Interview with Alyssa Brown, office manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My grandmother started House of Carmel in 1974, and her first location was in the Arvada Plaza. In 2008, as my aging grandparents were unable to keep up with the demands of running the business, my dad, Chris, took over as the store’s owner. I started working with my dad in 2011. Today, my grandparents still come in four days each week to visit with the customers and keep busy. Grandpa always has a good joke, and Grandma loves to hear inspirational stories from our customers.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are the largest gift store of our kind in the Denver metro area and cater more to individuals buying gifts for religious events (baptisms, confirmations, first communion, etc.) versus selling items to churches. House of Carmel sells baptism and first communion apparel, which is something that is in high demand, as not very many stores sell those items. And, unlike many of the large dress retailers, we can order suits and dresses in for children (for weddings or first communions) in much less time and for a lot less money.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: It’s part of my family’s history. My parents met each other through the store and so many of our family members have worked here, either directly or indirectly. We also have several employees who have become like family to us as they have worked with us for so long. I remember coming into the store as a child and my grandparents always had something new and amazing on display. It’s also such a blessing to get to come to work and be inspired by the many customers who have shopped with us for years, always with some new story. It’s also special to get to spend time with my grandparents and dad and have my children experience what I got to as a child.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The Internet. Most small businesses have to compete with how easy it is for people to shop online. We try to stay as competitive as possible while still providing some of the hard-to-find gifts that cannot be found online.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We do statue repairs. My dad is extremely talented and has helped many people restore irreplaceable statuary and heirlooms. He has done repairs on everything from small Nativity pieces to recreating a large arm on a crucifix for the Carmelite Sisters in Littleton. He has even had people bring in a box of statue pieces for restoration. Many religious items are old and cannot be replaced, or they have special meaning to a family member who has passed, and my dad brings them back to life. It’s a special thing to see the customers’ faces when they see their item restored, when they thought it was gone forever.
Profile
Business: House of Carmel Religious Gifts & Books
Address: 7331 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1974
Contact: 303-423-9022, houseofcarmel.com
Employees: 5