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

Hi Brittany, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

My journey began at the age of 11 years. My love for crafting led me to Pat-Catans with my mother every weekend. There, I spent hours exploring the endless opportunities to create. Eventually, I started my first business selling handmade crafts to my mother’s coworkers. Crafting took a backseat during my high school years when my priorities became sports and social activities, but the passion for creating never left me.

As I grew older, my focus shifted to fashion and I was constantly on the hunt for unique clothing. I always found ways to alter my finds to fit my style. Although fashion was a huge part of my identity, I felt a need to go back to creating in a different way. I started by taking furniture we had in our home and repurposing it or refinishing it. Although family life was my priority, I found peace in working on projects in my garage.

What is now my signature bench, began in my mind 6 years ago. I purchased a set of hairpin metal table legs and they collected dust for years. Finally, last year I built my first bench. To me, having my own business is so empowering. Working in corporate America didn’t fit into our military lifestyle. For me, I needed a job that could be flexible enough for me to be the mom and wife I strived to be. Lonnie Eli & Co. was built on passion for creating, love for community, and family values.

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.

Once I gave birth to my second son, I decided to take my passion more seriously. This led me to the creation of Lonnie Eli & Co. My vision for the company was to not only showcase my creativity but also to build a community while prioritizing my roles as a mother and wife.

One of my proudest achievements with Lonnie Eli & Co. is the development of our Signature Bench—a project that had been brewing in my mind for years. Its modern, sleek design embodies the essence of my brand, and crafting it was a significant milestone towards realizing my dream of creating my own furniture pieces.

Through this journey, I’ve come to realize the importance of taking risks and embracing challenges. Despite the initial fear, the sense of accomplishment when things work out is incredible. I thrive on pushing my limits and breaking barriers, ensuring that there are no limits to my creativity and determination.

What sets Lonnie Eli & Co. apart from other furniture refinishing businesses is my dedication to providing unique, customized pieces tailored to my customers’ preferences. Whether it’s repurposing vintage furniture or bringing my clients’ Pinterest inspirations to life, I take immense pride in delivering top-quality craftsmanship with every project.

Lonnie Eli & Co. is more than just a furniture refinishing company—it’s a testament to my unwavering passion for creativity and craftsmanship, fueled by the desire to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression on every customer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my bestie came to visit this would be our itinerary:

Monday – I would start with a walk through the Garden of the Gods. The stunning views will never get old to me. For lunch, I would take her to the Ivywild School. It is such a unique food hall and I love a venue with history and character.

Tuesday – My bestie is pretty adventurous, so I would take her to hike the Incline in Manitou Springs. It was an incredible experience for my mom and me; I would love to share that experience with her. For lunch, I would take her to Border Burger Bar for one the best burgers in town.

Wednesday – I would take her to the Sunwater Spa. We would have to rent the Mary’s Mountain tub with a sauna. This is one of my favorite things to do in the area. It is relaxing and features stunning views. We would definitely need this after our hike. I would take her to 503W for their delicious bao bun tacos. They are incredible! I love their edamame appetizer as well! They offer great craft cocktails, too.

Thursday – We could go shopping in Old Colorado City! They have great shops with tasty treats and Colorado swag. I would have to take her to Thunder and Buttons II to try the maple bacon wings! They are so delicious and they taste exactly how they sound. They also have a great beer selection.

Friday – We would go to happy hour at White Pie. They have the most delicious pizza, salads, and appetizers. The HOUSE PUFF is a MUST. Yum!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Alonzo. Throughout our relationship I have had many jobs and started many businesses. Through every transition and search for identity he has supported me. He has believed in every dream I’ve had and sometimes believed in me more than I have believed in myself. He is an incredible husband and father. He truly makes our world go round.

Website: www.lonnieeliandco.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lonnieeliandco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lonnieeliandco

Other: www.shoplonnieeliandco.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.