We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Day and Lauren Beno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise Day and Lauren Beno, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As best friends and entrepreneurs, we always knew we wanted to do something on our own and together. While the conversation and desire started pre-pandemic, we became serious about venturing out on our own when COVID rocked our world. After spending some time ideating and dreaming, we landed on creating something that felt the most natural to who we both are and what we care deeply about – bringing people together while supporting and empowering women and other marginalized communities. Plus, we wanted to create a space where we could have some good old fashioned fun!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Town Hall Collaborative is a women-owned, event and gathering space coming to the Santa Fe Art District this summer (hopefully in August!) It will be open all day and feature a bar, cafe, food trucks, a creative space for workshops, artist studios and a stage for performances and live music.

We strongly believe in the positive social impact and economic benefits of empowering women and other marginalized groups to close the gender inequalities and create more diverse and inclusive spaces. We hope that what sets Town Hall Collaborative apart and keeps people coming back is the intention and passion behind what we do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
8:30am: In serious need of delicious coffee at Copper Door Coffee 10:30am: Pick up some of the best pastries at Black Box Bakery and head over to Cheeseman Park for a picnic. We’ve got our blanket, tarot cards, and a speaker playing all the funky tunes.
1:00pm: Scooter over to Wah-Gwaan Brewing Co. for a cold beer, board game and see what food truck they have to get a nibble!
3:00pm: Lady Justice Brewing is up next and we’re here for it! Not much can beat a beer and drag bingo.
5:30pm: Goldspot Brewing Company’s outdoor patio is calling our name and we must go.
7:00pm: Dyketopia Comedy, run by two denver-based comedians Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan is on and we got our tickets!
9:00pm: The night is still young. We make our way over to hear some killer music brought to you by Head Room Sessions at Enigma Bazaar
10:30pm: This ain’t no disco (or maybe it is). It ain’t no country club either. This is Fort Greene! We grab some delicious cocktails and dance under the disco ball until last call.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Co-creation is really important to us. We’ve said since the beginning that our journey in creating Town Hall Collaborative has felt similar to a train. It all started with just the two of us in the front of the train and now (nearly two years later!) we have a long line of train cars full of old and new friends, family, supporters and mentors who are the most important part of this venture. Our shoutout is to each and every one of them. We wouldn’t be here without you all!

Website: www.townhallcollaborative.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/townhallcollaborative

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/townhallcollaborative

Image Credits
Onda Pictures

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.