther Lee Leach: Shana, over the last decade you have created four boutiques all over Denver. Let’s talk about how you got to this place. Tell us more about your career before opening your boutiques.

Shana Colbin Dunn: I’ve been in the fashion and accessory industry since 1995! Before I started my own boutiques, I was an independent sales rep for small jewelry and accessory companies. I would drive all over Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana and visit women’s boutiques, museum shops, and catalogs. Once I had children, I needed a way to travel less, so I made a lateral move in the industry and opened the first Kismet on 32nd and Meade street. That store, now called Luna and Jasper, was the beginning of my retail journey. I’ve never looked back!

Cherry Creek Fashion Shana 12.jpg — GET THE LOOK IN STORE

Long burgundy open cardigan: $92 // Store: Kismet
Watercolor animal print cami: $38 // Store: Kismet
Vervet denim $68-$79 // All Stores
Love Heals heart necklace $266// Store: Kismet
Red Tassle Necklace $40 // Store: True RINO

ELL: What attracted you to being an entrepreneur and running your own boutiques?

SCD: I have always been an entrepreneur. My mother owned her own business and my father was a Hollywood actor so I was raised to take those kinds of risks with my career. It’s hard to imagine working for another company now and I’ve learned so much over the years. I feel blessed to have started a business in Colorado. Denver has been good to me!

ELL: Tell us more about your stores, True, Kismet, and Luna and Jasper. What types of brands do you carry at the different stores?

SCD: Kismet was my first brand. It represents color and happiness, community, and acceptance. I don’t follow trends per se unless I like them! We have always specialized in handmade jewelry from local, national, and international artists, gifts, wearable accessories, and clothing. We carry high-quality, colorful, and unique clothing from brands such as Dylan, Thml, Kerisma, Mavi Denim, Sadie and Sage, Project Social T and SO much more. True was the second brand that I opened at the Stanley Marketplace in 2017. I call it a holistic boutique because the theme of the brand is nurturing our customers from the outside in and the inside out. True offers books on wellness, apothecary items, and luxurious and soft clothing all in many neutral colors. This store focuses on the body, mind, and soul and offers a respite in a world of chaos. Some of the brands we carry at True are Subtle Luxury, Echo, Fate, Little Barn Apothecary, Intelligent Elixers and so much more. Luna and Jasper is a refresh of the Kismet that started everything on that little corner in the Historic Highlands of Denver. It’s a lot like her older sister, but a little sassier!

Cherry Creek Fashion Shana 2.jpg — GET THE LOOK IN STORE

Python faux suede moto jacket: $102 // Store: True RINO
Printed silky tank: $32 // Store: True Stanley
Vervet denim: $68-$79 // All Stores
Bohemi Quetzal earrings: $136 // Store: True Stanley

ELL: What are some of your favorite fashion trends for the holiday season?

SCD: We have some of the softest sweaters with subtle colors and unique designs. Also, we brought in some metallic puffy coats that I personally love.

ELL: We are spending a lot of time at home now, have you seen a shift in the type clothing that your customers are buying?

SCD: Yes, most definitely. Leisure wear, leisure wear, leisure wear! However, I have to admit, we’ve always been the place to find soft and comfortable clothes while still feeling special and put together. I think Colorado living always lends to leisure fashion and especially now that we find ourselves at home!