Liberation Reigns at Designer Rachel Marie Hurst’s New Boutique, M. Bolden

For a designer like Rachel Marie Hurst, creating a space to empower women isn’t a job, it’s a love letter to the community. After nearly two decades of pioneering size-inclusive fashion in Denver, Hurst is ready to write her next chapter with the introduction of her new boutique, M. Bolden Boutique.

Having garnered praise and adoration for her designs, which have commanded the stages of New York Fashion Week, Denver Fashion Week and many other shows around the country, Hurst knew she wanted to be able to connect with people on a more personal level on a regular basis. M. Bolden, a combination of Hurst’s middle initial and her husband’s last name, is an extension of the self-taught designer as an individual and what she has spent sixteen years to achieve.

“I want [women] to shine brightly, I want them to dress for themselves and just feel that power,” explained Hurst. “When you’re dressed in something that you love, your whole body changes. You’re ready to take on the world. It becomes your armor.” 

That sense of liberation that Hurst lives and breathes daily is palpable from the minute the doors open at M. Bolden. Cascades of thoughtfully curated accessories and furls of clothing hang throughout the space, all sourced individually by Hurst in support of women-owned companies and BIPOC brands. The scent of Hurst’s personally created candles fills the air. Each and every item is there because it means something to her.

“I’m such a big supporter of marginalized people coming and showing how powerful they are so that was huge for me,” shared Hurst. “Everything I brought into this space is something I absolutely love.”

Transitioning from bespoke designer to boutique owner hasn’t been easy for Hurst. Still, the self-proclaimed risk taker finds comfort in the knowledge that helping other women and making connections uplift her and feed her soul.

“It’s those moments that really keep you going when it is hard,” explained Hurst. “It’s so much fun and you feed off of their energy and their dreams and it propels your dreams forward.” 

Hurst will debut M. Bolden Boutique with a fashion show this Saturday at Glowin’ & Growin’ an annual Creative Festival + Fashion Showcase hosted in Denver to celebrate and uplift fashion, arts, music, education and entrepreneurship. As for what to expect, plan to be invigorated. “I get to show my vision in fashion without having to worry about making it and there is a freedom in that,” said Hurst. “I get to have a lot of fun and a lot of blank canvases and kind of splash my style and boutique style on people, so I think it’s really empowering energy.”

M. Bolden is located at 4340 E Kentucky Ave. Ste 117, Glendale.

To hear more about Hurst’s journey towards entrepreneurship, self-love and unapologetically going for her dreams, listen to episode four of the Glowin’ N Growin’ Show podcast below.