Phil Castle, The Business Times

Sadye Saad owns a clothing boutique. But she welcomes customers to a home away from home not unlike a certain fictional bar in a popular television series. “It’s all about connections,” Saad says. “When they walk in the door, we know them by name.”

Saad says that was the case for all the years she shopped at Pollux Clothing Co.  She stresses that same commitment to customer service as the new owner of what’s become a downtown Grand Junction landmark.

Here’s something else that hasn’t changed, she says. “It’s my happy place. It’s a bright, happy place.”

Saad purchased Pollux in June. The transaction was a dream come true for someone raised in an entrepreneurial family, she says. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and own my own business … . I think it’s in my DNA.”

In addition, she believes the skills she honed over the course of a 20-year career in marketing, public relations and events management will serve her well in her latest role. That includes assembling a team,  developing a culture and connecting with the community.

Saad grew up in Grand Junction and attended Grand Junction High School. She studied at what was at the time Mesa State College before going to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Saad graduated from UNC with a degree in communications, a subject she says she considers fundamental to business and marketing.

She initially worked in the Denver area managing a variety of large-scale events, working with the Colorado Crush, Denver Polo Cub and Professional Golf Association Tour.

She returned to the Grand Valley in 2007 and continued to work as an independent marketing and events coordinator.

In 2018, she joined the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce as marketing and membership coordinator, managing events and building connections with local business owners.

In 2019, Saad joined Timberline Bank based in Grand Junction as a marketing and communication specialist. She lead efforts to develop marketing materials and campaigns and implement initiatives to support community organizations.

In 2022, Saad joined Colorado Mesa University as director of career services, joining in efforts there to connect CMU students to employment opportunities. “It was an amazing job,” she says.

But when an opportunity of a different sort arose to purchase Pollux Clothing Co., Saad says she  didn’t hesitate — as if the transition was somehow destined. “The universe came together at the right time.”

Pollux sells a variety of women’s clothing and accessories — styles for every generation, Saad says. That includes teen-agers and college students as well as mothers and older women. The inventory includes high-end brands as well as affordable merchandise.

The store also sells gifts, including journals and candles. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Saad says. “I want it to be the one-stop boutique for all generations.”

What differentiates Pollux is not only the unique inventory available there, but also the customer service, Saad says.

She works with a team of seven employees that includes high school and college students as well as retirees. They’re familiar not only with brands and styles, but also what customers want.

Saad says she wants customers to leave the store happy and confident.

Saad says she’s looking for new styles, brands and merchandise to offer at Pollux Clothing Co. A new line of jeans quickly sold out, so she’s bringing in more.

She’s also looking for additional ways to connect with customers — discounts for CMU students, for example.

And she’s planning special events, including private parties at which participants will have the store to themselves for two hours for shopping as well as receive discounts for their purchases.

What won’t change, Saad says, is operating a store where customers feel comfortable and valued — a place where everybody know their names.