Today is an important day for me that has a lot of significance when it comes to my career timelines. Of course, it is about supporting all of the small businesses around Colorado and beyond, while also supporting someone’s dream – but it is also a day that was a monumental moment along the way for me.
After graduating with my Bachelors, I got an internship at Yelp, which was one one of the highlights of my career journey and honestly shaped so much of who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. I worked under the Denver Community Manager and spent time helping write newsletters that were round ups of all the small businesses around Denver. Highlighting those mom and pop shops to let the community know they were there. Back in those days, Yelp urged people to focus on highlighting and reviewing those businesses over bigger corporate spots. Of course this has evolved over the years as the platform grew and the world changed. But much of my time in those early years of marketing was connecting with these small business owners, learning about their offerings and how they got started, helping form community and driving traffic to these spots. I formed a real passion for those people who were working so hard to make their dreams come true, who were close to their work and what they believed in and who wanted to give every ounce of themselves in making these businesses thrive. That meant getting to know people and be part of the community. That meant networking with the neighborhood, other small business owners and those supporting them. It was like friendships were being formed constantly over learning about peoples passion.
If you are a people person like me, this was pure gold. I love hearing people’s stories and getting to know who they are and what drives them. I met so many beautiful people along the way and got to know how precious their precious time was spent and how those products stood out because time, sweat, love and passion were poured into what they were selling. THIS is what small biz Saturday is all about. It is about getting a product or service that is made with love and precious time. Because someone cares about what they are providing, and it makes them happy to see people enjoy it. It makes them happy to produce it. That is what is it all about. It’s special…
I digress. But I must leave you with a list of some of my favorite local businesses I have worked with recently. Trust me, the list is so long and I know I am forgetting so many. Please know this is not the entirety of my list and don’t be hurt if I did not mention you, and I could only encompass a few. So much love goes out to all of the local small business owners around Colorado. I am proud of you for following your dreams and making them a reality. I love you and keep living the dream for yourself and your families. <3
- Stratum Aesthetics – An amazing holistic skincare business run by one my my best friends, Emily Davis. Former esthetician teacher and herbologist with the biggest passion for people and helping them achieve their skin goals in an organic way. She will make you feel like 1000 bucks with her singing bowls, massage and little special touches. Follow her on IG at @stratumaesthetics
- Skinspirit – Another family-owned aesthetics company I was recently introduced to. Amazing staff (go see Hannah) and such great offerings. I am getting BBL next week and can’t wait to share with you all! Follow on IG at @skinspirit
- BeBarMd – Dr Helen Yeon runs this small injectables business. She is the doer of all my botox and has become such a wonderful friend. If you are looking for an amazing Doctor to help you with your injectable needs, she’s your gal! Follow Helen on IG @denverbotoxmd
- Vyletaesthetics – my new friend Katie new to the facial scene and has JUST opened up her own little studio in Littleton. Such a cute space and she does an amazing job! Follow her at @vyletaaesthetics
- Eden – one of my most recommended day spas that offers massage, facials and body wraps. It is afforable and they offer bundled packages that a perfect for a day of pampering. I like to do the 3- 50 minute services when I go. Super small studio and have been a favorite of mine for years. Follow them on IG at @edenspa_denver
- Wolfe & Mane – Oh my heart goes out to my girls at this salon. All three of these ladies do an incredible job at all things hair but specialize in extensions. Since meeting owner, Courtney Wolfe, I have gotten to know her heart and see such an inspiring business owner SLAYYYY. I am so proud of her and so glad to call her a friend. She is so inspiring to me! Follow the girls on IG at @wolfeandmane
- Laura Conley Coaching – Owner and operator of the Yummy Mummy, Laura has changed my life. She is a life coach with a focus on weight loss. She has truly changed my way of thinking about not just weight loss, but my life and how to master your mindset when it comes to all things. I love her to bits and she is offering $1000 off her program through 11/30! Follower her at @lauraconleycoaching
- HEC Studio – I found HEC Studio through a small boutique. I purchased a hat I was obsessed with and slowly made my way over to follow Sarah, Owner of HEC Studio and amazing, positive life force. Talk about good vibes, this girl is a constant ray of sunshine who has talented beyond belief. She mainly makes hand-sewn trucker hats with beautiful fabrics she collects through her travels. She has expanded to some other clothing items here and there, but he freaking positivity paired with her creativity is what made me a cult follower of her brand. Follow Sarah on IG @hecstudio
- Hats by Parker Thomas – This locally owned business is a product of three generations of hat makers, passing down their passion. Family-owned and operated, this place is all about passion and tradition. I know I will be purchasing so many more amazing hats in the future but was honored to get one this past year and have seen followed their every move on social! Follow them on IG @hatsbyparkerthomas
- Wish gifts – A long-time favorite of mine. This sweet little gift shop has been my go-to for gifts for years. I love everything about this shop, what they offer and the staff (who is the kindest and has been there for years). This place will always have a special spot in my heart. It is as local as it gets and they have something for everyone! Follow them on IG @wishgiftsdenver
- Suti & CO – Holy cup of coffee. I love this place from the bottom of my heart. I visited once and became instantly obsessed with the cute little handmade trinkets around the shop and the delicious coffee. Let’s not forget the butter, rich and decadent cookies made by owner and operator, Chef Andrea Uzarowski. Did I mention I am in love with her too! Her passion, kindness and enthusiasm. She makes you feel right at home when you visit. Her kindness is contagious. Be sure to stop in for coffee but also check out her dinner series and specialty offers that pop up! (Located in Boulder, Colorado. Steps from Pearl St.) Follow her in IG at @sutiandco
- Sweeties Dough – Lord almighty! Once you try these cookies you might need to check into rehab. I am obsessed. **** crumble cookies when you can get THE BEST cookies made locally and delivered to your house. Annie was a baker and loved it so much, it has moved from a passion project to a business and she is thriving. You MUST order these for your next holiday get-together. Follow Annie at @sweetiesdough
- Hutson Floral – My sweet friend Chuck owns and operates Hutson Floral and is such an incredible designer when it comes to floral arrangements. He does holiday bouquets, weddings and corporate events. He will also be selling sweet take-home bouquets during First Fridays on Sante Fe in the future. Chuck asked if I wanted to collaborate and he could drop me off some florals during the pandemic. What is better than being visited by a handsome man to drop off flowers in the middle of quarantine? He has since become a wonderful friend of mine and brightens my life on the weekly. Follow him on IG at @hutsonfloraldesign
- Dreaming Designs CO – My sassy and creative friend Shannon owns this little biz. She sells super fun and quirky gifts with funny sayings on products. All of which are completely customizable. If you need a fun gift (dish towel, sassy wine glass, NFL team sweatshirt), this girl has your back, and they are all delivered to your door. Follow Shannon on Instagram at @dreamdigdesignco
- Dashing Maids – I recently met Ashley who is the owner of Colorado’s Dashing Maids. She is passionate about house cleaning and has a local team built up that does an amazing job of cleaning. She cares so much about her employees and the dynamic of their team, so she has had cleaners with her for yearsssss. If you want an amazing house cleaning for the new year, she is your gal! Follow them on IG @dashingmaidsdenver
- Qi Lounge – I was invited to Qi Lounge in Estes a couple of years ago for a day of pampering and fell in love. Not just with the services (best massage and acupuncture, ever), but also with the people. Brooke and Melissa poured their hearts into this business. They love making people feel special, pampered and relaxed and it shines through in every aspect of their spa. I highly recommend taking a little day trip to Estes to enjoy their offers. It is truly one of the most relaxing days you will experience. Follow them at @QiLoungeSpa