Embrace the bizarre at Pueblo's new Darkness Boutique opening June 1

Alternative cosmetics, spooky décor and one-of-a-kind artwork are among the edgy items that give patrons a chance to celebrate the beauty of bizarre at the new Darkness Boutique set to open June 1.

The haven for captivating, unearthly creations where darkness meets creativity is located at 2113 W. Northern Ave. next door to Julian's restaurant. The business' owners are Mike and Natalie Eveland.

Mike Eveland recently moved to Pueblo from Orlando, Florida, with his wife Natalie, who spent some time growing up in Pueblo.

"We wanted to do something and Pueblo has a whole bunch of repeating items, but there wasn't really anything year-round spooky we could find in Pueblo," Mike Eveland said. "We wanted to make Pueblo a little bit more spooky and so far we have 20 Colorado artists signed up and they are making things you are not going to find anywhere else."

The store itself is painted in black and gray stripes reminiscent of movies such as "Devil's Carnival" or "Beetlejuice." A motion-activated skeleton sings a rock song to customers.

"We have alt cosmetics you would never find in an Altar or Sephora — they are bright UV colors, glitter eyeliners — it is the fun side of cosmetics, the colorful, bright, shiny stuff you don't see at a normal makeup shop. We have an entire palette of just UV eyeshadows and the entire thing lights up," Eveland said.

Embracing the spirit of individuality and creativity, the boutique offers patrons an opportunity to express themselves through their purchases and support local artists in the process. One artist makes potted plants that appear to be growing macabre doll heads that resemble gourd-like fruits.

"Some have blood on them, some of them are screaming at you — they are just awesome with little, fun, fake plants," he explained. "Another artist uses clay to make decapitated skulls that are half-missing the flesh and they are just crazy looking at you."

Some items are shaped like coffins. Another artist makes clocks out of old records that light up and have phrases on them like, "We are all mad here."

"We will try to change artists every month to three months just so that every time you come into the store there is something new and different," Eveland said.

Closer to Halloween season the store also will offer specialty contact lenses for those wanting to completely change the look of their eyes to compliment their special effects makeup. Eveland spent 15 years working trade shows for the U.S. manufacturer of specialty contact lenses, Gothika.

"We only get the contact lenses that are FDA approved so I am very, very picky on those specific lenses. Our selection is more refined because we are not willing to just buy from overseas," Eveland explained.

The couple will celebrate the boutique's grand opening from noon to 8 p.m. June 1 and June 2, featuring prizes and giveaways. The event will be highlighted by snacks and food provided by the Pepper & Co Mobile Eatery from noon to 6 p.m. both days, a free 9 p.m. Saturday, June 1 screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show, where customers are encouraged to come in costume, and music by Rebel Kitty starting at 7 p.m. June 2.

"This grand opening is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey, and we can't wait to see the creativity and energy our patrons bring to the space," Eveland said.

Darkness Boutique will be open from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Special events and gatherings will also be held on select nights each month including the 9 p.m. June 8 screening of "The Birdcage," and the 9 p.m. June 15 screening of "Little Shop of Horrors."

Movie nights are free and popcorn, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for sale. Moviegoers should bring their own chairs.

For more information, visit darknessboutique.odoo.com. or follow them on Facebook and Instagram under Darkness Boutique Pueblo.

More Pueblo business news: Sloppers for breakfast?: What Pueblo eateries offer them and how to vote for your favorite

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo's new Darkness Boutique is set to open on June 1