On April 1, 2023, Central City became home to Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods. After unexpectedly losing a long-term job a year ago, owner Alexis Leigh Sohlden had time to think about what she wanted.
As a long-time vintage, antique, and repurposing enthusiast, living a secondhand life for decades, Sohlden turned her dream of sustainable secondhand shopping into more than just a hobby. “I decided to take the leap to work for myself and teach myself about small business.”
Without a business background, Sohlden began a journey filled with education, training, and business consultations through Colorado’s Small Business Development Center, Small Business Administration, Startup Colorado, and SCORE, to name a few.
Sohlden’s concern about “detrimental environmental impacts” was part of the inspiration behind Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods. With most retailers more concerned about profit than the environment, Sohlden realized it wasn’t a world she wanted to live in.
Hence, the birth of Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods, a store created as part of a dream to “contribute to a world she and future generations would like to live in.”
Aside from selling sustainable and discontinued products, the business aims to raise awareness of the negative aspects of consumer culture while proposing solutions, including reclaiming, repurposing, upcycling, and purchasing secondhand items.
The secondhand, hand-picked, high-quality products purchased at Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods help keep items out of landfills, allowing them to “remain for generations to come.”
Sohlden shares, “Oftentimes, there will be a story or associated history of that item that the new owner will be able to share with others.” Collections at Greyson and Leigh are curated, saving customers time and energy when searching for their items. It’s part of what makes Greyson and Leigh stand out from their competitors.
Sohlden loves connecting with people and learning about their passions, history, and life. Her favorite thing is watching faces light up when they see an item at the shop and it sparks a memory.
Sohlden looks forward to “getting to know the Central City/Gilpin Community better!” She’s also hoping to develop additional partnerships with other small businesses to better serve the community. “I’m also looking forward to getting more involved in the Central City special events throughout the year.”
After a 15-month period with The Central City Start-up Space, which expires in July 2024, Sohlden hopes to transition into a building of her own in Central City.
From the old west to recreation, every item at the store is centered around Colorado. For your home or office, online or in person, with cash, credit card, and digital options, for any budget. At Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods, it’s easy to make a purchase at just about any time.
Greyson and Leigh Reclaimed Goods is located at 103 Eureka Street, Central City. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greysonandleigh or give them a call at 920-860-6638.
