Cherry Creek, CO February 2021

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

S T Y LE + B E AU T Y U NAP O LO G E T I C FASH I O N LI F E + C U LTU R E C O LO R AD O T O T H E CARI B B E AN

#1 REAL ESTATE TEAM IN DENVER

Josh Behr 303.903.9535 T he Be hr Team .com

Behrs@TheBehrTeam.com

The_Behr_Team

2821 East Cedar Avenue #2 DENVER

RECONNECT BACK TO NATURE

Whether it’s the mountains, a peaceful lake or the ocean, nature invites us to relocate to fully live and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Many families are choosing to make a move to larger spaces for working and schooling from home, with easy access to the outdoors. Mosaic Architects and Interiors works with our clients to create a home that meets your specific needs, in a style that is uniquely your own.

mosaicarchitects.com | 303.247.1100

Rug Rug

Winter

Sale

February 1-28 One -of -a -kind, hand - knotted rugs, pillows, kilims, textiles at Special discounts in our Fillmore gallery

Denver’s finest selection of artisanal rugs 589 Fillmore St. Denver CO 80206 3 0 3 . 3 2 0 . 6 3 6 3 ~ w w w. s h a v e r ~ r a m s e y. c o m

45

YEARS

IN CHERRY CREEK

Serving the design community for 43 years

a mile above | a level beyond

3125 E. Exposition Ave. $5,250,000

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Jeff Hendley jeff.hendley@compass.com 303.877.6767

Just Sold in Cherry Hills Village

4930 S Gaylord Street $2,425,000

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Susie Dews and Jeff Hendley susie.dews@compass.com 303.521.9009

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@lifestylepubs.com

Photograph by Blake Jackson

An Open Page AS WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH THIS FEBRUARY, WE ARE FILLED WITH INSPIRATION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONG AND DIVERSE. This month was an opportunity to let the creative, innovative, poised, and powerful Black voices of our community ring loudly. We passed the mic to our local Black writers, photographers, designers, and featured subjects to see the world through their lens. They showed us both a complex history and a progressive way forward.

As we charter into 2021, we will be creating more equitable space for BIPOC on these pages and within our shared places around Boulder and beyond. We look forward to taking this journey alongside you.

The Hooson Sisters, Alexandré and Lara Livia

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington | chantel.ellerington@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Rosie Chester | rosie.chester@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandré Hooson | allie.hooson@lifestylepubs.com SALES DIRECTOR

Kristen Muller | kristen.muller@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jocelyn Blake, Karysma Hicks, Lisa Van Horne, Livia Hooson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Blake Jackson, Gabrielle Poux, Alexandré Hooson, Patrik Argast

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek ON THE COVER C.R. Lee and Gould Art Advisory PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE JACKSON 10

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cherry Creek Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cherry Creek area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cherry Creek Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 32 Colorado to the Caribbean Discover surf, food and fashion in an Afro-Caribbean town in Costa Rica

40 C.R. Lee Unapologetically Changing the Fashion Game

48 Le French Senegalese-French sisters built a culinary hotspot

40 32

54 Black Memorials How One Man is Educating Cities on Black History

54

48

DEPARTMENTS 10

Lifestyle Letter

15

Good Times

16

Around Town

21

Open House

26 Locally Owned 32 Travel Destination 40 Inspired By 48 Culinary Creations 54 City Scene

300 University Blvd.

Denver, CO 80206

bloomdenver.com

720-941-2862

LYUDMILA AGRICH

Paris in The Rain | 20 x 24 | Oil on Canvas

ART CONSULTATION | CUSTOM INSTALLATION | DIGITAL COMPOSITIONS 1116 PEARL STREET | BOULDER CO 80302 | 303.444.7200 | SMITHKLEIN.COM FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1984

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Winter Wanderland Cherry Creek North hosted more than half a million people throughout the 16 block neighborhood at the inaugural Winter Wanderland, November 19 – January 3. The holiday experience featured the Winter Wanderland Light Walk, a one-of-a-kind light art installation called Prismatica, evening shopping with complimentary treats on Holiday Thursdays, Small Business Weekend and the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN PHILLIPS

4.

5.

6.

1. Winter Wanderland Light Walk | 2. Cherry Creek Holiday Market | 3. Prismatica | 4. Holiday Thursdays | 5. General Lights | 6. Fillmore Plaza

JERRELL SMITH PSYCHOTHERAPIST

INTEG RATED P ERSONA LIZ ED DEPTH ORIENTED Evenings and Saturdays when available.

Virtual appointments until COVID is resolved.

JERRELL SMITH PH.D. (979) 204-6153 jerrell.f.smith.psych@gmail.com jerrellsmithpsychotherapist.com CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

15

AROUND TOWN

ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL – WORLD TRAVEL IN COLORADO So much more than floral— a showcase of one-of-

INTEGRATIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED, DEPTH FOCUSED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR LASTING CHANGE

a-kind pieces from artisans in Morocco, India, France,

Jerrell Smith Ph.D. relocated his psychotherapy

and a platform for local artists too. Wax busts, brass

practice in January of this year from San Antonio,

trays, marble bowls, beaded African heads, mirrored

Tx. and is already enjoying working with the peo-

inlay panels, and much more have made their way

ple of Denver and the surrounding area. His work

across the sea to Bloom by Anuschka. See the best

focuses on helping individuals and couples to live

from around the world in Cherry Creek. There's no

more fulfilling, meaningful, and happy lives through

better time for new additions to your home. Visit our

a personalized in-depth approach to psychother-

Instagram to see the latest!

apy. He is currently available for virtual appoint-

BloomDenver.com

ments throughout Colorado and looks forward to offering in-person visits once the pandemic is resolved. Evenings and Saturdays when available.

JerrellSmithPsychotherapist.com

WESTWARD GALLERY CELEBRATES FOURTH ANNIVERSARY Westward Gallery is celebrating its fourth anniversary featuring owner and resident artist, Michelle Courier's, "Road Trip" and "Rocky Mountain" series along with 18 local artists from the Denver area. Join us as we ring in the new year with unique art! Pieces start at $60. Visit our website for more information.

WestwardGallery.com 16

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

DAIRY BLOCK HOSTING AFTERGLOW IN ALLEY OUTDOOR ACTIVATION THIS WINTER Head to Dairy Block this winter to enjoy heated outdoor dining with Afterglow in the Alley, a CONTINUED >

AROUND TOWN New activation in Denver’s first pedestrian alley featuring dining in private bubble gazebos and on extended patios, festive winter décor and lighting and live music on the weekends. Dairy Block’s Afterglow in the Alley will be held nightly, with $3 underground parking available with all dining purchases. Enjoy private bubble gazebo dining at Seven Grand, Blanchard Family Wines, BRUTØ, Kachina Cantina and For[a]ged. Poka Lola Social Club and Denver Milk Market are both offering extend patio dining in the heated alley. Live outdoor music by local musicians will be offered every Friday and Saturday evenings.

DairyBlock.com Boulder, Colorado. A touch of class in a can and it’s ok for you to show it! Head over to our website to order cocktails for your squad today!

CocktailSquad.com

SHAVER-RAMSEY 45TH ANNIVERSARY WINTER SALE Shaver-Ramsey, one of Cherry Creek North’s oldest and most beloved retailers, will celebrate their 45th Anniversary in 2021. They will have events to celebrate throughout the year. To kick off the year, they will have a winter sale for the month of February. From new rugs to antique rugs to custom rugs, they will offer hundreds from their collection at specially discounted prices. In addition to in-person shopping during their regular business hours, they offer private or virtual shopping by appointment.

Shaver-Ramsey.com

BUY COCKTAIL SQUAD ONLINE AND HAVE IT SHIPPED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOORSTEP

18

Ship Cocktail Squad to your porch party, lawn

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

chair, she shed, man cave, little boat, big boat, jet,

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

or wherever your happy hour revival takes you.

com/CherryCreek using the Get In Touch link and

Pinkies Up for the Premium Canned Cocktail from

let us know what you think.

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

Vail, 45” x 90” sublimated on aluminum

TOPHER STRAUS

Maroon Bells, 30” x 60” sublimated on aluminum

Studio visits by appointment TopherStraus.com | 303.900.0808 | @CreativeTopher

OPEN HOUSE

into the oasis

A MASTER CLASS IN COMBINING TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN ONE BAY AREA HOME

ARTICLE LISA VAN HORNE @LISAVANHORNE31 PHOTOGRAPHY PATRIK ARGAST

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

21

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED) THE

DESIGN

the stovetop, bold black cabinetry and indus-

STYLES OF JANE SNYDER AND STEFAN

ARCHITECTURAL

AND

trial steel French doors are juxtaposed with

EDER ARE OFTEN QUITE DIFFERENT. One

the vintage feel of the chandeliers, armoire

prefers pink hues and soft lines that artisti-

and rustic farmhouse table—all pieces from

cally curve and sway. The other prefers bold,

the homeowner’s extensive collection of

straightforward angles with more stark, tradi-

antique furnishings. A meticulously refur-

tional character. Yet after turning over 20 years

bished existing brick fireplace adds further

of friendship and professional kinship into

welcoming character.

their own business with Mosaic Architects +

“We wanted to be gutsy with the designs

Interiors—with offices in Boulder and through-

in the home and push the envelope with

out California—they have found that these

some of the existing contrasts,” Eder says.

often competing preferences result in truly

“Really playing into that incorporation of light

unique, truly special homes for their clients.

and dark, industrial and antique, earthy and

“It’s why we called our firm Mosaic,” says Snyder, AIA and Mosaic Architects +

heavy, helped bring the home’s character to life even more.”

Interiors partner. “Each client and each proj-

Each room in the home tells a unique story,

ect is different, and we have an approach

and Snyder notes that the Mosaic process of

that beautifully blends all the various styles,

managing both the architecture and interior

personalities and ideas we encounter.”

design of the home allows for each of those

This often wildly diverse, yet ultimately

stories to be told more fully. Unexpected trea-

harmonious collaborative process and phi-

sures and touches permeate throughout the

losophy made Mosaic the ideal firm to tackle

bathrooms in particular. One bathroom fea-

one major home remodel in the Bay Area. A

tures handmade black tiles and a vintage mir-

second-generation family home imbued with

ror, another features a white traditional floor

ample history and memories, the homeown-

and wall tiling along with a new contemporary

ers were seeking to upgrade the abode while

vanity, and a third bathroom incorporates a

preserving its soul.

highly polished water-jet cut stainless steel

“Typically with a remodel many owners

sheet that functions as a one-of-a-kind mirror.

would be asking how we can maximize the

Tying the home together is a transparent,

home,” says Eder, AIA and Mosaic Architects

indoor/outdoor structure that makes for a

+ Interiors partner. “How can we make the

cohesive, connected living experience. The

ceilings as tall as possible? Get the most

outdoor courtyard and dining area can be

square footage out of the site? But this project

accessed from every section of the home, and

was completely different. The homeowners

the upgraded pool with the added trellis and

loved the existing home and its heart—they

fireplace make outdoor living not just a pos-

just wanted to bring it into the 21st century.”

sibility, but a pleasure every day of the year.

The result is an eclectic California ranch

With people spending more time at home as a

in which the homeowners’ personalities and

result of the pandemic, this ability to connect

the home’s original character shine through a

and unwind so effortlessly is more vital than

series of impactful modern upgrades. Structural

ever, Snyder adds.

changes—including net zero energy upgrades,

“This home is really a testament to how you

vaulted ceilings and expanded openings—

can start with an existing structure and truly

make it an efficient, timeless home. Cosmetic

make it a special place that is exactly what you

enhancements—bold designs that expertly

want and need it to be,” she says.

blend the familiar and the surprising—elevate

“My favorite moment is when a project

the home’s vibrant spirit. Together, they create

becomes a home,” Eder says. “Homeowners

a home rooted in tradition with exciting, con-

must make thousands of decisions in a build

temporary twists around every corner.

or remodel, but when it’s all complete they

Perhaps the most sterling example of this

can sit back and realize that this new place

marriage of the old and the new is in the

now is their home. That’s a highlight universal

kitchen. The dark patinaed metal hood above

across all of our clients.”

22

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

23

LOCALLY OWNED

DENVER BLACK-OWNED

BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT

ALWAYS

– NOT JUST DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE THAN DESERVING

26

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE JOCE BLAKE @JOCE_BLAKE ILLUSTRATIONS WHITNEY WELLS @BLACKBLAK

DID YOU KNOW THAT ONE-THIRD OF WESTERN COWBOYS WERE BLACK? It’s hard to believe that Denver has a rich Black history dating back to the 1800s when the makeup of the city is predominantly white. As we continue to amplify diverse voices as a movement and not a trend, we want to highlight some of the Black-owned businesses keeping that history alive and making their ancestors proud. Ahead, find some magical beings worthy of your support during Black History Month and forevermore.

LIVE DISTINCT REALTY

S

ince the age of 12, Delroy Gill dreamed of being in the Real Estate industry. He knew he was destined to change the game. That’s exactly why he created Live Distinct Realty eight years ago with a mission to create a new normal in the Denver Luxury real estate market. “One that is inclusive, gives back to the community, and understands that

real estate has CHANGED! So should your representation,” Gill says. As a Black man and business owner, Gill aspires to be an open book to his community because he loves being Black: “Everyone should understand that melanin is a superpower!”

THE UNPOPULAR BLACK

T

he Unpopular Black encourages Black adventure beyond the stereotypes and narrative of what we “don’t do.” Courtney Lanctot’s vision for The Unpopular Black is to connect the Black community to adventure by providing representation, information, and access through the National Black Adventure Directory she is constructing.

”2020 really helped me to truly see the need for and the value of The Unpopular Black," Lanctot says, "As Black people historically haven’t had direct access, information, and representation into these spaces due to fear of safety and segregation not that long ago. COVID has shown our community that there is so much to discover in our ‘backyards.'"

WHITTIER CAFE

A

frican espresso bar and social justice cafe teaches people about where coffee comes from (Ethiopia) while also providing a space for activists and social justice candidates who run for office. Their vision is to help people feel welcome and loved and heard over a cup of coffee. Owner Millete Birhanemaskel, is a strong believer that if you

follow your passion, the money will come.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

27

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

AFRO TRIANGLE DESIGNS

T

Through beautiful art, Afro Triangle Designs aims to uplift and educate the community by connecting people to the humanity of an issue. Adrienne Norris started creating very young and watched her mom start several businesses, so you can say entrepreneurship is in her blood. 2020 presented an opportunity for her to engage in

self-work that translated into her business and opened up many opportunities for growth. Norris says, “I hope to join others in extending this healing and growth to my community, and I hope that it has ripple effects in the nation and in the world.”

BLACK IN DENVER

N

ashville native, Narkita Gold, composed Black in Denver to raise awareness about the power of being one’s self and the connectedness in the Black community. It was in an existential crisis that Gold started her journey of visual ethnography “supporting and demonstrating the notion that blackness, and identity in general,

is not a monolith.” This artist hopes to change the narrative, raise awareness about the power of being one’s self, and inspire the practice of self-inquiry through her series highlighting the lives of Black Denverites.

“Being a Black artist in Denver carries a unique responsibility, especially since we are a minority of a minority. It means to be offered opportunities that I wouldn’t have in other cities. I know how fortunate I am. I am existing in a very exclusive world that people spend their whole lives hoping to be a part of, and I just kind of found myself here. It’s a lot to process. I am grateful.”

NWA MAGAZINE

“L

iving in Denver with little representation for Black artists pushed me to do something about it,” Samantha Joseph says. The model birthed a high-fashion platform for models and other artists in the Denver area in hopes of garnering inclusion. “I can imagine that many other Black models have dealt with the same struggle, so I wanted to create

a safe space for myself, other Black models and artists in Denver.” The pandemic gave her time to create her business with intention and she is excited to show the city what NWA has to offer.

Other Magazines We Love: Cherry Creek Fashion, Culturs Magazine

28

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

LET ME SHOW YOU DIFFERENT

K

oya Nyangi is an independent fashion PR and International Sales Representative for African fashion brands and designers. Working as an intermediary between retailers and buyers in the U.S. and African designers, she facilitates positive and rewarding wholesale business relationships. The Kenya native began her career in fash-

ion as a stylist but always knew her purpose was bigger than her. “Just being a woman in business is amazing, but being a Black African woman doing business in America makes it more special and meaningful,” Nyangi says.

CURLS ON THE BLOCK

C

urls On The Block (COTB), a local non-profit organization, serves as an enrichment program for girls of all curls and colors to embrace, explore and empower their natural selves while working to increase engagement, investment, and commitment to careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Thanks to COTB’s

founder Analise Harris’s experiences as a special education teacher, she witnessed many disciplinary situations where cultural relevancy and understanding could have prevented unnecessary actions. Harris says, “To be a Black business owner in Colorado, with a statewide Black demographic of less than 5% requires tenacity, innovation, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.”

OUTSIDE THE LINES Illustrations by Whitney Wells, a 5 Points Denver, born and raised artist. Dabbling in analog painting, pen + ink, and tattoo apprentice, this local artist can be seen all across the city. Wells loves to create - his style is free flowing, autonomous and based This month and every month, make

on his mood, most recently influenced by the emotions brought

sure you capitalize the B in Black.

about by the Denver riots. His work is inspired by graffiti, typog-

It signifies the strong values and

raphy, fine art painting, tattoos, comics, and lifestyle and com-

history in the Black community. It

munity. When he doesn't have a pen in his hand, you can find

signifies the culture that is behind

him riding his Harley Sportster or skateboard through Denver.

the color. It signifies centuries of courage and resilience.

For commissions or to just say hi... www.blackblack.bigcartel @blackblak

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

29

yours

My focus is on Denver's most cherished home

Consistently named one of Denver's top producing real estate agents, LIV Sotheby's Deviree Vallejo provides exceptional customer service and extensive market knowledge to create a seamless home buying/selling experience.

With 17 years of experience and an unwavering work ethic, 95% of her clients are referral-based as relationships form the basis for Deviree's success.

303.931.0097 Deviree@LivSir.com SeeDenverHomes.com @deviree

seedenverhomes

TRAVEL DESTINATION

COLORADO

caribbean TO THE

OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER HEADED TO A SMALL AFRO-CARIBBEAN TOWN IN COSTA RICA TO DISCOVER THEIR SURF, FOOD, FASHION AND ART SCENE. ARTICLE LIVIA HOOSON @LARALIVIAHOOSON PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDRÉ HOOSON @ALLIEHOO

MOST PEOPLE THINK OF SANTA TERESA OR GUANACASTE WHEN THEY THINK OF COSTA RICA. But a day-trip south from the capital city of San José takes you across the verdant mountains to the Southern Caribbean Coast to a place far different than the guide books portray.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Limón Province is a melting pot of people from around the world, including Jamaica, Central and North America, and Europe all living amongst the dense jungle and white and black sand beaches. Between the unpredictable weather, iconic surf breaks, fresh ron don soup, soca music, howling monkeys, and the friendly and multilingual locals, this place is the truest form of “Pura Vida.” Alexandré and Livia Hooson from Boulder Lifestyle and Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine spent a month documenting their travels and conversations with the locals regarding identity, culture, fashion and food that stamps this Caribbean locale in both color and character.

Walk with us as we share our favorite captures from Puerto Viejo...

32

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

CONTINUED >

SOUNDS OF

the Caribe

From reggae to calypso music, here are the local artists you should be jamming to: + @DJChrisCR: Christian Brayant + @DJSoundsCR: Sebastián Bent + Youtube: Junior y Sus Calypsonians

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

33

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

IG: @TakeItEasyCaribbean

TAKE IT

Easy

Chris Whitehorn Malcon is best known in town for his mouth-watering and belly-filling Caribbean food served beachside in Playa Cocles. Strolling up to his stand reveals an open parilla flanked with seasoned jerk chicken while international travelers gorge on full plates of fish and veggies served on banana leaves. Reggae music blares in the background while Macon cooks with ease and focus while serving his guests all poised under swaying palms. A visit to Puerto is simply incomplete without a stopover to Take it Easy.

In addition to his memorable and savory dishes, Malcon shares his identity openly with waving red, green, and black flags referencing the African Diaspora and lacquered tables with the faces of African warriors like Winnie Mandela and Malcolm X. He identifies with both the Rastafari culture and his Indigenous Costa Rican blood, and is humbled to share stories of his Jamaican grandparents who impacted him greatly. Malcon credits most of what he knows about food and discipline to his granny, Josefina. Their Saturday evening rituals meant plucking the feathers of a fowl, killing the animal, and then seasoning the meat to perfection.

“Food was always a part of my life,” shares Malcon. “You are

Thyme, coconut milk, and spicy Panamanian peppers

always in the kitchen, always helping. And Josefina was a star,

make up the base of most of his recipes. Expect tender curry

man. Granny taught me to clean, wash, and cook.”

chicken, crispy BBQ jerk chicken, fish with coconut and veggie

He would also spend time as a teenager hunting in the jungle

peanut stews all served with a heaping pile of the local’s favor-

and fishing, cooking over a home-made fire with friends by his

ite rice and beans and a leafy side salad. He prides himself on

side. He would eventually put in work at a family-run restaurant

making his food accessible to everyone (4,500 colones for a

where he got more business experience and then opened Take

large plate is roughly $7.00).

It Easy around seven years ago. His discipline learned from

“You can sit down at these tables with people from all socio-

Josefina has paid off as Malcon wakes early to food prep, some

economic levels. Both the big man and the small man like my

days that means rising at 4:00 a.m. and working into the eve-

food,” he shares. “Different backgrounds, cultures, and people

ning to cater to the weekend crowds. His curiosity of chemistry

can sit down and have a conversation, it’s a way to bring people

and different recipes led him to begin experimenting with his

together to partake over food.”

own spices and flavors.

“I feel that food is something you should explore with,” Malcon says. “This is why my food is a little different.”

34

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

Malcon is also a father of three and a passionate DJ. You can catch him performing at Salsa Brava bar where he shares his selection of diverse reggae roots.

A Luna May garment is easy to spot in a sea of fast-fashion. The brand makes accent pieces that are never made twice in the same print while incorporating lightweight fabrics that seem to float effortlessly across shoulders in the sun and traipse with ease while walking the white sands of Playa Cocles at sunset.

Luna May, the founder of the clothing and jewelry company, describes herself as the daughter of an adventurous

IG: @LunaMay.CR

ADORNED IN

Luna May

Spanish mother and Colombian father who was raised in the picturesque island of Providencia in the Caribbean Sea. The tiny archipelago is rich in Afro-Caribbean gastronomy and music; where the aroma of coconut bread baking and calypso music blends beautifully together. The vibrant attire worn with sophistication by the proud Black women in her community were also an element of inspiration that directed Luna’s own sense of fashion.

Her understanding of textiles was in part cultivated during her time spent with an Indigenous tribe in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains when she was a young girl. She learned the process of planting, harvesting and weaving cotton, which was then made into the tribe’s traditional attire. Luna began making her own designs from there while traveling between Guatemala, Ibiza, and the UK where she started selling in boutiques and at fashion events. But a pull to her roots would bring her back to the Caribbean, this time to Puerto Viejo, where she would open her first Luna May boutique.

Her iconic storefront showcases a colorful array of fabrics, from flowing summer dresses to graphic men’s shirts, splashed with photographs she takes of the beautiful locals and the spectacular landscape they call home.

“I am drawn to the beautiful ever-changing shapes of nature and the beauty and curious lineages transcending in human faces,” Luna shares. “To me all humans are beautiful because we are each a unique mix.”

Some of her standout textiles feature pressed cacao leaves, coral, insects, trees, hand-sketched drawings from her son Rio, and of course, the annual portraits taken of the locals, neighbors, families and artists living in Puerto Viejo.

“This is a place that makes you feel proud of your roots,” shares Luna. “I have truly enjoyed photographing such a varied community. So many beautiful mixes here and everyone is so proud of themselves.”

Luna has been moved by her own upbringing in the Caribbean and continues to work with limitless creativity while residing in this free-spirited community.

“To me, Afro-Caribbean culture teaches us to be forward. To be proud of who we are,” says Luna. “To not just show our roots, but to flaunt them!”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

35

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Cishel Crawford is a proud Afro-Costa Rican woman who is both a Yoga and meditation teacher and manages her own wellness space in Playa Negra. to Asante Art & Movement is a little slice of magic on the coast, where the public can host workshops and retreats centered around healing and expression.

Crawford found her way to Puerto Viejo after spending most of her life in the capital city of San José where she studied agricultural economics in school and then worked in both tech

IG: @Cishel.Crawford

ROOTED IN

Movement

and agriculture. She was also involved in many organizations focused on elevating the Afro-Costa Rican voices through performances and festivals. With ancestral roots in Jamaica and the nearby port town of Limón, she grew up with a strong sense of her culture. Her father is the founder of the Limón Roots AfroCultural Festival, one of the biggest cultural events in the country, and runs a magazine called Limón Roots that promotes the values of the ethnic groups across the greater Caribbean.

Having traveled across Honduras, Brazil, Kenya, and Trinidad and Tobago, Crawford has drawn her life experiences from locations with African influences as well as the elders in these communities who inspire her direction.

“I feel connected to who I am because my ancestors came through these Caribbean waters,” shares Crawford.

Exploring identity and representation seems to be at the core of Crawford’s work.

“For a long time our voices were not being expressed the way they should have,” Crawford says. “In the books, you don’t find our Afro-Costa Rican history, and when it comes to art, you see a lot of appropriation. So, a part of the work we are doing is to not only put ourselves out there to acknowledge our culture but to visualize how important equal representation is.”

Alongside her sister and professional dancer Sharifa Crawford, they conceptualized a docu-series called “Color Piel.” This sensual and provocative display of identity depicts the stigmas against African women based on their appearance with the intent to educate and empower other racialized women, describes Crawford. The sisters were also a part of the powerful performance “Negra Soy,” which was adapted from a famous poem titled “Me Gritaron Negra”’ from Peruvian artist Victoria Santa Cruz and performed around the country.

Their original play included musicality and featured 10 AfroCosta Rican women. They don their natural hair in the show and portray the many facets of womanhood and race through artful depictions of such heavy topics as racism, common stereotypes, and denial of identity. Crawford was both a performer and assistant producer while Sharifa was creative director alongside Erick Rodriguez.

Crawford plans on continuing these creative roles to tell stories that are often overlooked in mainstream media, saying that “through art and wellness, you can shift a lot of things in the world.

I want to be a voice for other young girls to know their value.”

36

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

Photo by Carlos Soto

IG: @DexLew

RAISED BY

Waves

When Dexter Lewis isn’t ripping across the swell at Salsa Brava or Playa Grande, you may find him in between shifts as a tour guide reading Eckhart Tolle.

As a first-generation Costa Rican with Nicaraguan parents, Lewis was practically born into the warm, turquoise sea tracing the edge of Puerto Viejo. Whether it was swimming, fishing, surfing, or boogie boarding, he and his young friends found entertainment on the water, oftentimes being led by a woman from Jacaranda who would take the kids on field trips to the water’s edge. Surfing came into their view when travelers and professional surfers started discovering the famous Salsa Brava swell and would leave behind their old shortboards for the kids to ride on.

Lewis would begin competing around the age of 14, learning from American surfers and the nation’s sponsored professionals. His love of the sport had him committed to progression, but eventually, his competitive side would soften into one of pure connection to nature. This is when his business Lewis Brother Surf began. Instructing both trav-

Lewis also works at House of Roam, a local surf shop serving

elers and locals on the range of breaks across town, Lewis

up some of the best coffee in town, and as a tour guide, leading

teaches purpose over perfection and that perseverance is

cacao tours in the jungle for Caribean’s Chocolate & Coffee.

what stands between you and riding the wave.

He represents the athleticism and hard work that defines many

“The more you fall, the more you are actually getting better because you are more aware of yourself, and not so much aware of showing off,” expresses Lewis. “And when you do catch that ride it becomes so much more enjoyable.”

The high season for surfing in the Caribbean runs from

people here; embodying a surfer, a teacher, a guide, and above all else, a human being.

Another Lewis lesson derived from the ocean: “If you want to know somebody, it’s not only about what they do, you have to spend the time to really get to know them.”

December to March and was one of the defining elements

As the surfers from the Caribbean Coast still prove their

of the tourism boom in the region. And although the swell is

potential to the rest of the country, Lewis has settled into a

known to get pretty heavy here, there are moments of ethereal

place of gratitude for the sport that has brought him closer

stillness savored in the early light of the morning.

to the elements, and to himself. He does hope to see the

“We often think about what we want, want, want, but don’t

impressive talent from the younger generations recognized

stop and enjoy the little time that we have,” he shares. “There is

on a national level while reminding them not to forget why

a joy to be found in just being out on the water.”

they love the sport to begin with.

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

37

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Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

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AS WE’VE COME TO FIND OUT, 2020 HAS BEEN FILLED WITH MANY TRIBULATIONS THAT HAVE CAUSED US TO PIVOT OUR LIVES. Denver Fashion Week’s Designer of the Year, Crystal Lee, is no stranger to this sacrifice.

Rather than succumbing to the harsh times that 2020 has had to offer, the designer used her brand, C.R. Lee, to tune in to what her customers needed at that moment.

C.R. Lee, a brand that reflects the women who wear its clothing, is also a brand that reflects its creator. “I am my brand,” Lee says. “I am my customer. I design for women that are strong.” With this in mind, Lee designs her pieces to make women feel as though they can define what and who they are in this world. This is something that sets her apart from her competitors—she doesn’t cater to a specific type of woman; rather she allows her pieces to be fluid in the sense that women can create an array of looks and styles with her clothes yet carry the same meaning of what C.R. Lee is all about—choosing and embracing your own identity.

Since beginning her journey in the fashion industry in 2007, Lee has had to learn how to encapsulate her own identity—especially while operating a Black-owned, woman-owned business. Over time, she would realize that a lot of people wanted her to pigeonhole her brand, but that was something she quickly realized wasn’t on her agenda.

“To be a Black woman entrepreneur has so many layers,” Lee says. “It means putting your strengths and power and your vision of your brand out there in physical form.” Throughout her experience working in fashion, she felt as though the industry wanted her to be a certain way or that she had to fit into a certain box. “I know that I am so much more capable than sticking to one thing. I know for myself, I have an array of things that I can do, and I see that my customers want that from me.”

CONTINUED >

42

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

43

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

44

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

While C.R. Lee has been seen on the runway and has been known to be worn for special occasions, it is not anywhere near formal wear or

ON LOCATION

classified as a formal brand. “A lot of [my pieces]

The Goulds believe that art, architecture, fash-

are made with fine fabrics but really it is just a

ion, design and music are all heavily entwined,

lifestyle brand.” When it comes to her designs,

and like Lee, believe that artists are truly suc-

Lee aims to think about what it is she needs and

cessful when they are able to embrace their own

then gives exactly that to her customers.

identity within their work. “Artists of color have

It is no secret that 2020 has been a year that

long been stereotyped with pressure and the

has crippled fashion. Retail hasn’t been as much

expectation that their work needed to portray

of a necessity as it has been in the past. People

particular themes of race and culture. It is only

are being selective with what they’re buying and

recently that artists of historical significance are

wearing. “I’ve been in my house just like every-

receiving overdue attention for defying these

body else, for 90% of my day. It isn’t realistic to

expectations and are being appreciated for

limit myself to just designing runway,” Lee says.

developing their own deeply personal and origi-

Being forced to spend most of her time home

nal visual languages,” says Ben Gould.

sparked a new concept for a C.R. Lee collec-

When walking through BLUR, it is evident

tion. Tomboi, a love letter to the women who

the art was selectively and strategically placed

are forced into subcategories—to the women

to engage its visitors. “I enjoy when people

who exhibit the characteristics or behaviors of a

feel encouraged to think and ask questions

man—strong, capable, and driven.

when they view the art we have installed,”

Shot at BLUR, the residence of Kimberly and

says Kimberly Gould. “The art is hung for our

Ben Gould, Crystal Lee’s designs couldn’t be

family to enjoy every day. It is also placed to

more fitting to its locale. The Goulds are two art

invoke discussion, challenge our thoughts, and

advisors who house an impressive aggregation

ultimately make our spaces more interesting.”

of contemporary art—allowing the design to

Juxtaposed to C.R. Lee’s mission to conglom-

integrate and embrace the art to be an open

erate a collection that inspires us to be our best

forum. Their collection is comprised predom-

selves and in our truest form; Kimberly and Ben

inately of pieces created by emerging and

Gould admire an artist’s, designer’s, or a cre-

mid-career artists of color, including Arthur Jafa,

ative’s ability to be transcendent and transpar-

Henry Taylor, Vaughn Spann, Simone Leigh,

ent in expressing themselves.

Hank Willis Thomas and Natalie Ball. www.kgartadvisory.com www.crleedesign.com@c.r.leee

@gouldartadvisory

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

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Photo by Rachel Adams

48

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

LE FRENCH BAKERY AND CAFE IS

Paris. She was the first ever Black female in

DENVER’S OWN LITTLE SLICE OF PARIS.

the world to hold this position at a Michelin

Located in the Belleview station area, the

“My sister and I lived most of our professional

Senagalese-French owners who have created

experience apart,” shares Aminata. “She was a

a casual-chic dining outpost. The restaurant

well-known, very successful chef in France

offers authentic French cuisine with global

while I was building my career in Colorado.”

influences while specializing in high-end pas-

The idea to collaborate struck during a

tries that dazzle upon entry and making it the

culinary tour in Brazil where they worked

perfect way to spend a Sunday in the city.

closely together for two weeks and realized

Menu and ambiance aside, we argue that

how compatible they were as partners in

the most interesting thing about the place is

the kitchen. The Dia sisters would debut Le

none other than the women behind it. Chef

French Bakery & Cafe (LeFrenchDenver.

Aminata Dia alongside her sister Chef Rougui

com) in the spring of 2019 on Newport St. in

Dia spent their earliest years in Senegal, a

the Denver Tech Center.

coastal country in West Africa, where they

“It's been amazing bringing our two expe-

lived on a farm alongside the Senegal River,

riences together at the service of the Denver

cooking the common foods of the region,

metro area,” says Aminata. “Denver has a

including corn, sweet potatoes and fresh fish.

very rich, diverse and very vibrant food scene,

They soon relocated to France to the 17th

and our community has been extremely wel-

Arrondissement of Paris near the Sacré-

“DENVER HAS A VERY RICH,

star restaurant.

restaurant is informed by its world-traveling

coming and supportive.”

Cœur when Aminata was just 2 years old,

Their menu hosts an array of diverse

but their parents remained steeped in their

dishes made using traditional French tech-

Senagalese roots.

niques but with a twist from the sisters’

“My mother learned to make a lot of

global styles. This includes a slow-cooked

dishes from various backgrounds, learn-

lamb shoulder in red wine with an infusion of

ing from the neighbours,” says Aminata.

North African spices, and paired with potato

“In addition to traditional French and

puree and pickled lentils. For vegans, their

Senegalese dishes, she made things like

gniiri dish is a must-try. Adapted from their

Moroccan couscous, among others.”

grandmother’s famous Senegalese meal,

DIVERSE AND VERY

Aminata remembers her first experience

it is a flavorful layering of roasted cremini

with French food as a young girl, where she

mushrooms, fried shallots, roasted carrots,

indulged in decadent pastries, including

basil, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts atop a

VIBRANT FOOD

a favorite choice of Normandie apple pear

velvety base of creamed cornmeal, peanuts

tartes. You could say she was a bit of a foodie

and black-eyed peas, Aminata describes.

from the start. Aminata eventually settled in

Top that off with a decadent truffle oil and

the United States with her family in 2000,

you have a standout dish worth an applause.

SCENE, AND OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELCOMING AND SUPPORTIVE.”

first landing in San Francisco (a culinary

Between their unexpected use of flavors

mecca in its own right), before settling in

in their savory recipes and the melt-in-

Denver. She would earn her degree from the

your-mouth pastries and breads, Le French

Culinary Art Institute and then began her

has secured themselves a seat at the table

own catering business, AmiCuisine, which

among Denver’s growing food scene. And

she ran for eight years.

although Covid has hit the restaurant indus-

Meanwhile, Rougui (who has been called

try especially hard, the Dia sisters remain

the “African Queen of Parisian Cuisine”) rose

optimistic and look forward to getting back

to prominence after being named the exec-

to creating new dishes and delighting their

utive chef at the restaurant Petrossian in

guests in-person again.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

49

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Photo by Rachel Adams

Photo by Studio Atlantis Photo by Rachel Adams

50

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

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CITY SCENE

ED

DWIGHT IS YOUR GO-TO GUY FOR BLACK MEMORIALS

54

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

HOW ONE MAN IS EDUCATING CITIES ON BLACK HISTORY ARTICLE KARYSMA HICKS @THESTYLISHGAMBINO_ PHOTOGRAPHY GABRIELLE POUX @GABBYPOUX

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/CherryCreek

55

“

CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

NOT KNOWING MUCH ABOUT BLACK HISTORY FOR ALMOST ALL OF HIS ADULT LIFE IS THE CALLING THAT PRECIPITATED RENOWNED SCULPTOR, ED DWIGHT, TO USE HIS ART FOR A GREATER GOOD. For years, Dwight’s artwork had been seen by many in public spaces all over the nation. From both recreational and national parks to capitol buildings to colleges, Dwight’s work had been a depiction of America’s leaders and a highlight of their accomplishments.

It wasn’t until he was 42 years old that Dwight gained racial consciousness and decided to spotlight America’s leaders in a different way. Attending white schools all of his life, he was never aware of the great accomplishments Black people have been making since before he was even born. After a counterpart service member told him the stories of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Fredrick Douglas as well as other great Black leaders, Dwight felt a whirlwind of emotions—which caused him to shift the focus of his career to the appreciation of Blackness.

IT’S THE IMPACT OF PLACING BLACK MEMORIALS THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT CITIES THAT IT NOT ONLY HAS ON OUR CULTURE,

”

BUT ON HISTORY AS A WHOLE.

“I went to Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and anywhere that had a large Black population,” Dwight says. “I’d go to these large centers to see if they had any Black sculptures or outdoor public art and I couldn’t find any.” Due to the lack of recognition for America’s Black leaders, Dwight felt that it was his purpose to instill enlightenment in the areas that he saw as less progressive. According to Dwight, tourism draws attention to memorial sites and is an opportunity to educate the unfamiliar. “Nobody was building these large memorials that told stories,” Dwight says. “I became the go-to guy.”

To this day, Dwight sculpts with the intention of not only recollecting the great changes brought about by African-American men and women decades and decades ago, but also with the intent of inspiring today’s people to continue to work for change and progress our country. “It’s the impact of placing Black memorials throughout different cities that it not only has on our culture, but on history as a whole.”

56

Cherry Creek Lifestyle | February 2021

Jeff Hendley jeff.hendley@compass.com 303.877.6767 Jeff Hendley is a broker associate affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

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