A new year comes with new shops in Durango.

This year appears to be a promising one for economic growth, and many Durango entrepreneurs have sprung into action to start their dream businesses.

Nearly 40 new businesses have opened from January to mid-March, and the numbers are continuing to grow. The Durango Business Improvement District also has noted several new downtown businesses have emerged within the last six months.

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Local residents Amy Koch and Joel Aguilar took a chance with a new venture in January. Koch and Aguilar are the owners of Durango Juice Bar at 600 Main Ave.

The duo felt the city needed a raw juice bar, said Emily Griffin, the company’s marketing director and store manager. Once it opened, the owners realized the timing was ideal to launch.

The purpose of the business is “to bring a healthy, convenient grab-and-go option to the residents and families of Durango,” Griffin said.

The shop greets a variety of customers – mothers with young children, local business people, health-conscious college students and other health enthusiasts, she said. Peak business hours tend to be around lunchtime and 3 p.m., when school is out.

The company strives to be a zero-waste business by using biodegradable products including napkins, cups, lids and straws. Durango Juice Bar also offers free delivery to other downtown businesses in an effort to offer healthful lunch alternatives, Griffin said.

The company owners hope to expand if all goes well, with possible features including a drive-through or cafe with seating.

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Even home-based businesses can require an entrepreneur to obtain a business license through the city.

Patricia Scholes, of Hermosa, who refers to herself as the “herbal lady,” sells an unconventional product. Her business, Willowbark Tea, operates out of her home and specializes in selling information to clients who seek alternatives to pharmaceutical medications. In a way, she offers consultations with people dispensing her knowledge of herbs and plants.

Though she does not have a downtown location, she was required to obtain a city-issued business license.

As a consultant, she offers various classes and has spoken at several public forums about herbal remedies and how to make them.

After learning about the potentially harmful side effects her high-blood pressure medication – a high risk of developing Parkinson’s disease – she sought and found an alternative remedy for herself. Now, she strives to help others find herbs that are right for them.

“What I found opened my eyes to the whole big-pharma picture,” Scholes said.

She does not claim to be a physician, but she is knowledgeable about herbs that can be used to treat specific conditions. She also said she would never tell a person to stop seeing their doctor. In fact, she encourages people to keep their medical professional well-informed.

Scholes published a book, available on Amazon, called Healing Herbs from Your Kitchen. Next year, her second book, Willowbark Tea and other Backyard Remedies, will be available for purchase. Her newest book will provide information to plan your own small herbal garden. She also plans to create a DVD series of her knowledge to sell to people who may not live close enough to take her classes.

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Julie Hartman has been cutting and styling hair in Durango for 12 years. She has worked for several salons but found the opportunity to open her own shop in January. Her salon, Julie’s Hair Design, is at 2929 Main Ave, Suite No. 5B.

“I was waiting for an affordable spot with parking,” she said. “I decided to do my own thing.”

Hartman cites a pretty decent clientèle that has followed and supported her to form the base of her business. She is grateful.

“It’s only been a couple of months, and I’m doing well,” she said.

She is also the only employee, and that gives her the most autonomy over her venture.

“It’s just a one-chair, one-person operation,” she said.

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Tim Walsworth, executive director of Durango Business Improvement District, has fielded several inquiries from people looking to open up a new business or transfer their existing business to the downtown area, he said.

Obtaining a store-front location on Main Avenue can be difficult, but if the opportunity arises and is within budget, business owners will be quick to act, he said. He could recall only a handful of vacant spots left, one near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train depot, where the Polo-Ralph Lauren Factory Store was, and a spot at the Main Mall.

And as we near the summer season, Durango’s peak tourism period, he says retail establishments are preparing for an influx of business.

“This is a desirable place to live, and there are a lot of creative and entrepreneurial people in this area,” he said.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com