Small businesses are the backbone of commerce in this country, and the Central Park community is no exception.

Home to more than 40 small, women- and minority- owned retail shops, medical facilities, professional service companies, and restaurants, these businesses exemplify the best of economic success, diversity and community participation Central Park has to offer.

E. 29th AVENUE TOWN CENTER

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amore

AMORE FIORI FLOWERS

Michelle Stefanon always loved beautiful things. And a trip to Italy over a decade ago taught her that an effective life-work balance is a beautiful thing.

“It seems like Europeans live very differently from us,” Stefanon says. “They believe that work, family and life in general can and should be intertwined. We work so much during our lives; we need to be passionate about what we do and play a little more. Experience more joy.”

In Italian, “fiori” means flowers, and “amore” means love. So upon her return, Stefanon blended her passion – the “love of flowers,” —and Central Park’s Amore Fiori Flowers and Gifts was born.

Open since 2003, Stefanon deliberately chose Central Park (at the time Stapleton), particularly the Town Center, as the spot for her venture.

“Central Park was just starting to be built, and it already had that feeling of community,” she says. “I wanted to know my customers personally, and that’s what the atmosphere in the Town Center offered. Some of my customers have been coming in since before they had children. Now I know their kids!”

Amore Fiori recreates the feeling of an outdoor Italian flower market filled with captivating gifts, seasonal décor, plants and a vibrant array of fresh flowers.

Her staff of seven flower and art design experts is available to bring beauty and joy all who enter the shop.

Visit Amore Fiori Flowers here +

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BLUE FIN SUSHI

This Sushi restaurant has a little bit of something for everyone.  Serving up traditional sushi and sashimi to teriyaki chicken and steak or for vegetarians try the vegetarian sushi.  Start your meal off with a bang and try some dynamite (sautéed seafood, mushrooms and spicy dynamite sauce)!  Serving lunch and dinner.

Visit Blue Fin Sushi here +

Core Power Yoga

COREPOWER YOGA

When Dakini Jaeger began practicing yoga 18 years ago, she always knew she would one day open her own studio.

Today, the owner of Corepower Yoga not only owns a piece of the franchise, she has grown her studio to more than 36 employees.

“I always wanted to open a studio in Central Park (formerly Stapleton) because I love the energy here,” she says. “ I love this community because the people are urban, but they’re also highly athletic and love outdoor activities. It was a perfect fit for what we do, and for the Central Park lifestyle.”

Jaeger has owned and operated the studio for seven years, and offers yoga classes and retreats for all fitness levels, retreats, boot camps, wellness cleanses and even yogi training. Not bad for her first studio.

Visit CorePower Yoga here +

Cafe of Life Owner

SHINE Chiropractic

SHINE Chiropractic (formerly Café of Life) is a unique healing environment in E 29th Ave. neighborhood that offers vitalistic chiropractic services. SHINE Chiropractic is proud to offer its unique and healing services to all ages (including infants) and all seeking healing, growth, alignment and relaxation.

In the spectrum of life and vitality, humans have great potential. The human body is  constantly self-regulating and self-healing. However, the many stressors encountered in life can interfere with that ability. That interference happens within the spine, creating a disconnect between the brain and the body.

At SHINE Chiropractic, the primary focus is to help remove those interferences and allow the body to reach its optimum potential for function, healing, performance, and much more.

“We are proud to anchor our services in Central Park because of the people here,” says owner Dr. Allie Evans. “Their energy and light drew us to this place, and we invite you to visit us.”

Visit SHINE Chiropractic here+

Stapleton Cleaners Owner

STAPLETON CLEANERS

Stapleton Cleaners is the first on-site cleaning facility that works with eco friendly machines and laundry detergent that was approved by the City of Denver. The hours are long — 7am-7pm daily and closed on Sundays; but with the owner, Cindy Shin, being so caring she will usually meet her customer’s request. Since she was a seamstress when she first came to America she does all of the alterations, and there is usually nothing that she cannot do. Her English is not perfect and sometimes it is hard for people to understand, but she gets to know her customers on a first and last name basis. She loves her job and her customers. To others this may not be the American Dream but, to her she is living the perfect dream.

Dr. Ginsburg Stapleton Womens Health

OPTIMAL WOMEN’S HEALTH

If you’re looking for the best in women’s health care, look no further than Optimal Women’s Health.

Optimal Women’s Health provides obstetric care, gynecology, preventive care and various surgical procedures to women in Central Park and its surrounding communities.

Led by Dr. Valerie Ginsburg, M.D., the entirely female staff at Optima Women’s Health is committed to providing women honest, compassionate, evidence-based medical care every step of the way. In fact, it is that commitment that keeps the practice in high demand, yet accessible.

“I opened my practice in 2014 because the people here are educated, informed and interested in leading healthy lifestyles,” says Dr. Ginsburg. “It’s a wonderful match for our work and our vision.

“We recognize that each patient is unique, so each patient has a customized, collaborative treatment plan designed to promote optimal health, wellness and recovery.”

Visit Optimal Women’s Health here +

29th Ave Nail Salon

29th Avenue Nail Salon

It has been eight years since SueMi Han opened her business, 29th Avenue Nail Salon, in E 29th Avenue Town Center. And her decision to open her salon in this vibrant location has paid off.

“We chose this location because we wanted to grow with this community,” Han says. “And as this area has grown, so have we.”

The salon features spa-like services in a serene setting.  A quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Town Square.

“We love the energy here,” Han continued. “But we also like to give our customers a place to slow down and indulge in a little self-care.”

The salon’s eight large pedicure stations with massage capabilities guarantee a relaxing experience, while friendly nail technicians provide customers provide manicures against the backdrop of soothing music.

Feel free to make an appointment, or just drop by. Walk-ins are always welcome.

EASTBRIDGE

WILLIAMS FAMILY DENTISTRY.

At Williams Family Dentistry we strive to develop long lasting relationships with our patients and neighbors. We get to know each person as an individual. We use the latest proven technologies and techniques along with a gentle and caring approach that you can trust is in your best interest. We take the time to educate our patients so they can actively and confidently participate in making decisions about their dental health.

Visit Williams Family Dentistry here +

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CATTIVELLA WOOD-FIRED ITALIAN

While other children in her Louisiana neighborhood were watching Sesame Street, Elise Wiggins, Chef/Owner of Cattivella Wood-fired Italian restaurant, was watching episodes of Julia Child.

It was just one of the activities she engaged in faithfully as her intense love of all things culinary was, and what fueled her desire to become a chef and restaurateur from an early age.  When did she know this was her calling?

“Probably since I was in my mother’s womb!” she says. “As a small child, I just had to be in the kitchen with my parents.”

Her “appetite” for cooking and feeding people goes all the way back to her days making chocolate chip cookies with her Mom.

“I learned early on that if you make really good food, you make a lot of people happy,” she says.

Today, visitors to Cattivella, located in the Eastbridge Town Center, are extremely happy.

Wiggins opened Cattivella in April 2017 and patrons have been dining there in droves. It is Wiggins’ first restaurant (100% self-owned) and the response to her eclectic, upscale menu of Italian cuisine such as pastas, pizzas, seafood, and steak entrees has been overwhelmingly positive – making it one of the hottest establishments in Denver.

Her love of, and respect for, Italian food sends her to Italy each year to stay current with the region’s recipes and techniques. And she pays it forward. Because of her second passion, teaching, Cattivella also offers cooking classes.

It is a far cry from the days when she was urged to “go to college and get a real job,” which is what she did initially. But after graduating from college and working in corporate America, Wiggins finally embraced her “Cattivella” spirit and officially pursued a culinary career.

“Cattivella,” Italian for “spirited, mischievous young girl,” is a nod to Wiggins’ irrepressible spirit as a child in the kitchen, and the adult who made her way back there as an award-winning chef and entrepreneur.

A Central Park resident herself (Central Park North neighborhood), Cattivella was one of the first independently owned bistros in the trendy Eastbridge neighborhood. She waited patiently for the right opportunity and space to become available.

“I always wanted to open my restaurant near my home, so the wait paid off.”

While Cattivella is warm and inviting, reservations are recommended.

Visit Cattivella Wood-Fired Italian here +

NORTHFIELD BUSINESS PARK

Kabod Coffee Diverse Business Page

KABOD COFFEE, SPECIALTY COFFEE ROASTERS

It’s like bringing the “Bean Belt” to Central Park Denver.

The Bean Belt, the region of Ethiopia considered the birthplace of coffee, is where the world’s finest coffee beans are grown and coveted around the globe.  And Kabod Coffee, one of the communities newest woman/minority-owned businesses, is bringing Ethiopia’s finest cup to patrons near and far.

Muluye Hailemariam, owner of Kabod Coffee, opened the shop at the corner of Central Park and Northfield Blvds., in September 2019.

Kabod offers 100% organic roasted coffees, as well as teas, smoothies, pastries and other beverages in a quaint but modern and relaxed atmosphere.

“Central Park was the ideal location for my shop because my children attend D.S.S.T. middle and high schools, which makes me better able to pick them up and drop them up while running the shop,” she says.

Read the full story here +

Shift Cycle Whitney

SHIFT CYCLE + FITNESS

SHIFT CYCLE + FITNESS COMBINES FITNESS, FAMILY AND FUN FOR BUSY PARENTS

Many new moms have more than one reason for being unable to hit the gym on a regular basis. No time, children underfoot, emotionally and mentally overwhelmed.

While Central Park is known and revered for the active lifestyles of its residents, those reasons can be legitimate barriers for getting or staying in shape, despite the physical and mental health benefits regular exercise provides.

But Whitney Christensen is putting an end to all of that.

As the owner of Shift Cycle + Fitness, Christensen is making it easy and fun for parents and others to squeeze in fitness, fun and family into their optimum health endeavors.

Shift Cycle + Fitness is an indoor cycling studio located off of Central Park Boulevard and E 51st Ave.

“As a new mom, I had very little time to focus on myself – much less work out,” says Christensen. “Even when I did find the energy and motivation to work out, I was at a loss to find a place where I felt comfortable bringing my young baby. That’s why I wanted to create Shift.”

“I wanted a place that focused on everything positive and would lift me from my funk, as well as offer childcare in a clean,  transparent environment.”

Shift Cycle + Fitness offers childcare which is located right at the front of the studio surrounded by a half wall.

“Although our program can lead to dramatic physical changes, we focus on freeing the soul and letting go; focusing inward and finding the strength to not only crush a workout, but the power and fortitude to overcome daily stresses and enlighten their lives.”

Stop by the studio, or visit to find out more about Shift Cycle + Fitness.

Visit Shift Cycle + Fitness here +

QUEBEC SQUARE

AWESOME DENTAL STAPLETON

Dr. Jack Nguyen, DDS is happy to bring his new practice to Central Park. Starting a business is no small feat and relocating a business takes time as well as thorough research. Dr. Jack Nguyen delved into both processes simultaneously when he decided to go solo and start his own practice—Awesome Dental Stapleton. He prides himself on running a safe, respectful, honest and patient-oriented practice. With a variety of services—cleanings, root canals, fillings, bridges, implants, oral surgery and dentures—Awesome Dental Stapleton has everything your mouth could need.

 

Visit Awesome Dental Stapleton here +

Awesome Dental Stapleton

SOUTH END

Dr Robbins

CENTRAL PARK DENTAL

“We live in Central Park, we love it here, and we never considered opening our business anywhere else,” says Dr. Kristin Robbins, owner of Central Park Dental. “We were among the first businesses to open in Stapleton now Central Park.”

Located in the heart of South End neighborhood, “my staff and I offer an engaging, light-filled and comfortable atmosphere for the attainment and maintenance of optimal dental health. And we believe in face-to-face interaction, which is why we make sure our customers have a friendly voice on the phone, and a friendly face in the office. It’s essential to good business and our customers deserve it.”

April Denmon

DENMON REALTY

April Denmon is a real estate dynamo.

Her passion for connecting homebuyers to their dream homes has made it necessary for her to add another office for her real estate practice. Like other savvy business professionals, Denmon chose Central Park for her business and her home in Westerly Creek.

Located at 2373 Central Park Blvd. in the South End neighborhood, Denmon Realty has extended its reach in a neighborhood in which Denmon lives and sells.

A premier, full-service real estate company, Denmon Realty specializes in high-end luxury properties, single-family homes, condos, lofts, rentals, and new construction with an unmatched level of character and distinction, much like Central Park.

That diversity of product, and a love of family, drew Denmon to Central Park herself in 2016.

“I was actually living in downtown Denver when I sold my parent’s home about four years ago,” she says. “But when my dad passed away in 2015 I wanted to be closer to my mom, so I bought a brownstone a block away from her. We see each other all the time!”

Once Denmon bought her home, she decided to open an office in Central Park and be a resource for the community.

“I have sold homes in Central Park, six to be exact,” she says. “With its diverse offerings for every price range, it’s always an easy sell.”

To reach Denmon or any of her associates, call 720-224-1206, email them at Denmon Realty303@gmail.com, or visit www.DenmonRealty.com.

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DIGSTOWN DOGGIE DAYCARE

When Stacy Read digs in, she really digs in.

While visiting Colorado in the late 1990s, she drove through the area destined to become Stapleton now Central Park and looked over the redevelopment plans for the upcoming neighborhood.

“I wondered why anyone would want to move to the site of an old airport,” she says.

But when she returned to Colorado to live in 2000, she not only realized Central Park was where she wanted to put down roots; she decided it was the ideal place to open her new business.

In 2006, Read purchased a rural lot of land in the South End neighborhood and opened Digstown Doggie Day Care Lodge and Spaw.

Digstown typically cares for up to 120 dogs a day, some day care, some boarding. Because the facility strives to accommodate a variety of needs, they even offer emergency house sitting on occasion. They also care for dogs of all sizes and stripes, including those who are blind, elderly or have medical needs. For personalized attention, there’s a caretaker for every 10 little critters in their center.

But without another location, Digstown was bursting at the seams.

So, in late 2015, she opened a second Digstown location. The northern facility, at 5088 North Central Blvd., is slightly larger and can accommodate up to 200 dogs a day.

Both facilities offer baths, pools, shade, climate-controlled lodging areas, and even mani-pedis.

“Central Park has just the community vibe I yearn for,” she says. “I knew that I wanted to live and work here, so I purchased my first home here, opened both doggie day care sites here and my two children attend school in Central Park as well.”

And there are plans to dig in further with the anticipated opening of her third business in the community, a liquor store, in early 2016. She is also in her third home in Conservatory Green neighborhood.

“Central Park has everything I want, so I never saw the need to go into another area when everything I want is right here – including all the furry friends I could ever want.”

Visit Digstown here +

Montessori

MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF DENVER

Rachel Averch, founder of Montessori Children’s House of Denver (MCHD) has degrees in Education Administration and Montessori, Director Qualifications and a Level IV professional credential, and two teenage boys of her own. Rachel has taught in, mentored teachers in, and administered Montessori schools in Denver for over 27 years as well as engaging actively as a leader in the Montessori community and serving on the Colorado Montessori Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

At MCHD, they believe that reaching a high level of learning does not come from enforcing a strict regimen but instead is the result of astute teacher observation, guidance and collaboration along with providing a carefully prepared learning environment that nurtures, supports and inspires your child’s innate desire to learn. MCHD is committed to encouraging and supporting individual growth and development for your child.

Visit Montessori Children’s House of Denver here +

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RESTŌR MEDICAL SPA

Dominique and Flora Waples are so in tuned with each other, they finish each other’s sentences. And as sisters and co-owners of Restōr Medical Spa, they are tuned into the needs of their clients as well.

Restōr Medical Spa was founded in 2011 with the goal of providing individualized medical treatments and plans in a spa-like setting.

The Waples and their highly-trained staff of estheticians offer laser hair removal, Botox treatments, chemical peels, skin care and resurfacing, among other services. But customers will also enjoy the relaxation and calming influences of aromatherapy, tranquil environments, and a healing, gentle touch. They celebrated five years in business together – in November 2016.

“We have built our clientele based on personalized service and lasting relationships,” says Flora. “It is important to us, and to our clients, that they feel catered to, understood, and known personally, so that we can design the perfect medical grade treatment plan for them. Because of that, many of our clients are also our friends and neighbors.”

Flora and Dominique have always been close and decided to become business partners, opening their doors in 2011. With scientifically-proven treatments, satisfied customers have become repeat customers who enjoy the ease, comfort and outcomes of each visit.

In addition to operating Restōr, they’re also Conservatory Green residents who live two doors down from each other.

“We opened our doors in Stapleton now Central Park because we love it here,” says Dominique.  “And because we’ve each had children in staggered years, we enjoy raising our families here together with our mother joining us three days a week. Central Park is the perfect place for us professionally and personally.”

“It’s important to love where you work, as well as where you live,” Flora adds. “Here, we have the best of both worlds.”

Visit Restor Medical Spa here +

Michelle Stapleton Vet Enlarged

VCA CENTRAL PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL

When it comes to our furry friends, there’s nothing we won’t do to ensure their health, safety and comfort.

Dr. Michelle Smith understood that even before she opened VCA Central Park Animal Hospital in South End neighborhood almost 12 years ago. It is also why her practice specializes in making all of its four-legged patients enjoy a soothing environment.

“We focus on low-stress handling of patients and providing a fear free environment,” says Smith. “All of us at the practice have advanced training in handling the pets to make every visit a positive experience.”

VCA Central Park Animal Hospital is known and appreciated for its vast array of techniques such as pheromones, treats, noise control and music to reduce the stress or fear patients may feel when visiting or staying in the hospital.

With over 20 employees, the hospital offers wellness, health care, dental, ultrasound and surgical services, affordable microchipping, in-house lab testing, an in-house pharmacy, and end of life planning, all in one friendly location.

With this community being such a pet-friendly community, there was little doubt Smith would open her practice there.

“Stapleton now Central Park was a new master planned community and I really felt there was an opportunity to own, live and grow along with the other residents,” she says. “I love knowing my clients, their children and their pets, as well as the strong sense of community and friendship that I get from having practiced in the area for 12 years.

“I have watched this very well planned community from the beginning and love that I feel a part of that, Smith says. “I also enjoy my ½ mile commute to work!! No extra driving or traffic is a lovely perk.”

“We believe care doesn’t quit when they walk out of the hospital’s doors. Our skilled support staff are always only a web visit or a phone call away to provide answers to plaguing pet care questions.

Visit the VCA Central Park Animal Hospital here +

THE SHOPS AT NORTHFIELD

BAR METHOD

The Bar Method has recently opened in The Shops at Northfield and it is already a bonafide hit. With more than 200 clients already, owner/instructor Sarah Stabio’s instincts were spot on.

“There was nothing like this here, which automatically made it unique,” says Stabio.

A Conservatory Green neighborhood resident and mother of three, Stabio first started offering free barre (pronounced “bar”) classes in her basement studio and then transitioned to Northfield once her commercial space was built out.

“I chose Northfield because it’s close to my home, and because it’s in my community,” Stabio says.

The Bar Method exercise system merges the principles of Pilates, strength training, ballet, yoga and interval training. Clients swear by its rapid results, its fat burning capabilities and noticeable reshaping of the body.

Stabio’s studio is open seven days a week and offers varying levels for beginners, intermediates, and more experienced students. It also includes a retail area for fitness apparel and accessories, a women’s locker room and a Kids Club for on-site childcare five days a week. All instructors have extensive training, which might explain why members come from other parts of the city to work out.

“We get members from as far away as Park Hill, Henderson and Green Valley Ranch,” Stabio says. “It’s a comfortable, serene environment that often has people hanging out after class.”

It also explains why the Bar Method has “raised the bar” for multi-faceted workouts in the community.

For more information or to inquire about membership, contact the studio at denver-northfield@barmethod.com.

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EL FORASTERO WESTERN WEAR

El Forastero, or as it is translated – “The Foreigner,” carries high-quality western boots, headwear, western wear and accessories. El Forastero has been well known in the Hispanic market for 20 years, and carries a highly regarded reputation for the handmade products they offer, which are imported directly from Mexico. Visit El Forastero Western Wear on Main Street.

Visit El Forastero Western Wear here +

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EYEBROW THREADING & DESIGN

Located in The Shops at Northfield, Eyebrow Threading and Design is ideally situated in a kiosk that allows for privacy while surrounding visitors with glass walls for a bright and airy environment.

Always bustling inside, owner Anupama “Anu” Sharma and her staff work diligently providing perfect brows for all those who prefer this ancient method of hair removal.

Eyebrow threading is a completely natural hair removal method that works for all skin types, including normal, sensitive, tanned or damaged skin. This technique can also be used to remove other facial and body hair as well.

Eyebrow threading is becoming a preferred option over waxing, especially for those people with thin and sensitive skin. Eyebrow threading uses a string to remove the hair, whereas a wax-based resin is applied to the skin and then wiped off to remove the hair from the skin.

With barely any contact with the skin, threading is non-irritating and chemical-free, while waxing tugs at skin when the hair is being removed, which can really irritate sensitive skin. It is also less painful.

Visit Eyebrow Threading & Design here +

Eyebrow Threading Owner

JC NAIL SPA

A small slice of heaven in The Shops at Northfield, JC Nails offers “princess of the day” treatments for all who enter.

Owner Jasmine Lee says there are no secrets when it comes to the quality of the products used, their sanitation procedures, or superior customer service.

From a quick pick-me-up, to the most luxurious and relaxing treatment, JC Nail Spa provides manicures, pedicures, waxes and, above all, an exceptional experience for royal customers who deserve to be pampered and indulged.

Lee was encouraged to open her salon in the Shops at Northfield by others who already owned businesses there, and is glad she heeded their advice.

Walk-ins and appointments are welcomed

 Visit JC Nail Spa here +

JC Nail Spa

KATY TARTAKOFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Three years ago, Katy Tartakoff moved to Central Park. One and a half years ago, she relocated her photo studio to Northfield.

Katy’s vision is to find out what the photographic needs are of the families in the community and ideally, to meet those needs.  These are vital communities and as a portrait photographer, she wishes to become an integral part of Central Park.

More than ever, Katy loves creating visual legacies for families. It’s the most satisfying aspect of her work as a photographer. Portrait photographs hang in your home as reminders of another time—your children as toddlers, three generations of mothers holding your newborn son, your daughter’s senior photo before she headed off to college. Images that tell the story of your journey as a family. Images you’ll treasure forever.

 Visit Katy Tartakoff Photography here +

Katy

ZEN ASIAN SUSHI BAR & GRILL

When Aaron Deng took over the ownership and management of Zen Asian Sushi Bar and Grill in The Shops at Northfield, fans of the previous restaurant were not only relieved that their favorite sushi bar remained, they were delighted that many of the menu’s standards remained as well.

But Deng and his staff have taken great care to make Zen their own unique creation, with new items added, and several traditional dishes tweaked with bold new flavors.

The décor remains inviting as well.

From the cascading water that embraces the sushi bar, to the art deco bamboo accents, the combination of great food and relaxing ambience makes Zen a popular spot for lunch, dinner and happy hour.

So, surround yourself with a contemporary ambience while enjoying some of Denver’s freshest sushi, delectable entrees, and personalized service.

Visit Zen Asian Sushi Bar and Grill here +

Zen Owner