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

Hi Evette, what’s the end goal, career-wise?

My goal is to have Preston and James established with several Collective brick and mortar locations and to be successful enough to be able to impact the community around me in a positive way with resources, community involvement, giving back and maintaining my brand aesthetics of handmade and sustainable production.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art and brand Preston and James keep me busy. My designs are largely influenced by nature, color and fun. Each piece I design or paint is solely based on the item, as 60% of my brand is one of a kind. Its important for me to create individual styles in my collections as there is a want to be different and stand out in the crowd. Our world is filled with so much uniform, so it’s exciting for me to know each person that supports me will be the only one that has them.

Right now, I’m into a little bit of everything. I’ve been up-cycling denim and knitwear with my paintings of bananas, fried eggs, popcorn, ramen noodles, moons, astrology, nature, figurative sketches and fun verbiage.

I’m really excited about my new collections. Preston and James look has always been California inspired effortless style. I started with that vibe along with vintage when I first launched over 5 years ago and then steered away while trying to find my brand identity. I have since then come back to reality and what is important to me and the brand. The new collections will feature my love of color and different along with fun new silhouettes highlighting more details and pattern lines.

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.

Being new to Denver, I’m still learning this amazing city for myself but I do have some fave spots that I think your readers would enjoy.

Red Rocks amphitheater for hiking has been my go to for visitors. Its absolutely beautiful and the perfect day of beauty, peaceful trails and a great way to spend the day burning some calories. The Botanical Gardens are breathtaking and a must for any itinerary list.

No weekend is complete without local shopping on Colfax Ave around the Blue Bird district, Broadway or Santa Fe Ave, with lots of handmade, vintage and sustainable options you can feel great about supporting all these local businesses and you will always find some gems!

Denver has some of the best eateries I found thus far. Mercury Cafe offers delicious bites and speciality drinks. Cake Crumbs, Fox Run Cafe and Padoca Brazilian Bakery are all amazing spots for breakfast, desserts. Angelo’s Taverna has the best Italian dishes and oysters specials. Cute hang out spots are BarMax and St Paul Tavern, both are quint bars but offer a (Cheers) neighborhood vibe with free nightly activities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Oh, there’s so many to list! I have so many friends, family members and organizations who have helped encourage and support me through my most recent transition with the brand and personal life.

I would love to acknowledge a few that have been at the forefront with encouragement; Ronald Davis, Tyra Davis, Tamara Block, Jacob LaTray, Alec Spear, Christie Swanson, Devvon Simpson, Marie and Drew and Goombas Pizzeria on Colfax Ave in Denver.

Thank you all for believing in me, Preston and James and allowing me to grow with your physical and mental support. I’m lucky to have you all in my life so very thankful for your efforts to keep me pushing.

Website: www.prestonandjames.com

Instagram: @prestonandjames.com, @prestonandjamescollective

Facebook: facebook.com/prestonandjames

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