We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Therrien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, how does your business help the community or world?
All of our designs are made by artisans in fair trade cooperatives in Peru, Guatemala and Armenia. Most of these artisans are women who are able to work from home. I have always really loved our work-from-home model for women, but this year it was crucial for them. There were some difficulties getting materials back and forth, but for the most part they were able to work from home normally through the pandemic and still be safe. Anahit Rushayan has been crocheting in her collective in Yerevan for 25 years. She told me. “All around people lost their work, but we are still busy. We know that it is very hard times for the world and understand that God has blessed us.”

What should our readers know about your business?
I am most proud of our community. Making products by hand takes many people working together. Our artisans take such pride in what they produce and we are able to offer products that are exquisitely made because of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Cultural spots and restaurant combinations for sure! I would choose… The Denver Botanics Gardens and Fruition Restaurant. The Kirkland Museum and Cuba Cuba. The Clyfford Still Museum and City O’ City. The Denver Art Museum, Larimer Square and rooftop at Tamayo. The MCA Denver, Union Station and Denver Milk Market. And Boulder is a must so also The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and Chautauqua Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was young, my mom worked for a non-profit organization called Winter Guard International. Lynn Lindstrom was WGI’s Executive Director for the first 24 years. Many of those years running the organization out of her home even after they had as many as five employees. I spent my summers working there and it was an amazing learning experience into the world of non-profits and small business in general. Lynn didn’t have a big budget, but she was successful by being passionate about what she was doing, working hard and having a grand vision.

Website: www.melangecollection.com
Instagram: @melangecollection
Facebook: @themelangecollection

Image Credits
photo of Bethany by Krissy Blackband Photography

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