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

Hi Brandi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because creativity is true to who I am. I feel free and flourish when I can create something from nothing. Creativity flows naturally. Applying creativity to aspects of being a business owner and working with other small business owners, allows me to create solutions where there may be issues. Creativity allows me to think outside of the box, tap into the interpersonal side of a product or service, and move forward fearlessly at the task at hand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started out my entrepreneurial adventure as a handbag designer. I never meant for it to take off, but after launching my website in 1999, my handbags were selling internationally and I became recognized in the media. I always felt like it was so strange to get recognition, because I was just a self-taught girl, doing what felt good to my heart. Seeing that you can truly follow your passion and learning all of the pitfalls of having a business, it only felt natural to want to take all of that information that I had learned to help others, thus starting Fashion Denver in 2004. Fashion Denver was created to provide a platform for our local fashion businesses to grow. I began to do consulting, event production, event emceeing, had a boutique for a few years, and so much more. What I have learned over these years is how I absolutely LOVE connecting people. I know that I don’t know it all, but I may very well know somebody who knows what that client needs to know. I also love being people’s cheerleader. We ALL need encouragement!! My 21 years of my business journey have been full of windy roads, pot holes, paths of gold, no path at all. It’s been a wild ride. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to have joy in the hardest moments. Be grateful for what you have and when things seem dark and hopeless, there IS always sunshine right around the corner. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who can bring me up and vice versa. I’ve learned that every mistake or “failure” is an opportunity for growth. When one door closes, I can just create a new door. My story / my brand / my vision, is the story of a girl, following her heart, discovering her purpose, and finding joy, peace, endurance and love along the way. My story is finding faith in the unknown and skipping fearlessly into my purpose. My hope and passion is to provide light for others to step into their purpose and live fearlessly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city are the ones that I walk everyday. They’re in the neighborhood that I live and work in! The Ballpark / RiNo neighborhood provide so much vibrancy of delicious food, great music, art, and history, We have the newness of the murals on the walls paired with the 120+ years of history. It’s so important to keep our history alive while simultaneously adapting to new changes! Here is a Saturday itinerary: -Breakfast at Stowaway -Walk around Larimer alleys to see the artwork -Walk up to Welton St. to share the history of the heart of the neighborhood -Head over to S. Broadway for a little shopping adventure -Head up the hills to Red Rocks for a spectacular view, hike, and experience. For a longer adventure: – Cabin in the mountains -Canoeing on a lake Wow.. the possibilities are endless here in Colorado! I am so grateful for this beautiful state!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have two Shoutouts! My parents have always encouraged me to be free who I am and that there are no boundaries to what I can do. That’s been such a driving force for me over my entrepreneurial journey! My partner, Patrick McMichael, architect is incredible. He not only prepares me a runway to take off and fly (in my creative and business endeavors), he flies along side me, cheering me on and flies ahead of me when I need rest and to refuel. We are able to pick each other up and soar together. That is what a partnership should be!

Website: www.brandishigley.com
Instagram: bshigley
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bshigley/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bshigley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bshigley/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bshigley

Image Credits
Coy Jennings, Robert Rice, Nathan Leach-Proffer, CoolLivin, Daybreaker and Darryl Christensen

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDenver is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.