A Line Stories

Today, Karmen sits down with Lillian Marsh. Lillian is the cofounder and chief brand officer of Tiny Wins, an agency that's revolutionizing marketing and brand identity, and that's just one of her companies. Karmen and Lillian debunk the myth that branding is a soft skill and discuss the psychology behind marketing. Every brand you know (including your own, entrepreneurs!) fits an archet...

This week Karmen shares selected excerpts from her memoir, Learning to Fly . These powerful stories and snippets cover everything from her mother's death to the moment Karmen finally reconnected with herself and awakened. Karmen's story serves as an example of all A Line can be; not just a boutique, but a movement to help women connect and feel fully alive. Mark your calendars for Januar...

This week, Karmen's daughter Reese Berentsen makes her second appearance on the podcast! Bright and confident, Reese brings us 12 lessons she thinks every adult should take from kids her age. In the past six months, Karmen has been truly shocked and impressed by her wisdom. Celebrate the small stuff. Don't cut your hair if you want long hair. Think you're taller than you are. Always...

This week, Karmen chats with her dear friend Kara Fread. Kara has been on an incredible body journey this year. After reaching the weight she was while carrying twins (notably sans twins in utero) she lost 45 pounds after discovering she'd used all her cortisol as was suffering adrenal fatigue. She followed a strict metabolic reset plan that included no exercise and meals that featured four o...

This week, Karmen sits down with entrepreneur Teresa Vidger. The dive into all things business and get a little vulnerable along the way. The successful entrepreneur is one who asks questions about what they don't understand and keeps pushing through doubt. Plus, hear about Teresa's newest venture alongside her personal stylist daughter: Kolibri, a luxury swimwear line for men. Connect w...

You might not hear 'personal finance' and think 'creativity' but that's exactly what Leslie Wilkonson has done all her life. She entered the world of finance 40 years ago when it was really a boys' club and never looked back. Now that she's sold her practice, she's looking for a new creative outlet and embracing her passions. Leslie was one of the lucky A Li...

This week Karmen chats with her operational gurus from HQ, Stewart and Abner. They dive deep into the behind the scenes of what happens after product is bought and how it gets from the warehouse to you. Plus, the importance of work ethic and how both Abner and Stewart got where they are now. Connect with Karmen and A Line: aline-online.com IG: @alineboutique @karmenberentsen Check out Karmen'...

Karmen sits down with one of the Paris crew, Katy Cloughney. Katy is leveling up in a lot of areas off her life, from home remodel to an beautiful new office and a fully merchandised closet (all A Line, of course!). Karmen and Katy dive into taking risks, doing things while intimidated, and finding community and a home at A Line. Connect with Karmen and A Line: aline-online.com IG: @alineboutique...

This week Karmen chats with Lindsay Morton of Andrisen Morton. Andrisen Morton is a Denver-based luxury men's retailer that's been around since 1979. When A Line joined the scene, Lindsay and everyone else welcomed Karmen with open arms. Together they talk fashion industry insights, like what questions you ask a supplier, and dive into the power of your soul's purpose and how each o...

This week, Karmen sits down alone to tell you the story of A Line. It's not just a boutique, it's a movement meant to inspire women and anyone else who needs it. Everything we do and every choice we make is opportunity to create. Connect with Karmen and A Line: aline-online.com IG: @alineboutique @karmenberentsen Check out Karmen's memoir, Learning to Fly , here . https://www.amazon...

This week Karmen sits down with A Line shopper Lauren Lundy. They focus on how you style can empower you to make big moves and embrace change. Now almost 36, Lauren had a huge life and career transition in her twenties. Marriage, divorce and a new job industry made her want to embody a new persona that felt real and genuine. Lauren is also very passionate about dogs and animals, and with her husba...

This week Karmen sits down with lawyer and A Line shopper Nicole Savino. When Karmen reached out to Nicole wondering why her time in A Line stores had dropped, she wasn't ready for what she heard--Nicole's budget had shifted considerably because she left her public defender career to become a guardian ad litem. Karmen and Nicole discuss transitions, protecting kids, being yourself, and l...

This week Karmen sits down with her OGB--the original Brandon in her life--A Line COO Brandon Charles Barker. They count down on a list of 10 things they've accomplished together, from Brandon's job interview to opening stores in new states. Karmen and Brandon are a brilliant team with a sacred bond. It's easy to be lonely as an entrepreneur, but having a true partner running operat...

This week Karmen sits down with Lisa Hackard. After losing her brother to suicide, Lisa had a lot of questions. Mental health is often an invisible struggle in that we never know what the people around us are going through in private. Lisa eases us into the conversation by sharing the key things you need to know about mental. Then, she and Karmen pivot to a conversation about physical wellness and...

This week Karmen sits down with Cathy Cranberg. Cathy is an expert in wearing multiple hats as a mom, entrepreneur, and former executive. Karmen describes her as a core inspiration, and they both hope sharing their friendship helps other women raise the bar for what they expect in relationships. This episode is all about being playful and purposeful. You don't have to be insatiably ambitious,...

In this episode, Karmen sits down with long-time A Line shopper Sara Davidson. Sara's first time shopping at A Line was nine years ago! She emphasizes the ease of the A Line shopping experience and the trust she can out in her stylists. Karmen and Sara also dive into Sara's evolution as a person, from why she loves her job as a pharmacist to how she figured out who really is after the tr...

Today, Karmen sits down with A Line shopper Ashely Swafford. After moving to Denver from New York City, Ashely struggled to find what she was looking for in department stores. That reduced selection of high-quality clothes led her to A Line, where her call was answered. Now, Ashley is pregnant and wants to make sure other women know they don't have to abandon style during their pregnancies. A...

In this episode, Karmen chats with expert A Line stylist Kristin Mackensen. Kristin has a background in retail management and working at high-end boutiques, and say she really just fell into being a stylist. One of her biggest strengths is being not only your stylist, but your best friend. Whether you need help putting together an outfit for a casual dinner or a big event, Kristin is there. She&ap...

This week Karmen sits down with architect Steve Lubowicki, designer of the gray space buildouts of all A Line stores. Karmen and Steve first connected over a residential project, designing Karmen's home around the time she bought A Line. Karmen then went to Steve asking for a recommendation for a commercial architect, only to find that he was the one for the job. As they get to work designing...

In this episode, Karmen interviews another one of A Line's own: stylist Emily Bastaroli. Emily is confident and adaptable--so much so, that she's moving to Salt Lake City alongside Karmen and the family to help open A Line's latest and greatest location. Emily and Karmen talk about clear communication, organization, and the power of a good leather jacket. Connect with Emily B: aline...

Big, exciting new things are happening at A Line. In this episode, Karmen announcing the opening of a new store in Salt Lake City, Utah! This new adventure fulfills a long-standing of taking A Line out of state to a new community. For the opening of the new store, Karmen, Reese, and Brandon will also be moving to SLC for two years. Not to worry--they'll be back in Denver plenty so you'll...

This week, Karmen sits down with a few of the amazing women who went on the recent A Line Adventure to Paris. They share their favorite parts of the trip, the incredible experiences they had, and how beautiful it was to make new best friends along the way. No matter where you are in life, you're not done yet--and surrounding yourself with a community of strong women is part of being in your p...

Today Karmen chats with Cindy Classen. Cindy spent 30 years of her life a podiatrist, helping all kinds of people with all kinds of ailments related to their feet. She's seen it all. Now, Cindy has sold her practice. Now that she's retired, Cindy is enjoying her latest evolution in this new phase of life--including new style. Free from her practice, she's ready to explore. Connect w...

This week Karmen sits down with life coach Ryan McCauley. Ryan has overcome the unthinkable. A rock climbing accident years ago left her with countless injuries and put her in the hospital for over six weeks. Now, she's a world-class ice climber on a mission to help women find out who they really are and embody their truth. She believes everyone is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole....

This week, Karmen sits down with A Line shopper and closet de-cluttering expert Lauren Pearl. Lauren's philosophy is that our physical clutter comes from our mental clutter. Before you can organize your closet, you have to sort through what's going on with you. We hold onto to so many emotional hurts and hangups--especially as women. There are reasons we buy what we buy. We have expectat...