Heidi Mossman loves the little building that houses her new business in Castle Rock.

“It has so much charm and character to it,” the owner of Life at Home, a home decor and gift boutique, told Colorado Community Media.

Mossman opened the store in a small two-story white barn with red trim off of Fourth Street in November, just days before Thanksgiving, after being on the hunt for the perfect place since July. The structure’s hardwood floors and rafters, built-in shelves and natural light provide a fitting backdrop for the Colorado farmhouse style of goods Mossman curates. Cozy throw blankets, decorative pillows, inspirational plaques, candles, wall art and knickknacks galore fill the 720-square-foot space. 

While the building has the personality Mossman was hoping for, it’s not without its challenges. Set back from the road and nestled behind another business, Life at Home is easy for passersby to miss. Plus, its diminutive size and minimal wall space limit the amount of accent furniture and large pieces of art that Mossman can carry. But overall, she’s thrilled with the property and its reception in Castle Rock. 

Life at Home was influenced in part by Mossman’s special times shopping with family. Originally from Minnesota and North Dakota, Mossman moved to Colorado after getting her accounting degree in the ‘90s. Visits back to the Midwest often included trips with her mom and grandma to antique stores situated in buildings that had previously been schoolhouses or private homes. 

“We just created amazing memories,” Mossman said. 

While it doesn’t carry antiques, Life at Home may still evoke sentimental feelings akin to nostalgia for shoppers. Mossman said she likes it when items in her store “tug at people’s heartstrings” or spark their imagination. 

An entrepreneur with a strong creative streak, Mossman discovered her passion for home decor several years ago while pursuing photography. The Colorado Springs resident takes photographs professionally and has been in that business for over a decade. Six years ago, she started selling her landscape photographs at a furniture store in Chapel Hills Mall. Surrounded by decorators and designers, Mossman said she learned how to choose and display items to enhance her photographs which eventually led to her new business, Life at Home.

Now, with two businesses and a family to care for, Mossman is well-acquainted with how busy life can feel. But, for her, making time to connect with people remains as valuable as ever.

“It’s so important for our souls and for our well-being to be surrounded by people,” Mossman said. 

With that in mind, Mossman and her employees at Life at Home strive to create an uplifting experience not only through the items they sell but also by greeting and conversing with shoppers.

“The whole purpose of the business is to … really lighten people’s spirits,” she said. “Bring smiles to their face, bring connection, reflection of relationships, and just make them feel good about themselves.”