Pollux boutique is a quaint, little clothing store in downtown Grand Junction on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Street. The owner and founder, Ivy Parnasius, originally opened in a 100-square-foot space rented to her in the corner of another store called Planet Earth, with only $5,000 to start up money.
It was there that her passion for clothing and design began to flourish. After about a year in that location, she moved to a small store next to the Avalon Theater, before finally settling in her current place in 2007. Her company grew fast and by March of 2009, Parnasius opened a second store in Montrose.
In her mission statement, Parnasius said that she has a love for fashion, design and making things more beautiful.
“I believe that fashion should be comfortable, stylish, but most of all, put a smile on your face,” Parnasius said.
The store is very bright and colorful. There are pink flowers hanging from a skylight over the register, which lets in natural sunlight. Throughout the store, there are several jewelry displays, and the clothes all have a bright and airy look.
The name Pollux comes from one of the two brightest stars in the Gemini consultation, Pollux and Castor.
Parnasius originally wanted to open a men’s and women’s clothing store. Castor would have been the men’s store, but she decided to settle on the women’s store and the name Pollux stuck.
Her husband of 10 years, Brian Badini, said that a big part of Pollux’s success is Ivy’s unique vision and aesthetics.
“There’s a real strong competition here in Grand Junction with boutiques, and each has it’s own kind of vision. Her store is a reflection of who she is as a person, and that is reflected by the way you feel when you come in the store. It’s very uplifting, very bright, and fun,” Bandini said.
He went on to say that his wife’s idea of life is that everything should be cupcakes and daisies all the time, and she likes to promote that with the styles of clothes that she buys, and what the feel of the store is when you walk in.
Denise Tripi is a customer of Pollux and she said that the prices of the clothing are actually fairly affordable.
“I would definitely shop here for a nice outfit to wear on special occasions, or just for nice summer outfits,” Tripi said.
Carley Heisdorffer also shops at Pollux. “I really like the style of clothing they offer. I think it’s cute and stylish,” Heisdorffer said.
She also said that the atmosphere is what brings her in, and that their decorations are charming and quaint.
“The prices can be a little pricey for me as a college student, but I enjoy supporting local businesses and it’s well worth what they have to offer,” Heisdorffer said.
