Holly Harrington
Owner of Rose & Co., bartender at Old Colorado Brewing Company
Age: 28
Location: Wellington
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I grew up in Ridgway, Colo., and moved to Fort Collins, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in business administration at CSU. After graduating, I began working as a Realtor and volunteering for a nonprofit that works with trafficking survivors. That brought me to Wellington, where I ended up managing a salon and met a coworker who became my best friend. We realized we wanted a change and decided to take the leap and leave with no real plan. A building became available with room for more than her salon. She suggested that I open my own business too, so I did. It’s been over three years now.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
While at CSU, I was vice president of the real estate club, a mentor in the College of Business Mentoring Program and the student coordinator for the Global Business Network. Shortly after opening my shop, I helped create what is known in Wellington as Mingle on Main, a monthly themed event that encourages the community to get out and support our downtown. Most recently, Rose & Co. was selected to provide all of the flowers for the planters downtown. I also sit on the board of directors for the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Since coming to Wellington, I have volunteered with the Main Street Program, helping to build a lively, thriving downtown environment that supports local businesses. Rose & Co. has co-hosted clothing swaps as well as food and period drives, and we hosted the first-ever Pride event in Wellington in 2024. We support many local artists, both by selling their products and providing booth space during events. We have also sponsored a variety of school events and programs.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment and challenge go hand in hand. The heartbreaking choice to leave a job I’d put so much time and passion into pushed me to start my own business. Having integrity and staying true to myself has always been important to me, and unfortunately, that meant leaving the job I loved because it no longer aligned with my values. Knowing what I know now, it was the right choice. Being honest always is.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I see myself and the shop having grown significantly, both professionally and in a community capacity. I see myself hiring another employee, allowing me more time to volunteer. In 10 years, I’ll have another business, whether it’s another Rose & Co. location or something new. I hope to continue to host numerous events, work with many more local artists and support other causes and organizations.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Just do the thing. Nobody knows how to do the hard thing they want to do until they’re doing it. Find people you admire and ask them questions. Talk to strangers. Keep learning new skills. Always trust your gut, listen to that intuition and do the hard things. When you work to be a truly good person, it always comes back to you. Be outwardly kind and give freely as often as possible.
Tell us something unique about you.
I’m from a very small town, where I was the fourth generation of my family to attend the same school. My graduating class was 24 people, which made it a special experience. I feel fortunate to have experienced such a tight-knit community and had fantastic educational opportunities.
Explain your business and the kinds of products you offer.
Rose & Co. is a space that is colorful, lively, welcoming and ever-changing. Our product offerings range from a wide selection of houseplants and crystals to eclectic accessories, clothing, gifts and home goods. We also have an apothecary section with local honey, herbs, bath and body products and other self-care items. There is something for everyone here. Beyond shopping, we host a variety of classes and events, including plant swaps, food drives and activities where guests pin butterflies or build their own terrarium.
What do you love most about being a part of the Wellington community?
I love that Wellington’s downtown feels like its own little world. It seems like I know a community member to turn to for any issue I run into, and everyone is eager to help out when and where they can. From a business owner’s perspective, our customers go out of their way to support us. Other business owners are also present and friendly, many of whom work hard to volunteer their limited spare time and support community events.
