Spotlight on Cherry Creek North's Women-Owned Businesses

Insights from 5 Visionary Women Driving Change and Success in Denver's Premier Shopping District

March is Women’s History Month, a time to pay tribute to the remarkable women who have tirelessly advocated for equality and play a vibrant role in our lives. In 1987, Congress passed a law designating March as Women’s History Month and today, we celebrate their achievements in business, social and political fronts. 

Cherry Creek is proud to recognize the many women-owned businesses that are thriving in the area, and here, we introduce you to a few of these outstanding, hardworking women who put their individual brand of passion and intelligence into their businesses. 

Element79 Contemporary Jewelry: Jewelry With Soul 

For Carol Ferguson, jewelry is an artform, and her store is filled with unique designs that resonate with her customers. Visiting Element79 is a relaxed and fun experience, with none of the high-pressure sales or intimidation associated with fine jewelry stores that carry mass-produced pieces. Whether helping customers select jewelry for themselves or as a gift, Carol and her team are there to guide the process, understanding that it’s a process. “Jewelry is personal, it’s something you adorn yourself with, and it needs to be special. We help our customers in every way, and our customer service is reflected in everything we do,” she says. 

“I opened this store because I felt there was a need for a smaller personal presence in Cherry Creek,” Carol says. “Our customers tell us we have a welcoming feel, in part because we’re extremely service oriented and because we do it all here, including retail, jewelry repair, sourcing stones, bridal and creating custom pieces.” Element79 is known for carrying a diverse and unique array of creative and imaginative designers, and pieces are customizable. The store specializes in repair, a special art form that requires indepth knowledge and care since pieces often have a great deal of sentiment attached.” A jewelry designer herself, Carol is especially proud of her custom Golden Bee line, modeled after the iconic Golden Bee at the Broadmoor Hotel. “Bees are an environmental emblem and represent female power. Most bees are girls, so why shouldn’t they be able to fly?” 

Susie Organic Skin Care: Paying it Forward 

Susie Ardabili, owner of Susie Organic Skin Care, thrives on helping young women make their mark in the beauty industry. With a stated mission of “supporting women who need the confidence and courage to move forward,” Susie mentors and trains them to succeed on their own. Many aestheticians on the local scene have been impacted by Susie, having either worked alongside her or in her employment.  

Susie traces her strong will and perseverance to her own background, coming to Colorado as a 16-year-old Persian immigrant whose family left Iran on the heels of the revolution. She spoke no English, but her unwavering grit and determination paved the way to a successful career. “My clients come to me for an inner and outer facial,” Susie says. “Massage and facials are a percentage of what I do, but there’s so much more to this. Lifestyle, stress, age – so many factors affect the skin, and I teach my clients how to take care of themselves internally as well. It’s important to be a good leader, and it’s up to women to support other women.” 

Garbarini: Timeless Fashion With a Flair 

Garbarini is a Cherry Creek icon, and owner Terri Garbarini embodies all that is fun and unique about Denver’s fashion scene. Many of her clients have been devoted fans for decades, coming to the boutique in search of a special outfit, a great pair of jeans, or a classic piece that stands the test of time. From its beginning nearly 40 years ago, Terri’s beloved boutique has grown from a popular shoe store in Larimer Square to one of Cherry Creek’s top destinations for sophisticated clothing … and of course a great pair of shoes. Terri’s customers span the spectrum, with a sprinkling of 20 somethings, and a large percentage age 30 and up. “Younger ones tend to shop online, but this still drives business our way since we have a good online presence,” Terry says. “Our clientele is interested in clothing that is less trendy and more timeless. Denver is not the capital of the fashion-forward world, and people are more casual and not interested in clothing that grabs all the attention. Fashion is different in cities where there are a lot of celebrities and influencers, but that is not our milieu. It’s fun to wear something trendy, and we carry pieces with bold prints and color, along with more classic styles.” Fashion is constantly changing, and we see it now in denim, which went from skinny to looser fit a few years ago. But the biggest fashion change was the earthquake of the 1980s, when we saw the emergence of Armani and Versace, Italian designers showcasing the Miami Vice wardrobe. No one wore black in the ‘70s, and the trend took seed very quickly. I still wear black all the time and love the look.” 

Besides great clothing and accessories, Terri has amassed a highly talented group of stylists who work with customers to help them create the perfect ensemble to suit their individual style. Some of the stylists have been with Garbarini for nearly 30 years, and clients book appointments for a customized and pleasurable experience. “Once you’ve worked with a stylist here and they know your taste, shopping becomes a joy. Clothing is pulled along with accessories, and our customers appreciate this level of service. Once they have this experience, they’re a customer for life.” Garbarini stylists will even go a bit further, with some offering additional services such as packing clients for a trip or organizing and cleaning out their closet. Sophisticated style, unique selection and high-end service are hallmarks of Terri’s success. “There has been a lot to love about this business,” she says. “I’ve learned to be patient, but also ready to jump when an opportunity comes up. I understand the need to be light on my feet when I need to make a change, and I’m always open to the next best thing.” 

Gold Standard Skin: Personal Trainer For The Skin 

For Jenna Gold, skincare is about much more than cleansing and moisturizing. Under the expert tutelage of Susie Ardabali, owner of Susie Organic Skin Care, Jenna honed her knowledge of medical grade treatments and opened Gold Standard Skin, specializing in facials, dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peels and her personal favorite, Glo2 treatments. Born in Washington, D.C., Jenna graduated from the University of Colorado and went to work in advertising. Her clients in the fashion and luxury fields led to a love of the beauty industry, prompting her return to Colorado, where she became a licensed aesthetician. After working in local spas, she met Susie, who took her under wing and introduced her to the art of skincare. “Susie encouraged me to start my own business and she has truly been a mentor to me and many others,” Jenna says. “I have come to understand that in some ways I am the highlight of a woman’s day. I’m a reprieve for busy people and their hectic lives.” 

Jenna’s clients range from 20 somethings to women in their 80s, and Jenna works with every individual to discuss and assess treatment options based on skincare goals. “Are you okay with downtime? Are you concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, loss of volume or redness? So many factors go into this, and I help guide clients through it. There’s a lot of emphasis on consulting, and then, once they leave my office, putting in place the right homecare regimen. I’ve heard the comparison with a personal trainer, because I work with you here, but once you leave you still have to keep up with nutrition and care,” she explains. 

InTransit Properties: Property Management With a Personal Touch 

From personal residences to large-scale townhome complexes, Holly Toenjes makes sure every client receives excellent service and attention. Her company, InTransit Properties, is a Cherry Creek staple, taking property management to a higher level and providing a range of offerings from sales and rentals, to repairs and rent payments. “Many property management businesses are large and impersonal and here, no phone call goes unanswered, and our clients don’t get lost in a big business setting,” Holly explains. Holly and her daughter Corinne have developed a loyal clientele, who entrust them with the excellent care and management of their properties. For her part, Corinne loves being part of a family-owned business. “I have a young daughter and I like the flexibility. It really does take a village, and my daughter spends a lot of time here.” 

Furnished rentals and HOAs are two secondary markets that are a thriving addition to the company’s property management business. “These month-to-month properties are highly sought after, and Cherry Creek is an ideal location,” Corinne explains. “Often it’s an executive here for business, or a professional athlete here for the season. They’re also enticing for corporate relocation or people remodeling their home and in need of a short-term rental.” InTransit also helps renters looking to buy new homes, and both Holly and Corinne are licensed realtors. “This is a great referral network for buyers since these people are already familiar with us and the service we provide,” Holly says. “We have a wonderful appreciate audience who are grateful for our level of service and expertise.” 

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