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

Hi CRISTINA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Starting our own business(es) is risky, entrepreneurship in and of itself is risky. But we do not like to get too caught up in this as we know it will limit our success. Do we ask ourselves important questions before taking the leap, of course. But if you do not lean into your fear you will never grow. We spent much of our previous careers playing it safe, staying within our comfort zone, and not going to lie, it was nice there! However, feeling day in and day out that you are not living up to your true potential, and not doing what you are passionate about overrules the fear and we went for it.

Many times risk is associated with money, and that is not all that is at play when starting your own business. Yes, we needed some money (we don’t have a ton) and we needed to know we could potentially lose that money or not see a profit for some time. But the other risk is rejection. Putting yourself, your passion, your business that you care so much about on the line for others to love or not love… that is the biggest risk for us. We have had to overcome this and are truthfully always working on it. It is hard to feel rejected, to feel that no one will buy whatever you may be offering. But ultimately, you make goals, you stay with them and make decisions based on facts, not emotions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Jeremy and Cristina began their partnership around real estate, opening their own brokerage in 2020; Tailor & Co Realty Group from this they grew as business partners and business owners. They set out to help newly licensed agents begin their careers in a competitive field and to help first-time home buyers accomplish a milestone as homeowners!

It was hard. We had to learn a lot of behind-the-scenes business operations quickly! From how to build the business as a whole, recruit successful agents, and still produce for ourselves. It took a lot of tenacity and honestly, rejection. But the lessons from it have prepared us for the future. We are more resilient, we look at new endeavors with the understanding success won’t be instant. We were very ambitious with our goals in real estate, some of which we hit and some of which we were nowhere near them. This is that risk factor in owning your own business. Nothing is guaranteed, you have to set goals, have a plan and execute that plan. We have learned to be more patient that’s for sure.

“We both still love real estate and are actively involved in it. But we both wanted something more, a balance of owning our own business, being creative, and building community. It’s what we love.” Jeremy

After learning so much from the brokerage’ from marketing to compliance, and being profitable business owners we took that into another passion, Crate & Bloom. Where they found the balance of creativity, business, community, and most importantly fun and laughter!

“There have been challenges and will continue to be. But, we enjoy that part. I used to be so scared of failure (sometimes still am) but I have learned over the years how much better of a business owner it makes me. Failure is just redirection and through it, we plan to do great things!” Cristina

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of our favorite things is to try new spots for lunch! There is so much this city (state) offers. Jeremy lives in Northern Colorado and Cristina in Denver, so we are able to see and enjoy so much of Colorado!

Top spots:
RINO- food, drinks, views, patios; can’t go wrong.
Food halls, The Stanley is our favorite by far but this concept is popping up more and more and allows small businesses to be seen!
Hikes: Horsetooth Reservoir, Deer Creek Canyon, Bear Creek, Estes Park (The Stanley Hotel)
So many sports events from minor league to the major leagues!
Breweries- check them out!
More food: Lucile’s, Daughter’s Kitchen, Blue Island Oyster Bar in Cherry Creek

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people who continue to support me and my many goals, and for this, I am so grateful. Ultimately, Jeremy and I have created a friendship within our business partnership that allows us each the needed space, accountability, and challenge to be amazing business owners. Owning a flower shop has lived in the back of my mind for years but I kept it there because I didn’t know how I could do it. Jeremy, heard the excitement come out of me one day as we casually were talking and the next thing you know, Crate & Bloom was opened.

Website: cratebloom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crate.bloom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cratebloom

Image Credits
Courtney Hanrahan Courtney Hanrahan Photography, LLC

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.