Craig Hall, The Business Times 

When it comes to hitting milestones, especially years in business, many businesses may host a small event or send out a news release to the local media.

But for Sadye Saad, those simply weren’t enough. After all, for Saad, Pollux’s 25 years in business isn’t just a milestone, it’s more of an anniversary of sorts. And a celebration.

That’s because Saad was one of Pollux’s first customers at its original location, next door to the Avalon Theatre, when it opened its doors back in 2000.

“Pollux has always been my happy place when it came to shopping,” Saad said. “There was always something about being able to shop at a boutique where purchases bring joy and confidence. The stylists knew me by name, and they were always my trusted friends. It makes the experience, and the shop, very special. That’s always been Pollux to me.”

Saad didn’t know what she wanted to do when she was transitioning in her career, but she knew she wanted to own her own business. After all, Saad grew up in what she describes as an inspirational, generational retail environment in her family’s (still owned) local business, The Hobby Hut on 12th Street in Grand Junction.

“My favorite memories are of the customers who became family,” Saad said. “They came back time and again to buy the next new model, pick up parts or simply to share in the joy of their hobby and what brought them happiness. Watching parents bring their kids in, and then years later seeing those kids return with children of their own, that’s when it really hit me just how deep these relationships run.

“I grew up watching this kind of connection in my dad’s business, and now, owning Pollux, I see that same magic here, too. Our customers are what make this business feel alive. They’re the heart of Pollux, and over time they truly became our small-business family.”

And generational impact is at the core as Pollux moves into its next 25 years.

The way Saad came to own Pollux has its own unique story.

“I was texting an accountant friend of mine who I knew did the books for several local businesses and owned Pollux, and I asked her if she knew of any small businesses for sale,” Saad recalled. “When the message came back, ‘Pollux needs a new momma, and you would be the perfect person to run it,’ I was sold in a heartbeat.”

After all, Saad had been impacted many times as a first-generation customer of the boutique. 

“Pollux has been a part of my journey long before I owned it – through the seasons of my life, as a customer, a lover of fashion, and now as its owner. It’s woven into who I am.”

She said most people don’t realize that Pollux is the star in the Gemini constellation that you can always find in the night sky, and that’s exactly why she included a star in Pollux’s 25-year rebrand.

“I want Pollux to feel like the North Star of fashion, reliable, inspiring and easy to find,” she said.

Saad said she has officially owned the boutique a short time, but she brings with her the legacy of her family’s small business roots and over 25 years of connection to Pollux itself.

“As we look ahead to the next 25 years, it’s about honoring our deep local roots while continuing to welcome travelers from around the world who make Pollux a stop year after year. We want to be the store people are always looking for and excited to find.”

She said her goal is to make Pollux “a “bougie western slope boutique where our customers want to come back time and again to find something special, whether clothing or lifestyle, all at price points that work.”

In the year Saad has owned Pollux, she added lifestyle selections of home decor, candles, greeting cards, bath and body products and children’s clothing.

“We’ve also brought in select dresses, fashions and accessories at various price points for special occasions, whether it’s a wedding, a formal night out, special occasion or just the perfect outfit that makes who’s wearing it feel special ” she said, “And you won’t see everyone in town wearing the same thing. We’re very selective in what and how many of each we provide. You shouldn’t have to shop in Denver or Salt Lake to find that one-of-a-kind, fashion need.”

She added it’s all about empowering customers and her staff.

“There’s nothing better than when our customers can find exactly what they’re looking for with the help of our staff,” Saad said. “We all feel great when customers come back and tell us how many compliments they’ve received.”

Even more, it’s about creating a space where customers and staff can experience confidence, empowerment, joy and meaning through fashion and connection.

“When Pollux found me, I knew I had found a place where I could truly serve women and make a difference,” she said. “Making an impact has always been at the center of everything I do, and now it’s at the heart of Pollux, too. It’s just the Pollux way. I felt it as a customer years ago, and I feel it even more deeply now as the owner.”

Finding the Pollux star (which at press time is in the process of being designed and fashioned) on the updated storefront will let customers, both new and generational, know they’re at the right place. It’s a symbol that says: This is where you’ll find the best styles, thoughtful gifts and a place where every customer is seen, celebrated and made to feel special.

And Sadye Saad has plenty in store for Pollux’s next generation.

Pollux Boutique is located at 321 Main St., downtown Grand Junction.

25 Years of Style Birthday Bash is July 11-13

The public is invited to join the Pollux staff for birthday vibes all weekend, which includes drinks, $100 gift card drawing and exclusive giveaways on Friday; a 25-year toast Saturday at 1 p.m. along with birthday cake all day; and Sunday with light snacks and drinks.