Black Forest Fashion is the creation of Jill Rarig, who took a leap of faith and opened an online womenís clothing store during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has added a brick and mortar store in Peyton and will soon open one in Black Forest.Rarig said initially she focused on loungewear and closet staples ó clothing she felt was in high demand during the pandemic shutdown. She has since expanded the line to include business casual, and she specializes in unique brands that offer one-of-a-kind choices. The stores also carry unique gifts.Prior to opening Black Forest Fashion, Rarig worked as an independent consultant in the Department of Defense industry. She attributes her love of fashion to her best friend and college roommate. ìFashion is great because there is something for everyone; everyone can define their own style,î she said.Rarig moved here from Kansas 20 years ago. She, her Colorado native husband and daughter live in Latigo Trails. She enjoys Colorado and what it has to offer their family with skiing, hiking, camping and fishing. ìWe are raising our daughter in this great state,î Rarig said.†ìWild horses couldn’t drag me away from Colorado.îShe said she feels a sense of community in the area, which she said is getting stronger. ìPeople are turning to their local communities for support,î Rarig said.†ìBig businesses keep getting bigger at the expense of the customer and people aren’t happy about that.†There has been a big push for relevant businesses in the local community, and there are plenty of small business owners ready to supply that need.îRarig said she would like to see more retail, restaurants, medical†providers, child care, utilities diversification, along with expanded public services in the area. She said she believes the community wants to shop local and avoid commuting to Colorado Springs and Denver, which costs more in time and gas.The Peyton location of Black Forest Fashion opened in June in the Shops at Outback Jamz. Rarig said, ìThe response has been overwhelming!î The Black Forest location will be open in the Black Forest Center on Aug. 24. Rarig said their focus will be on products made in the USA. ìThis is a red, white, and blue community, so I’m going to cater to that desire for Made in the USA.î
