It’s been a long 16 months for local business owners and artists Clay and Emily Ross, but the couple refused to give up on their dream of Yobel and the Look Up Gallery. The ethical fashion boutique and art gallery closed their doors in December 2023 after damage from a fire in a neighboring business forced them out of their locations on Bijou Street in downtown Colorado Springs. On April 17, driven by purpose and perseverance, the Rosses celebrated the grand opening of their new location with more than 200 supporters, media and Mayor Yemi Mobolade, a longtime friend and fellow small business owner.
The fire displaced multiple downtown businesses — including the Local Honey Co., Icons and Taste of Jerusalem — prompting an exhaustive search for a new location that could house both of the Rosses’ businesses. But leaving downtown was never on the table. “Downtown was the only option for us,” Emily says. “We love this city. We believe in density, in an urban, walkable, livable core. And we wanted to stay part of it.”
Similar to the rebirth of Icons, Yobel and the Look Up Gallery have relaunched in larger locations that provide new opportunities. After touring 23 properties, Emily and Clay chose their new location at 517 S. Cascade Avenue in a 4,700-square-foot building on the brick-lined alley behind COATI. The Look Up Gallery is housed in the lower level alongside three artist studios and the Yobel boutique. Upstairs, three additional studios, including Clay’s working space, round out the creative hub. There is also a DJ booth where Clay’s brother Rocky will spin during events. The setup was exactly what they had hoped for: not just a home for retail and art, but a place for connection, collaboration and community.
As part of that vision, the artists in residence will begin offering community classes, starting with Ikebana floral design workshops led by Heidi Almosara beginning May 1.
The move comes during the wave of continued growth downtown, with the nearby Catbird Hotel under construction and new residential developments bringing more foot traffic to the area. For Clay and Emily, it’s the realization of their dream.
A Passion for Fashion and People
Before they were business partners — or even a couple — Clay and Emily were each designing and making their own clothes in high school. Their passion for fashion started early, but so did something even deeper: a love for people. Both come from people-focused backgrounds. Emily worked in human resources for 16 years, while Clay spent much of his career in social work and pastoring a local church. When they married, their shared passion sparked a dream: to build something beautiful and ethical, where artistry, community and dignity could coexist. That dream became Yobel and the Look Up Gallery.
Yobel was founded on the belief that fashion should value people and the planet equally. The boutique partners with 60 artisan groups around the world, offering clothing, accessories and home goods made under fair labor practices. The goal is to provide dignified employment, safe working conditions and living wages to the people who make the products.
“We believe that when people and our planet are the priority, we all profit,” Emily says.
“We both have people-centered backgrounds,” Clay adds. “We believe we can do better. We need to do better.”
Yobel’s collection features fashion-forward staples with transparent sourcing and sustainable materials. One brand partner, Warp + Weft, is a family-owned denim brand committed to ethical and environmentally conscious production. Warp + Weft uses innovative techniques to minimize water usage, consuming just 10 gallons per pair of jeans — compared to the industry average of 1,500 gallons — and recycles 98% of the water it does use. The brand also employs a vertical manufacturing process, overseeing every step from weaving to finishing, which reduces waste and ensures fair labor practices throughout.
“There’s this idea that ethical fashion can’t be profitable,” Emily says. “But that’s just not true. You can still make a profit doing it right.”
After months of rebuilding — physically, emotionally and professionally — Clay and Emily Ross are eager to welcome the community to their new space. “This is everything Clay and I have ever hoped for and dreamed of,” Emily says. “We can’t wait to get into a rhythm, working, sharing our story and space with everyone and Clay painting. Literally, dreams come true.”
Find more details at shopyobel.com.
Stop by for a Special Event
Make sure to swing by during First Friday Downtown on May 2. It’s a perfect time to explore the space.
