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

Hi Bryan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My business was a journey to get to where I am today! I didn’t really think about starting my own boutique firm for many reasons, but once I got laid off in June of 2020, I realized that my talents and skill set were far beyond what was available to me at that time. So… I jumped! There was a few seconds of doubt, but I knew that if I didn’t do it then and there, I never would! I immediately stopped looking for other jobs, and put 100% of my focus into creating my own place in the business world; one that was different and made a better impact than what I was doing before. One of my goals was to NOT be in business to just make a million dollars. Trust me, that certainly was a goal, but I wanted to do more with my design experiences. To me, good design isn’t a luxury. Well though-out spaces are not just for the 1%. A functional layout shouldn’t come at a premium. I wanted to cater my business to individuals that didn’t think they could afford design services, or didn’t believe that their project was big enough to hire a professional. What really blew my mind was how many people have that mind set! One should always find a professional to guide them in their quest for bettering themselves: mental health, car maintenance, home design, and ALL the ways we try to fix up our lives, why would our homes be any different? If HGTV and any design show really gave us the accurate information that we needed to do a remodel ourselves, I would be out of a job and the world would look so much prettier! Luckily, most folks realize that they can’t (or shouldn’t) do things without a professional, and my goal is to be an option for people that don’t believe they can afford it. A favorite quote of mine which rings true for so much in life, is “You’re going to pay for it no matter what. If you buy the best, you only cry once!”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the greatest gifts that I can offer my clients is my love of life and joie de vivre. In a past life, I was a flight attendant which brought me to all the corners of the world. I was inspired by the people that I would see, and the way that they lived, and I wanted to be a part of that fantasy life that I was seeing. I tried to immerse myself into the little trips I’d take; Paris, Rome, Mexico City, Amsterdam, each city has a life of it’s own, and so do it’s people. Those insights into how “other” people live was a huge inspiration to me, and it still is. When I hung up my wings for the last time to go back to school, I had 10 years of being inspired by the world around me, and it was easy to assimilate myself into my projects. For me, designing a space for someone is easy because I try to really “know” that individual or family. I want to know how they use their space and what is going to bring them the most happiness in that area. Every detail of their home gets to be mulled over in my mind, because it has to work for them. Not me, THEM. This holistic approach is a driving force for my creativity, because it challenges me to think about situations that I’m not in. The way that someone uses a kitchen space is completely different to how someone else uses it. We all do the same things, which is great for designing a universally used space; but these are personal. Each person gets to put their stamp on their environment, and great design makes things work for that one individual . This was a hard lesson to learn along my journey, that every person has different needs that need to be met. When we try to group too much into one space, it can fall apart. If I try to inject too much of what I think a space needs without the help of my client, I can miss the mark on my execution. If I don’t listen to exactly what a client wants, I can create an even worse situation for them. My biggest privilege in life is to execute a design flawlessly, and give my client the space that they didn’t know they needed.

It all comes together when my skill set, background, and passion meet client expectations. I find that the more I can get to know my client and their space/needs, the better our projects come out. The best moments in my career are the planning and scheming and the “dirty work” of figuring out solutions. Sometimes this is over a cup of coffee with a client, sometimes it’s alone at 3am by myself… Whenever inspiration strikes, it usually means that there’s something great coming! Some people call them “aha” moments, but I just call them “the magic.”

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?
We love a visitor to our fair city! I love showing people around town, and Denver is never short of fun things to do and see! First, brunch is in order! Sassafras in the north side (highlands, for you new folk!) is one of my favorite places. I spent 4 years in New Orleans, and it truly has a huge part of my heart! This menu has some of the tastiest southern cuisine I think Denver has to offer. After we’ve filled our stomach’s, I think a walk around the antique shops on South Broadway is in order! There are a great amount of weird and wonderful shops that can’t be missed including Regal Vintage for all the best vintage clothing at a fantastic price point! Also, the Odditorium has provided me with some of the weirdest, craziest things I’ve ever known. My favorite vintage Dior sunglasses came from here, and I’ll cherish them forever.

No visit to Denver is complete without a visit to Red Rocks. Even on a random day, the rocks are magical. If you can catch a show or a Film On The Rocks, that’s even better! Heading up into the mountains, my favorite excursion is to take the Amtrak from Union Station to Glenwood Springs. It’s a glorious ride with surprisingly informative learning experience as you trek up some of Colorado’s most fascinating history and scenery. Glenwood is the perfect place to experience the mountain town atmosphere, and a stay at the Colorado Hotel and a soak in the pools is spectacular, no matter what time of year. Plus, the train ensures that you’re back in the city on time and without highway issue, because there’s more to do back down town!

I always steer friends to the Cruise Room, one of the most beautiful and historic bars in Colorado. They make a MEAN Manhattan, and everyone looks great in pink lighting! It’s a great place to have a cocktail before a performance of Opera Colorado (we have amazing productions that come through!) or anything at the DCPA. Sometimes even just a happy hour drink is required. No matter what, The Cruise Room is my favorite.

I recently discovered Wonderyard, and all of it’s kitschy glory! I think for the atmosphere, food, and beverage combination, this is a FOR SURE stop. Plus, it’s close enough that we can swing over for a Rockie’s game at Coors Field. Even the least sports fan in tow can appreciate the 360 degree views from the stadium, and nothing compares to a sunset there!

Denver Art Museum is a requirement for any guest of mine as well. We get a great amount of visiting shows, and I dare to say that our permanent collection is top notch. Any museum in any city is a privilege, and I’m quite proud of ours! The Clifford Still Museum is also nearby, so taking the time to pop into that gem is worth every second that you get to spend inside! We are so fortunate to have so many brilliant people throughout history, I love Denver! And while we’re at it, the Molly Brown House can’t be missed. The Titanic memorabilia is so cool, and her story is beautiful. She really inspires one to do amazing things in life!

Of notable mentions, Charlie Brown’s Cabaret for some piano bar action can’t be passed over, and a little tour of the Stranahan’s brewery is wildly fun! Denver Botanic Gardens for the landscaping, Harvey Park for the architecture, and anywhere in Golden is worth it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person that makes me want to shoutout ALL THE TIME is my partner, Sam. He’s my #1 fan and cheerleader. 2020 was a super difficult time for us, we had just started dating about a year before. He is an airline pilot, so it was incredibly stressful for both of us, and to get into a relationship that had so many stressful parts that were beyond our control was quite awful. Yet, he pushed me to get my business plan in order, and cheered me on every baby step of the way. And when the clients started to come in, he was right by my side to cheer on my design strategies, edit my mood boards, and be that voice of reason when I got carried away. To say that he’s my biggest cheerleader is an understatement; he’s so much more. He is a source for creativity, inspiration, and a flow of pride that reminds me that I can do this, no matter what it is. I never could have started my business without his encouragement and love. I work hard for my clients BECAUSE I have this incredibly supportive person that thinks I can do it. And I can!

Website: https://www.thebscreative.com

Instagram: @the_bs_creative

Facebook: @BSCreative

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