Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Rose. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erica , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I didn’t always see myself as a risk-taker. Early in my career, I focused on doing the job at hand as well as possible, rarely adding my own creativity or perspective. My confidence in taking risks developed gradually, starting with small decisions—like running for a position on a local Board of Directors to share my expertise in cooperative membership and fundraising. I wasn’t sure what serving on a board would entail, but I wanted to contribute and learn in the process.
As I grew professionally, I began taking on opportunities to present for company-wide committees. These projects allowed me to collaborate with people outside my department and tackle challenges beyond my usual role. Even when things didn’t go perfectly, I gained valuable lessons in resilience and learned to trust my own judgment.
Everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and my entire department was dissolved. I had two choices: leave the company or pivot into a completely new department—essentially starting over after ten years in sales outreach management. Leaving felt risky amid widespread layoffs, so I decided to stay and challenge myself to learn something new. Though it was uncomfortable at first, that experience taught me that real growth comes from curiosity and courage, not certainty.
After navigating that transition, I returned to entrepreneurship with a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve been thrilled to lean into creating new concepts, collaborating with other businesses, and building ventures that reflect both creativity and community.
Today, I see risk as a necessary part of progress. Uncertainty still exists, but I’ve learned to approach it with curiosity instead of fear. Each experience has made me more adaptable, confident, and open to new possibilities. I love the process of bringing ideas to life—and helping others do the same.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My love for creativity and community inspired Vintage & Vinyl Events, which I began producing in Colorado Springs in 2022 after the concept first came to life nearly a decade earlier in Austin, TX. These immersive, themed markets — hosted primarily at COATI in downtown Colorado Springs — blend fashion, music, art, and local culture. Each event has its own unique personality, like our November gathering, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” an Alice in Wonderland–inspired celebration featuring flash tattoos, mushroom-themed goods, DJs spinning vinyl, and vintage treasures.
As one of the founding partners of Circa Vintage Shop, I am a passionate vintage curator and community builder who has always believed in the beauty of sustainability and storytelling through style. After working as a vendor within the creative retail collective Eclectic Co., I dreamed of creating my own finely curated space — one that celebrated thoughtfully sourced vintage and upcycled goods.
That dream came to life in August 2023 with the opening of Circa Vintage Shop, in partnership with the Eclectic Co. owners. Located in the heart of Old Colorado City, Circa is nestled among historic streets and local favorites. In a short time, we’ve grown into a home for more than 60 Colorado-based small businesses, bringing together sustainable makers, artists, and vintage curators under one roof.
At the heart of it all is a simple vision: to create spaces where sustainability meets self-expression — and where community thrives through creativity, connection, and good vibes.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1-Creative Vision & Event Curation: The ability to thoughtfully select and present vintage, upcycled, and locally made goods — and to design immersive themed experiences — has been central to shaping Vintage & Vinyl Events and the retail shop space. Creativity drives everything from shop layout to event storytelling.
2-Entrepreneurial Mindset & Adaptability: Launching and growing a small business requires resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to pivot when needed. Embracing challenges as opportunities to learn has allowed the shop and events to evolve successfully over time.
3-Sustainability & Ethical Practices: A deep commitment to sustainability — from sourcing vintage items to supporting small, local makers — has shaped every decision. Understanding the value of mindful consumption and ethical practices has been a cornerstone of both the shop’s and events’ identities.
My advice to others would be: Practice observation: Spend time in curated spaces, galleries, and local events to see what resonates and why.
Experiment constantly: Curate small collections or mini-events for friends or online communities to test your aesthetic sense.
Educate yourself: Learn about ethical sourcing, slow fashion, and sustainable business models.
Start with small choices: Prioritize quality over quantity, upcycle materials, or support local makers.
Share your journey: Being transparent about your sustainability efforts helps build trust and inspires others.
Embrace discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone — whether it’s pitching your first client or hosting your first event.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people who have been most helpful in my journey are mentors, collaborators, and the creative community across the United States. Past leaders who embraced my creativity and encouraged risk-taking, along with local artists and fellow small business owners, have been invaluable — offering advice, sharing lessons from their experiences, and inspiring me to continually refine my vision. Having lived in several different time zones, I approach every situation with curiosity and a willingness to learn from those around me.
Finally, my family and friends have been constant cheerleaders, providing encouragement and perspective as I navigate challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kjz.cid.mybluehost.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintageandvinyl.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-rose/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
