Cherry Creek, CO October 2023

POWDER. LAUGHTER. CREW. JOY. JUMPS. FIST BUMPS. BLUEBIRD. STEEPS. DEEPS. COCOA. CORDUROY. ALPENGLOW. OFF PISTE. GAME ON.

50+ DESTINATIONS. COME HAVE FUN AND SHARE IN THE GOODS. 23/24 BUY NOW

Keri Duffy 720.308.1585

Kara Couzens

Wendy Glazer

Gina Lorenzen

Jennifer Markus

Annzo Phelps

Soley Maria

Josh Steck

Darrell Hamilton

Wendy Lee

Stephanie Lepard

Brian & Jamie Harris

a r c h i t e c t u r a l e x c e l l e n c e

i n C h e r r y H i l l s V i l l a g e A l f t d d b b u t n o t g u a r a n t e e d a n d s h o u l d b e n d e p e n d e n t y v e r f i e d e s p e c a l y a n y r e f e r e n c e t o s q u a r e f o o t a g e b e d r o o m s a n d b a t h r o o m s A l p r o p e r t i e s a r e s u b e c t t o p r o r s a e c h a n g e o r w i t h d r a w a N e i t h e r i s t i n g b r o k e r s ) n o r K e n t w o o d R e a E s t a t e s h a l b e r e s p o n s i b e f o r a n y t y p o g r a p h c a l e r r o r s m i s n f o r m a t i o n m i s p r n t s a n d s h a l b e h e l d t o t a l y h a r m e s s

g i n a L o r e n z e n

g i n a @ k e n t w o o d c o m

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Threads of a Woven Fabric

Filling the pages of this 2023 Woman’s Issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle has been transformative.

As a 25-year-old woman, I’m usually just trying to figure out what exactly is going on - in my life, in the world, just being on this planet in general! Having the opportunity to meet with just some of the most impressive, hardworking and motivated women in our communities was beyond inspiring, but also comforting - we’re all trying to better ourselves and our communities, while simultaneously navigating life and all of its excitement.

Aside from being who they are, most of the fabulous women in this feature had something else in common - at our photoshoot for our cover story, “Embedded Within”, almost every woman said something along the lines of “Why was I chosen?”, or “I’m so happy I was asked to do this, but I can’t believe it”. I found it funny - how could they not see what we see?

That is the beauty of it - women are the threads woven into our communities, the ties holding us all together. Behind the scenes and oftentimes without recognition, they don’t feel as though they’re doing anything special; they’re simply being themselves and doing what they feel is necessary, what is right, and what they hope will bring joy to others.

Now you all can see them through our lens.

I am a firm believer that “you are the company you keep” - who you surround yourself with says everything about you. While you flip through these pages, I encourage you to think about women in your life who make you want to be better, work harder and dream bigger.

As this was my first Women’s Issue, I’d like to thank my fabulous team of women for this opportunity! Kate, Chantel, and Kelsey - it’s a privilege to fill these pages with you each and every month.

Let this issue be a love letter to all mothers, sisters, daughters, mentors and friends - we see you and love you!

KAILEY BEUERLEIN, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @CHERRYCREEKLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington

chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

Kailey Beuerlein | kailey.beuerlein@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Denise Stoot | denise.stoot@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katherine Owen, Emily O'Brien, Linden Butrym, Grace Boyle

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ladd Forde, Emma Hampsten

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Proverbs 3:5-6

“We just completed a new build with Haley, and can’t recommend them enough. Their overall build process along with a dedicated site manager & project manager help ensure things go smoothly. The close coordination between the architect, builder, and subs allowed for an efficient build which took a lot of stress off my wife and I. As issues arose during construction they were handled quickly and fairly to keep things on track, and Dan and team continue to help resolve the inevitable remaining tweaks after move in. Would hire Haley again in a second!”

Nathan Lowe

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @cherrycreeklifestyle

1-7: The Source recently hosted a Supper Club celebrating Palisade Peaches on The Woods rooftop deck and a First Friday Art Walk.

Photography by The Source

Sip, Shop & Stroll at Free Market

Free Market at Dairy Block is hosting Sip, Shop & Stroll - a monthly community happy hour - on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Check-in at Penelope Coffee Bar for a complimentary wine glass - each Free Market shop will be serving a different variety of natural wine provided by the award-winning BRUTØ. Shops located inside Free Market include Aesop, Alchemy Works, Credo Beauty, Love Weld, MENO Home and Parker Clay. FreeMrkt.co

Photography by Jeff Fierberg

Cherry Cricket’s Cricket Royale Takes Home Gold

Out of the 20 “beefing” restaurants, Cherry Cricket took home the coveted People’s Choice trophy, sponsored by Society Insurance, at the 2023 Denver Burger Battle in August.

The more than 1,500 attendees crowned Cherry Cricket’s Cricket Royale the winner. The Cricket Royale featured braised short rib, bone marrow, caramelized onions, duxelles, melted cave aged Swiss cheese, roasted garlic onion jam, black pepper aioli and crispy onions on a pretzel bun.

Don’t miss ICE! at Gaylord Rockies. Explore the holiday classic, A Christmas Story™, in this amazing winter wonderland of larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels.

Tickets and packages are on sale now. Book a room night or package and receive exclusive benefits for overnight guests.

NOV. 17 - JAN. 1

ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. (s23)

Low-Waste & Sustainability Visionaries Cultivate the Colorado Design + Build Community

Meet Bailey Konieczka with Bailey Katherine Interiors - a holistic interior designer and Colorado’s new GFDA chapter lead. The GFDA is a community of interior designers, architects, builders, and product manufacturers who are passionate about low-waste and sustainability practices. These innovative professionals are sourcing and building in a way that keeps the environmental impact at the forefront. Contact Bailey at bailey@baileykatherineinteriors.com to learn more, join their community and attend monthly events.

We Specialize in: Soothing atmosphere Fewer Visits Modern & Cutting edge digital technology Progressive Approach Exceptional Outcomes

Photography by Ian Warren Photography

Join Element 79 Jewelry This October for an Exclusive Trunk Show Featuring TAP by Todd Pownell

Start your holiday shopping early and be the first to get your hands on these oneof-a-kind jewelry pieces October 18–22. With the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones. From stunning earrings to elegant necklaces, TAP offers a wide range of options that are sure to impress. Don't miss out on the chance to shop one of E79’s most loved collections!

Want to be featured?

A Lasting Impression

AT

SMITHKLEIN GALLERY IN BOULDER, CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY FIND A PLACE TO THRIVE CONTINUED >

Perched on the edge of the Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder, SmithKlein Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers in town–from amateur admirers to aficionados. A staple of the Boulder arts community, the 2,800-square-foot space has showcased a meticulously curated mix of art from all over the world for more than 30 years.

Owners Nathan and Ann Klein purchased the gallery more than 10 years ago from the founder and Nathan’s mother, Deborah Smith-Klein, and have since worked to make the space a center where the arts are emphasized and celebrated, enriching not just the creative community but the city as a whole.

“The questions I constantly ask myself are: What makes Boulder unique now? And what makes local downtowns unique in general?” Ann says. “Further, how do the arts strengthen community as a whole?... In order to heal from the trauma and economic devastation over the last few years, [our] community needs to come together and be strengthened by our drive to be something more.”

It’s questions like these that have led the duo to grow the gallery to represent artists of various walks and mediums from all over the world. Inside its four walls, the gallery offers visitors the chance to admire world-renowned paintings, glasswork, jewelry and sculpture, all carefully curated with the experience of the visitor in mind.

Repeat visitors may recognize the work of several long-time staples at the gallery. One such artist, Lyudmila Agrich, has been showing her oil paintings at the gallery for more than ten years. It’s long-time relationships like these that empower the artist, fortify the community and enhance the patron experience.

“For me, personally, it's very important to have this connection with the gallery over time, you see, because I would say that’s 50 percent of success: you need to have a great relationship,” she explains.

Lyudmila is known for her impressionistic paintings of dancers, city scenes and water scenes, all crafted with richly hued oil paints and a palette knife.

“It’s this weird thing. It’s like human nature likes to control everything. And mostly, a brush gives you this control. But with a palette knife, it’s just … more unpredictable, and I like it,” Lyudmila explains. “I like it, but it’s not a comfortable feeling. This is, I believe: when you are out of your comfort zone, you can create something good. Not even

necessarily new, but good. When there is that lack of control.”

Additionally, many of her paintings are made “alla prima” style, or all at once. Lyudmila reports for small paintings, she’ll sit down to work and will paint for two to three hours straight, not stopping until the painting is done.

“I find that not only her subject matter, but the freedom of perfection in Lyudmila’s work that many people feel without knowing it,” Ann says. “It’s this freedom to be in the moment, here and now, and be able to express yourself in the most raw and powerful way.”

Experience Lyudmila’s work for yourself, as well as the work of dozens of other artists by visiting the SmithKlein Gallery at 1116 Pearl Street, Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at SmithKlein.com .

“And mostly, a brush gives you this control. But with a palette knife, it’s just … more unpredictable, and I like it.”

Some of the most amazing individuals call Denver home. This month, we strive to recognize women who have built a name for themselves through hard work and initiative—and woven the threads of their passions through the fabric of our neighborhood. We’ve gathered together noteworthy female entrepreneurs, food & wine experts, creatives and advocates to celebrate their success. While this list is in no particular order and by no means exhaustive, we hope that as you read on, you’ll feel inspired, connected and empowered.

LOCAL WOMEN WHO ARE MAKING AN IMPACT

ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LADD FORDE

Location: Shaver-Ramsey

ENTR E PRENEURS

Laura Schmalstieg Creative Director & Brand Strategist

Laura is a creative director, brand-builder, photographer and entrepreneur who spends her days in a beloved late-1800s Victorian. She finds joy in connecting the dots between the people, places, and of course, tones that she loves. You can follow along with her daily musings and extensive collection of gingham at @lauraschmalstieg.

What keeps her motivated: “Possibility. The age-old phrase ‘don’t give your hopes up’ has never sat right with me. I have a regenerating supply of hopes – therefore, I think it’s essential to ‘give them up’ in order to believe in yourself and expand what’s possible.”

Caitlyn Schwarz Owner, Conifer

Caitlyn is the owner of Conifer, an intentional home goods brick-and-mortar shop featuring handmade goods in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver. Colorado has been her home for nearly half her life, but she originally grew up in Texas and spent her summers lakeside in Montana. Together with her parents, they built all of

the fixtures in her shop; it was important to her that Conifer felt like coming home and all of their fixtures tell a story as well just like the makers they stock, e.g., shop tables are built from salvaged wood from her family’s Montana lake house dock, the register is made of Montana Douglas fir, and the fitting room was built with Colorado beetle kill pine. For Caitlyn, Conifer is more than curated beautiful objects, it’s really about the stories that inspire the craft and the people behind them.

Personal motto: “Quality over quantity."

Stephanie LaFlora Co-Founder & CEO, Crownhunt

After being rejected for service at hair salons due to her 4C textured hair, Stephanie realized that something was terribly wrong with the beauty industry. Driven to solve the problems of her own customer experience and already a serial entrepreneur, storyteller, marketer and creator, Stephanie founded Crownhunt to make life easier for people with curly hair while helping under-resourced entrepreneurs thrive. Stephanie has spent the last decade building multi-sided platforms and working with partners to develop new business models using her background

in data-driven product development and strategy. To that end, Crownhunt is a digital marketplace for textured hair, built to help existing hair entrepreneurs reach the 65% of the population with textured hair and to get their products, services and education to the right people, more effectively. While Stephanie is a seriously driven entrepreneur, she’s also a troublemaker at heart and serious about having fun. When she’s not building her start-up, she’s often mentoring other aspiring women entrepreneurs by showing them that life is one big adventure worth betting on.

What she’d tell her younger self: “I’ve always been wild and free. When I was younger, I was worried that these traits would get me into trouble. As an adult, I understand that my willingness to take risks and ask for forgiveness over permission is a superpower. I would tell my younger self to stay bold, stay curious and to believe every dream I can imagine.”

FOOD & WINE

Lulu Clair

Co-Owner, Dio Mio & Redeemer Pizza

Born in Los Angeles and raised in the mountains of Southwest Colorado, Lulu embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the youthful age of 18, immersing herself in the vibrant world of the music industry back in 2007. After graduating high school, LuLu founded a socially conscious event production company and artist collective called Souls In Action, which led her to help independent artists learn the ins and outs of business and produce large fundraising events. With an unyielding commitment to her craft, she swiftly transitioned from artist management to event and festival production, collaborating with industry heavyweights like the Warped Tour and Red Bull Sound Select. She eventually took

on the role of festival director and head talent buyer for Denver’s Underground Music Showcase. Although she has since stepped back from the music industry, she continues to consult and direct talent buying for the festival.

Along the way, her journey intertwined with renowned chef Spencer White, sparking the creation of the celebrated Dio Mio in 2016—a culinary haven on Larimer Street that has earned a spot in 5280 magazine’s Top 25 Restaurants six times since its inception. Lulu’s prowess encompassed not only operations and marketing but also ownership alongside Spencer and visionary Alex Figura. Their innovative spirit continued to flourish in 2021 with the birth of Redeemer Pizza, a tribute to naturally leavened NY-style pizza that has quickly become a staple in the heart of Denver’s popular RiNo neighborhood. Lulu’s entrepreneurial skill set spans experiential marketing, savvy talent curation and the nuanced domains of restaurant ownership and operations. Rooted in her unwavering dedication, creativity and entrepreneurial finesse, her journey also echoes her profound passion for community and bringing people together.

Personal motto: “The most dangerous risk of all is the risk of not doing what you love, for the bet that you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.”

Julia Duncan-Roitman Partner, Joyhill

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Julia is the co-owner of Joy Hill Pizza Club. Her service industry experience has taken her from behind the counter at Subway sandwiches at age 14 to behind the bar at New York City nightclubs. Julia has a passion for the complexity of the restaurant business, the artistry of food and beverage, creating memorable spaces and experiences for guests and the importance of establishing a healthy workplace culture for employees. Joy Hill's focus is artisanal wood-fired sourdough pizzas made with heirloom wheat.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Don't dilute your life force for anyone. Focus on what you love and what makes you special. Listen to yourself, trust yourself and love yourself.”

Natascha Hess Owner, Ginger Pig

Chef Natascha was born and raised in Connecticut. She played hockey her entire life, going on to play at the University of Wisconsin, where she double majored in Chinese and International Relations. For three summers during college, Natascha went to China to live with a host family, where she fell in love with Chinese cooking and Asian street food. She moved to Denver with her husband, Steve, to help launch Fox Sports Rocky Mountain television station, then returned to school at the University of Denver, this time to study law. She practiced law for several years, even starting her own firm, before deciding to follow her passion for cooking and Asian food. She opened The Ginger Pig Food Truck in Boulder County in the summer of 2016, which led to the opening of an inaugural stall in Rosetta Hall–Boulder’s first food hall–in 2019. Taking that success and knowledge, she went on to open a brick-andmortar restaurant in the Berkeley Neighborhood of Denver in 2020. Since then, Ginger Pig has offered authentic family-style pan-Asian cuisine to the people of Denver and Boulder.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Self-care is the most important and beneficial thing to do with your time and energy.”

Jane Burke Curator, BMoCA

Jane is currently the curator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art in Boulder, Colorado. Just prior, she was the curatorial fellow for the Textile Art & Fashion department at the Denver Art Museum where she co-organized exhibitions including Dior: From Paris to the World and Carla Fernández Casa de Moda: A Mexican Fashion Revolution. Previously, she held curatorial and collections management positions at the Honolulu Museum of Art, The Contemporary Museum, and The East West Center Gallery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jane received a bachelor’s in studio art from the University of Colorado at Boulder and obtained an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Asian art history and Mandarin from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

What keeps her motivated: “When I was in grad school, my art history professor called me an associative thinker-which she did not mean as a compliment. But my compulsion to connect seemingly disparate dots in order to create meaning within those less obvious, in-between spaces is what motivates me as a curator.”

Matti Øverland Berglund Artist

Matti grew up in Oslo, Norway, where folklore is a cultural centerpiece. Growing up, her parents owned and operated a clothing store and her mother was a skillful seamstress. Matti was often driven to create her own wares—sometimes out of bed linens or old jackets. Inspired by the world around her, she found her way to Denver, CO, where she truly found her calling as an artist, receiving her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Denver. Since then, Matti has raised three children, traveled the world and lived in various places across the U.S. and Scandinavia, always with a paintbrush in hand. Her artwork now lives in the homes of countries near and far and continues to ebb and flow with the dynamic nature of inspiration, techniques and symbolism. Matti’s artwork is a reflection of her boundless curiosity, unfettered self-expression and passion for all things beautiful.

What keeps her motivated: “I can’t choose it, it comes like magic.”

Melissa Keosann Owner, LOV’D

Melissa is the creative force behind LOV’D, a unique venture that beautifully blends her passion for fashion and personalized styling. As the founder and curator, Melissa has carved out a niche in the world of vintage denim, offering an array of carefully selected pieces that exude timeless style. Her expertise lies not only in the curation of these pieces but also in her exceptional ability to provide one-on-one vintage denim fitting experiences. With an innate understanding of the challenges many face in finding the perfect fit, Melissa has honed a distinctive talent for helping her clients discover denim that not only fits flawlessly but also

captures their individuality. At LOV’D, Melissa's approach goes beyond selling clothing; it's about crafting transformative experiences for her clientele. Her dedication to creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment shines through in every fitting session. Whether you're seeking a classic look or a contemporary twist, Melissa's keen eye for fashion and her personalized touch promise an unforgettable journey in finding the ideal vintage denim pieces. LOV’D isn't just a business; it's a testament to Melissa's commitment to redefining the shopping experience and leaving a lasting impact on those who seek both style and a sense of belonging.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Don’t get caught up in the details. Just start, even if it’s not perfect or you’re not sure what you’re doing. The details will work themselves out.”

ADVOCAT ES

Cora Lee Poole Founder,

Undestructable

Cora first dreamt up the concept for Undestructable 16 years ago as she sat in a sewing room while working on her BFA in Apparel Design. After spending 9 years in the industry, witnessing, experiencing and fighting racism, sexism, ableism and more, she decided to take a massive leap to follow her true dream of starting a nonprofit. A dream of creating a space where she could bring all her personal and professional lived experiences into one spot working with survivors. Undestructable began as a tiny seed planted in passion for supporting survivors of intimate partner

violence and a dream of sustainability from a post-consumer perspective. Cora feels there is a systemic belief in our country that all things are disposable and says it spans from hard goods to human beings; she wants this to change. She feels that we all have unique journeys that translate into superpowers. Her superpower lies at the intersectionality of abuse, feminism, creativity, design and desire to create social and environmental change. She challenges others to step into their authentic self by harnessing the power of their journey and using it for good. As a survivor and leader, she is always working to help people rediscover their value and define their purpose.

What she’d tell her younger self: “Everything you have already experienced and have yet to experience will shape you into who you and the world need. So, don’t wait for someone else to empower you, because they can just as easily disempower you. Your power already lives within you, and nobody can take that away.”

Elaina Shively Attorney, Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow

Elaina’s success in and out of the courtroom is characterized by her empathic and kind, yet strong and effective advocacy. She has always been driven to solve problems and to stand up for others. In May 2023, she joined the new law firm of Garnett Powell Maximon & Barlow and is dedicated to trauma-informed, compassionate, and zealous advocacy for her clients. Elaina is well-respected in the legal field and community and in June 2023, was awarded the Champion of Democracy Award by the Boulder County Democratic Party.

Whether she is representing a crime victim, helping someone who has made a mistake and is charged with a crime, or ushering a business through complex litigation, Elaina understands the impact that underlying incidents and pending cases have on clients and their families. The legal field has a lot of work to do to improve how people are treated, and Elaina has a special interest in serving victims of sexual assault and serious traffic crashes as well as elevating professionalism and trauma-informed practices across the legal field.

What keeps her motivated: “I love to work hard and play hard. I hope to model to my kids how I use my voice and skills to empower and stand up for myself and for others. I want to leave things better than I found them, whether camping with my family or fighting injustice in our community. It’s my honor to stand with people in their toughest times and I am motivated to create change in the legal field by providing effective and trauma-informed legal representation.”

Tran Nguyen-Wills Senior Outreach Manager for Office of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

As the daughter of working-class refugees from Vietnam born and raised in Denver, a homeless teen to teen parent to struggling young parents to a small business owner who paved their own way, she understands the importance and power of community. Her lived experiences have given her a unique perspective as she’s championed diversity and engagement in community building, creating safe spaces and fighting for a more equitable world for all. Over the past 20+ years, she’s worked at, managed and owned several small businesses focused on supporting communities across the city of Denver. This includes retail/restaurant concepts, art galleries, home goods, a national non-toxic nail salon brand called Base Coat and today as a senior community outreach manager appointed by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Working with the community, non-profits, small businesses, activists and creatives has been the unifying red thread across all of her varied endeavors. Regardless of her job title or position, her focus has always been on making impactful changes for our community, advocating and giving back to the community.

Personal motto: “To always lead by example and show up no matter what, even when things are hard and uncomfortable.”

Jami Duffy Executive Director, Youth on Record

Jami is a locally and nationally recognized thought leader and innovator in company culture, creative youth development, the global impact of art-making, public policy advocacy, music ecosystems and inclusive leadership. She is the longtime executive director of Youth on Record, a Colorado Creative Youth Development nonprofit organization, and the first female co-manager of the Underground Music Showcase, Denver’s Largest Music Festival. Jami joined Youth on Record as executive director in 2009 and has since provided the strategic vision and fundraising expertise that has led to consistent growth and national brand recognition for the organization. She spearheaded a $2M capital campaign to build YOR’s state-of-the-art Youth Media Studio in west Denver and has grown the organization by 2,000+% during her tenure. Her strategic vision and “maverick” nonprofit leadership are pushing the boundaries for what’s possible in the sector.

What keeps her motivated: “Curiosity, to me, is the cornerstone for impact, and an antidote to feeling resigned that you can't make your life and your community better. I'm curious about almost everything—no topic is too big or small to pique my interest.”

Paula DuPré Pesman CEO & Founder, There With Care

Paula launched her film career as an associate producer on the producing teams of such narrative features as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rent, Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone 2, and Stepmom . In 2004, she founded the non-profit There With Care to provide essential daily support to families and children facing a life-threatening illness. Now in its 18th year since inception, There With Care has served more than 10,000 families in three states, bringing them community and care in a medical crisis. Since 2004, she produced the renowned documentary features  The Cove

(Academy Award 2010), Chasing Ice (Cinematography Award Sundance, Emmy Award, Audience Award SXSW 2012), Keep On Keepin’ On (Audience Award Tribeca Film Festival, IDFA, Palm Springs Film Festival 2014), Quincy (Toronto Film Festival and Grammy Award Winner 2019), and My Sister Liv (BIFF Audience Award). Paula has other several feature documentaries in production including The Kelly Slater Documentary and The Untitled Artist Project. She was named Producer of the Year, 2010, by the Producers Guild of America. For her philanthropic work, she was named a Local Hero by Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine for her work as founder and CEO of the nonprofit There With Care, providing essential support for families and children facing critical illness.

What keeps her motivated: “The families we serve go through so much and they don’t have a choice, but to push ahead to get through their crisis. Knowing what we are doing to support them is truly helpful, and that others in the community care about them, that fills my heart.”

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FROM DUMPSTER DIVING TO TEXTILE TREASURES

Q&A: STUDIO M'S MOLLY REINHARDT

ARTICLE BY GRACE ADELE BOYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA HAMPSTEN

Q: HOW DID STUDIO M BEGIN ITS JOURNEY?

A: I was throwing away tiles in a dumpster at the Denver Design District. Instead of the usual loud CLANK sound, I heard a soft thud. I looked inside and found two trash bags filled with stunning textile scraps––one had a tag that read “$600/yard.” Some were little pieces just a few inches big, others were yards long, and I decided to try making some one-ofa-kind pillows and people loved them––so I decided to make it a business.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, LUXURY, AND LEGACY.

A: While I'm not the pioneer in repurposing material from the interior design industry, my aspiration is to elevate it to a new level. The fashion industry has already taken steps to raise awareness about reusing textiles, and Studio M is striving to do the same for interior design. We annually divert a remarkable 15-30 tons of designer textiles from Colorado's landfills. We're proving that luxury doesn't have to be synonymous with waste.

Q: YOU’VE INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED STUDIO M TO BE “AN INCUBATOR FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM” FOR THE SEAMSTRESSES YOU WORK WITH. CAN YOU ELABORATE?

A: Absolutely! We collaborate with organizations like the Luther Family Services Resettlement Program and IRC to provide opportunities for political refugees to work legally. By placing sewing machines in their homes, we foster entrepreneurship. They start by renting the machines and eventually own them, creating a cycle of empowerment where they have skin in the game and the opportunity to grow.

There is an excellent seamstress who has worked with me for three and a half years. She’s a homemaker and supports her family’s income by $40k+/year by

working with Studio M. What I love about our relationship at this point is she’s so good now that I trust her to fill in the blanks like stitching, color, thread color––she knows what to do and we’ve built that trust over years, so it’s a collaboration. Nurturing women to become entrepreneurs and supporting them along the way is important to Studio M’s mission.

"It's heartening to know that people want beauty to live on through Studio M. Because we're not just creating products — we're creating legacies."

Q: WHAT’S THE SECRET BEHIND STUDIO M’S UNIQUE DESIGNS?

A: Each design is personally curated by me. I lay out the textiles on styrofoam boards and move around the pieces until it feels right––the materials guide me. I avoid mainstream inspiration sources and allow the materials to dictate the narrative.

a matador’s outfits and that was so much fun to work on because Studio M’s textiles library is so vast that it’s like walking into the the gem room at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. But instead of everything being behind glass, you can actually touch all the textiles and really get a sense of each one’s individual character. Clients love coming to our studio and experiencing our collection firsthand––it’s like a treasure trove.

Our showroom generally has 200-250 pillows in stock but our range goes beyond pillows. We've turned fur coats into bags and upholstered bench seating, and ottomans––I even made a tree skirt from old wedding dresses for a family with no divorce on either side going back 200 years! The commissions we take on and the clients we partner with are always interesting and keep me excited to take on the next challenge.

Q: WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON FOR STUDIO M?

A: Our future entails securing capital and forming connections with like-minded organizations.  We're partnering with one of the largest textile manufacturers in the world and are about to start expanding our staff and seamstresses. The ultimate goal is to see Studio M grow into a semi-small empire and have one of these in every design center in the United States. It’s a no-brainer, because we’re basically a subset of a universe that already exists at a design center, and there’s so much waste in all these centralized design areas.

Q: ANY REFLECTIONS ON YOUR JOURNEY?

A: Even in moments of success, I still feel like that awestruck 4th-grade girl who is so grateful her creations are loved by others. I don’t have to dumpster-dive for textiles anymore because The Denver Design District showrooms understand our mission and generously contribute their scraps and surplus. It's heartening to know that people want beauty to live on through Studio M.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INTERESTING RECENT COMMISSIONS STUDIO M HAS TAKEN ON?

The Dallas Museum of Art recently commissioned pillows that were designed to look as flamboyant and gorgeous as

Because we're not just creating products––we're creating legacies. Textiles that might have been discarded now find new life, telling stories through design. With Studio M, we're crafting a future where luxury, sustainability, and artistry intersect seamlessly.

“Even in moments of success, I still feel like that awe-struck 4th-grade girl who is so grateful her creations are loved by others.”

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI RHEAA

Donna Beth, Doyenne of Denver Bridal Alterations, Enters a New Era with a Refined and Reimagined Custom Atelier

Donna Beth’s Cherry Creek showroom is to brides what a candy shop is to someone who loves sugary confections. Mannequins are draped in white gowns that drip with pearls, dreamy veils of various lengths and fabrics cascade down the walls and clusters of delicate jewelry line the shelves. For the past decade, this space has been a go-to for fiancées seeking Donna’s expert hand in altering their wedding dresses to fit like a glove. Earlier this fall—and after 40 years spent perfecting her craft— Donna felt it was the right moment to elevate her beloved brand with a new offering.

“We are now a full-service custom atelier, with custom wedding gowns, mother-of-the-bride dresses and party dresses,” she says. “We still do alterations, but we’re adding this layer to the business."

Increasing requests from brides wanting an exclusive gown sparked Donna’s artistic fuse, leading her to hire local designer Alejandro Gaeta as Donna Beth’s creative director. In a collaborative effort reflected in their new DBxAG label, Donna and Alejandro work with clients “from vision to veil,” she says. Brides share their ideas in a consultation, Alejandro sketches a look and Donna selects fabrics.

After muslin fittings, the duo then creates a bespoke dress. The cost includes the sketch, design, fabric, all fittings and alterations. Fabrics are luxurious Italian textiles, sourced from mills where Giorgio Armani and Elie Saab procure their materials.

“It’s our job to pull a bride’s idea out and bring to fruition what she’s dreaming of,” Donna says. “I fly to Los Angeles twice a month to pick out the fabrics, so we always have something fresh.”

Like many modern brides, those coming to Donna for a custom piece usually want more than one—they need looks for a bridal shower, bachelorette, welcome party, wedding and reception, to name a few. For Brea Sutton, who married Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton this past June in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Donna and Alejandro created three dresses, including a chocolate brown satin number that looked exquisite against the misty blue ocean during the couple’s rehearsal dinner.

From minidresses to pantsuits to floor-length gowns, Donna’s team brings to life a range of one-of-a-kind requests. Brides who visit the atelier for custom designs have one thing in common: vision.

“A custom gown is for you if you know exactly what you want and can envision

it,” Donna says. “The brides in Denver are just a little more laid back. They have more of an idea of what they want.”

In her showroom, clothing racks also display haute couture pieces with vibrant pops of color. These are a mix of dresses Donna and Alejandro showed in a recent fashion show at Hotel Clio, and special event dresses they designed for clients. Ethereal feathers and intricate beading are all applied by hand, revealing the craftsmanship put into every made-to-measure dress.

Vintage redesigns remain some of Donna’s favorite projects because she wore her mother-in-law’s Chantilly lace heirloom gown for her own wedding. Her team takes apart vintage pieces and completely redesigns them into jumpsuits or top-and-skirt sets. Oftentimes a bride will surprise her mother with the new look at the wedding, Donna says.

Meticulous alterations and tailoring, cleaning and preservation services, and now a custom dress offering are all woven into the fabric of her brand; however, Donna says that she is most proud to offer her clients a truly personalized experience.

“I’ve had 52,000 daughters,” she says with a laugh. “I am Mama Donna. Everyone who comes in is part of my family, and they don’t leave without a hug.”

“It’s our job to pull a bride’s idea out and bring to fruition what she’s dreaming of.”

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