A Bed Store Made To Last Generations
After nearly 40 years as the owner of THE BRASS BED, Rosella Louis is transitioning ownership, leadership, and day-to-day management of the business to a team she knows intimately and trusts completely—her family.
On February 1, Louis’ daughter, Molly Myers, and her daughter-in-law, Olivia Louis, became the new owners of THE BRASS BED. Laura Colangelo, Rosella’s niece, will continue her long-time role of general manager. Together, this new generation plans to build upon the heritage of this family business.
“If I were to script a happy ending and a new beginning, I can’t imagine having written it better,” says Rosella. “I’m confident the company is in excellent hands.”
Collectively, Molly, Olivia, and Laura have worked for THE BRASS BED for more than 25 years, handling every aspect of the retail outlet. That experience provides a solid foundation to embrace the philosophies and steward the culture that have sustained the company over the past four decades.
“My mom has worked hard to build a great business. Along with a genuine appreciation of our loyal customers, she gave considerable attention to the quality of linens and distinctiveness of the merchandise we select,” says Myers. “Olivia and I are excited about carrying on my Mom’s vision for another 40 years.”
Rosella Louis opened The Brass Bed in 1978, shortly after graduating from the University of Denver with a BS in Business Administration. Initially, the store sold only brass beds, providing the young upstart an opportunity to express her creativity by looking for linens to “dress and romanticize” the beds.
“In those days, there were not many retail options, and what was around did not provide much selection or great quality,” says Louis.
Being the consummate entrepreneur, Rosella curated an incredible collection of textiles and accessories for the home, transforming her business into THE BRASS BED, fine linens and furnishings. Three years ago, a second location was opened in Boulder.
Today, THE BRASS BED is the only store of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. Molly and Olivia plan to carry on the tradition of offering the “best-of-the-best” linens, bedroom furniture, gifts and design services.
“Molly and I are fortunate because we enjoy working together, share Rosella’s vision, yet we have different but very complementary skill sets,” says Olivia Louis.
Molly and Olivia, together with their cousin, Laura Colangelo, the store’s general manager for the past fifteen years, will continue the family legacy that has made THE BRASS BED what it is today.