Business Spotlight: Colorlight Creative

Terri Clauss, career English language teacher, mom and 15-year Denver "native" embarked on a daunting task in November of 2008: to build a new-concept art and  creative business as a platform for her numerous creative ideas and a vehicle for doing some good in the world.

 

 

She began with a fairly traditional  art gallery model and experimented with various configurations of art showing, studio and class offerings and events. She put herself in marketing boot camp  by working against a negative economic climate and a notoriously bad location. More experienced heads nodded,  lips smiled and they knew she was doomed. The gallery is now closed, but Color and Light Gallery, now Colorlight Creative is just getting started. With a load of new ideas, connections, marketing knowledge and perspective, Terri is moving forward with 3 new creative endeavors.

 
The first, "Colorlight Vignettes," is a new model that facilitates a creative win-win relationship for nonprofits, artists, business owners and consumers. Colorlight Vignettes are small decorative displays of fine local artwork, small art furniture pieces, artisan beaded jewelry, art greeting cards, gifts and accessories placed in convenient locations with host businesses.  Terri scopes out local markets. galleries and even nonprofit organizations looking for high quality art and artisan products for the displays. Three vignettes are currently being placed and 3 more are available.  Clauss offers businesses fresh seasonal product rotation, a percent of sales and a package of free marketing services.

 
The second is a venture into the culinary arts. " I had an Aha! moment last year when my thoughts about local food, local art and local business were confirmed and rounded out with facts and concepts from  Mile High Business Alliance workshops among others. I started looking for a local organic verson of one of my favorite products: Bake Mixes. I didn't find one so I started researching recipes and vendors, packaging and distribution channels and now Colorado Easy Mix is popping up around town." Clauss explains. January 16th, find Colorado Easy Mixes at the Urban Market at 200 Santa Fe from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 
The third is "The Bead Salon" a mobile service providing instruction and beading supplies for special events and classes. In order to make jewelry with more meaning than "bling", Clauss' "Meditation Bead Workshop" starting January 24th at Samadhi Yoga in Denver aims to share the rich history and meaning of using beads (Mala) in meditation practice. The workshop includes the meaning and use of the Mala, the subtle effects of various materials and colors on the meditation practice, instruction and supplies for making a Mala and a short relaxing meditation using the beads. Anyone interested can contact Samadhi Yoga to register or contact Clauss directly to host this or other other Bead Salon events :Beading with the Bride, Graduation Girlfriends, A Beading Birthday Party or Bead and B*@!

 
"I consider the year a success because, all things considered, I learned a tremendous amount about the gallery business, marketing and business in general. I made many wonderful connections and partnerships. People who came to the gallery and events enjoyed the generous attitude and friendly atmosphere we created. And, we did actually sell art - just not quite enough to keep paying the rent. Don't feel bad for the closing of the gallery" says Clauss, "we can start worrying when I run out of ideas and that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon."

 

Terri Clauss

303-863-8498