On my way home from presenting at a conference in California, I decided to change my flight and extend my layover in Denver to visit a friend and spend some time in the city. I lived in Fort Collins, just outside of Denver, for several years so in many ways this was a trip home for me.
As we were enjoying our day, deciding where to go next, I thought I'd take a look to see if any of my retail partners were nearby, and sure enough, Artisan Center was right around the corner. Artisan Center has been a Denver staple for 49 years, and they've carried Hazelmade for the last 2 years.
The store was colorful and magical. Obviously curated with love and care for the items they stock and the artists they support. I met three employees who had been working there for 22, 26, and 8 years respectively.
We had an impromptu group craft session, which turned into everyone sharing what they loved about working there.
One of the reasons I love wholesale is the connections I get to make with dedicated shop owners and employees who curate spaces for makers, artists and small-business owners to shine. My work becomes one thread in a larger fabric.
I always encourage my direct retail customers shopping online to use my store locator to find Hazelmade in a shop near them, because the shops are always such great community hubs with wide selections of beautiful gifts. And they are staffed by lovely people who care deeply about the work.
Thank you to Artisan Center and to all of my retail partners who welcome my work into their stores.
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